Pedometers and Heart Rate

A pedometer is a small device that you clip to your hip to count each step you take. These monitors won't directly affect your heart rate because they're simply providing information about your activity level. However, regularly wearing a pedometer may encourage you to become more active by providing objective feedback.

  1. Why Heart Rate Matters

    • Your heart rate is one way to gauge the intensity of your exercise routine. Although walking isn't a particularly intense cardiovascular exercise, a long walk will elevate your heart rate slightly. Over time, exercise that boosts your heart rate can help strengthen the muscles of your heart, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise may also lower your resting heart rate.

    How Pedometers Affect Heart Rate

    • Wearing a pedometer won't directly affect your heart rate, but it could inspire you to become more physically active, resulting in more cardiovascular exercise throughout the day. Shape Up America recommends taking 10,000 steps each day for maximum physical fitness benefits. If you wear a pedometer throughout your day, you might be encouraged to park farther away from your destination, walk your dog more frequently, or take walking breaks during your work day. This can help you get your heart rate higher several times throughout the day.

    Combination Monitors

    • Some manufacturers market combination monitors that count both your steps and your heart rate. These monitors have to be placed at a pulse point such as on your wrist or alongside your groin. Because pedometers typically function by measuring hip motions, the placement of heart rate monitor pedometer combinations can yield a slightly less accurate step count, but can help you keep track of both your heart health and activity levels throughout the day.

    Monitor Accuracy

    • No pedometer can be completely accurate. Unusual movements, damage to the device itself and similar issues can affect accuracy. To test the effectiveness of your pedometer, try counting the number of steps it takes to walk a distance you regularly walk, such as to the end of your driveway. Then put on the pedometer and see how closely it matches your step count.