Proper Pedometer Placement

Walking is an excellent form of exercise. An observational study cited in the August 2009 issue of "Harvard Men's Health Watch" found that walking cuts the risk of cardiovascular events by 31 percent. Other benefits of walking include lowered blood pressure, weight loss and decreased risk of heart disease. While you can walk with as little as a good pair of sneakers, adding a pedometer to your daily walking routine will help you keep track of your progress and meet your exercise goals. It is important to make sure your pedometer is worn correctly to take full advantage of it.

  1. Instructions

    • Always read the instructions of your pedometer prior to using it for the first time. Not all pedometers require the same type of placement and some are more versatile than others. For instance, some pedometers work while placed in a pocket, which could be more comfortable than wearing them on your clothing. Review your instructions to determine how your pedometer functions. The instructions will also help you to set up your pedometer, which you'll need to do before using it.

    Positioning

    • Most basic pedometers are intended to be worn at your waist. Place the pedometer on the front of your waist, centered with your dominant leg. The pedometer will include a clip, so attach it to your belt or waistband. Keep the pedometer upright and level. It should remain flush against your waist and shouldn't be allowed to lean forward or to either side. Strap the pedometer's leash, if it has one, around your belt or belt loop so that the pedometer stays in the proper position and provides an accurate reading. For those who have a larger stomach that hangs over the waistline, the pedometer can be placed on the side of the waistline in line with the shoulder.

      Pedometers that use accelerometers allow for extra versatility in placement. These types of pedometers can be placed in a front pants pocket or worn around the neck. Keep the pedometer upright. Some pedometers use sensors on multiple axes to make placement even more versatile. For example, a pedometer with a tri-axis sensor can be placed vertically, horizontally or flat and still register your motion. Refer to your instructions to verify how your pedometer was designed to be placed.

      GPS fitness monitors, which provide similar fitness tracking as pedometers, require a clear view of the sky. These are not designed to be worn inside and should be worn in the open where they can maintain a clear line with the sky.

    Testing

    • Before using your pedometer to measure your actual exercise steps, test for accuracy. Walk 50 steps while manually keeping count. Check to make sure that the pedometer reads 50 steps or is at least within about 5 percent accuracy (+/- 2 to 3 steps). If it is not accurate, it is often due to improper placement. Try repositioning it and testing again. Move it closer or farther from the hip to find the most accurate location. If it is still not accurate, try recalibrating your stride length or refer to your pedometer's instructions.