Directions for a Pedometer

Wearing a pedometer at your waist can be an effective way to increase your awareness of walking activity, which may lead to a healthier lifestyle and weight loss. Whether you wear your pedometer all day long to keep track of how many steps you take over the course of the entire day or you only wear a pedometer to record walks, set up the pedometer properly before you begin to use it. If you do not set up the pedometer to measure your specific strides, the pedometer will not accurately record your steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Chalk
  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Calculator (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure a 20-foot-distance on a flat area outside to enable you to walk the distance at a natural gait. Make a chalk mark at the beginning and ending points.

    • 2

      Start walking approximately 20 feet before the beginning chalk mark and walk at a natural pace, taking your natural steps. When you reach the starting chalk mark, begin counting your steps. Continue counting steps until you pass the ending chalk mark. Write down the number of steps on a piece of paper.

    • 3

      Divide 20 by the number of steps you took between the beginning and ending points to find your stride length in feet. Multiply your answer by 12 to find your stride in inches.

    • 4

      Enter your stride length into the pedometer. The pedometer should have modes that enable you to enter your specific information. Press the mode button to open the distance setting and then press a "set" button to enter the stride length in inches.

    • 5

      Place the pedometer on your waistband or belt slightly to the left or right of the center of your waist. Make sure the pedometer is level and always wear it in the same place.

    • 6

      Check the pedometer to see if it records your steps accurately. Reset the pedometer to zero and then walk a specific number of steps. Stop walking and then check the pedometer. The pedometer number should be within four steps of the number of steps you took.