What is a pedometer for? Customer reviews talk about two uses:
1) For sports.
2) For weight loss.
However, the results are different for everyone: some lose weight with this device by eight kilograms per month, while others lose weight with 10,000 steps every day. We'll talk about pedometers and how to use them in the article.
What are pedometers and how do they work?
This is a device for measuring steps or a pair of steps. It is also called a "pedometer." There are mechanical, electromechanical and electronic devices. Nowadays, the function of the pedometer is built into watches, mobile phones, players.
The device is mounted on a belt, on a hand or on the sole of a shoe, and when the foot touches the ground, the steps are counted from the “shake”. In electronic devices, there is a sensor-accelerometer, and in mechanical counting, it is carried out at the expense of a weight, which by inertia pushes the spring and turns the counter one division.
In modern models, the sensors are complex microprocessors that exclude false shaking from the count. For example, you decide to tie your shoelaces, jump on the spot or go in transport, and at this time the mileage is increasing in pedometers.
Mileage may also run due to improper fastening. It should be remembered that only a pedometer should be located vertically on the belt. Reviews of experts indicate that any inclination of a simple model can lead to an increase in mileage. General cleaning or running around offices can also lead to incorrect results.
Pedometer Functions
Simple models contain only one task - counting steps. Such devices are suitable for adolescents and people who are constantly distracted by foreign objects. A conventional counter will only focus on steps.
The more modern the model, the more functions the pedometer has. It can count calories burned and measure your heart rate based on your parameters. These pedometers are suitable for people who want to lose weight, and athletes.
There are devices that have a timer, radio, jeepies (gps) and a weekly memory. Such pedometers allow you to use your computer to monitor your results and improve your work on yourself. Do not forget that there are watches, bracelets and cell phones with a pedometer function. Which model to buy? You decide which pedometer is needed for what purpose. The price of such devices can vary from 120 rubles to six thousand. The main thing is that the device should be accurate, high-quality and not distract you from work!
How to lose weight with a pedometer?
No matter how clever your pedometer is, it will not lose weight for you! This device can become your motivating factor in the fight against yourself. This device only counts your data: steps, pulse, calories burned, and you do the main work!
Another point: doctors recommend ten thousand steps a day, as a result of which 400 calories are burned. But at the same time, no manufacturer knows the value of the “right” step, namely, the device calculates the mileage from their number and length.
So make your measurement. Fasten the pedometer on your arm or belt. Instructions for each device to configure it are attached. For a few days, just walk around to find out the intensity of your movement. After all the data, calculate the arithmetic average number of steps per day. This parameter will be the lower limit of your intensity. Next, you need to increase the load by several hundred steps every day. Only in this case you can lose weight.
Which is better: a simple pedometer or a device with a measurement function?
Many do not understand why to buy a pedometer, when you can download and install the program on your phone. Firstly, it is not possible to install such an application on any mobile phone (a mobile consultant will tell you about this before buying). Secondly, constant calls can distract you from sports, and additional functions, such as, for example, music, backlighting and so on, only drain the battery.
Many people want a pedometer phone. The reviews are similar in that in our time we use the phone more often, and we will not forget it, and we may lose the pedometer. If you want a phone with a pedometer, then pay attention to the following models:
- sports phone "Nokia-5500" can produce a triple calculation of distance, steps and time;
- Sony Ericsson models W-580 and W-710 count the steps with the lid closed and reset the data to zero at midnight;
- iPhones come with built-in accelerometers;
- Android smartphones are also available with a built-in pedometer.
A problem may occur when installing the program to start the pedometer function. This is due to different calculations, and therefore there may be inaccuracies in the readings. That is why in some mobile phone stores, at the request of the buyer, they can install a special program with a pedometer function.
What is the Omron pedometer good for?
Customer reviews about this model are different. In most cases, customers are satisfied with convenient and reliable pedometers of this brand. Their distinctive qualities:
- fashionable design;
- counting steps while running, walking, rollerblading;
- counts calories burned;
- counting the time spent on walking;
- 7 days boot memory
- error of 5% or 100 meters.
These models can be carried on a belt, in a pocket or in a bag. When buying a device, you need to consult with a specialist, revealing your true goals. The fact is that pedometers for running do not count steps while walking. Conversely, simple devices will not calculate the distance while jogging.
Due to an illiterate device selection, negative reviews about the inoperability of the pedometer appear. Some customers buy an advanced device out of curiosity - to measure the distance from home to work or the nearest park, complaining about a "bunch" of parameters and fast battery consumption. For simple counting, purchase a regular pedometer without upgrades (radio, backlight, voice over data, calorie counting, etc.).
How is the pedometer AND UW-101 different from the previous model?
Customer reviews recommend another brand of pedometer. Compared to Omron, it is distinguished by:
- more affordable price in comparison with modern models;
- combination of counting steps when running and walking;
- error of 3%;
- data memory for 14 days;
- automatic zeroing of information;
- clock.
The pedometer of this brand can also be carried in a pocket, bag or belt. The warranty for this device is 4 years less (for the Omron pedometer - 5 years). In this series, compared with the previous brand, a limited selection. But if you need a pedometer to count steps when walking and running without additional attributes, then this model is suitable.
If you want to know the progress of your actions in losing weight or sports, then you need a pedometer. Customer reviews will not help you when choosing your model; it is better to consult with store experts taking into account your requirements and degree of activity.