What Are the Benefits of a Pedometer?

History

• Pedometers were actually invented more than two centuries ago. And while it not known who invented the pedometer, it is often credited to Thomas Jefferson, American founding father and author of the Declaration of Independence.

  Jefferson apparently brought a similar device to the United States following his time in France from 1785-89 and either made some improvements to the design or just introduced the existing design to a new audience.

Function

• The technology behind a pedometer has changed over the years, but the principles behind the device remain basically the same. A sensor counts how many steps are taken by measuring how much the body shakes. When the user's foot hits the ground, the ensuing vibration travels through the body and will be measured by the pedometer as a step.

Benefits

• Instead of taking pains to measure how far you have traveled during a walk, using a pedometer makes it easier to keep track by counting the number of steps taken based on your body movements. Using the data on the pedometer to set an escalating series of goals (i.e. 10,000 steps one day, 10,100 the following day, etc.) is an uncomplicated way to devise a gradually challenging aerobic workout.

  The benefits of such a workout are innumerable as it will help improve circulation, reduce stress and build physical and mental stamina. The data measured by the pedometer provide simple means by which to set exercise goals, which also lead to increased self-motivation.

  The pedometer can also be used as a tool to measure one's current activity level as many people may believe they are more active than they actually are on a daily basis. In this regard, it is a useful tool to help someone take stock of shortcomings her daily activity level.

Criticism

• Pedometers are still only a basic tool for measuring activity level as they do not take into account the intensity of a walk. This can, however, be made up for by simply trying to reach a certain number of steps in a set amount of time. For example, challenging yourself to take 2,000 steps in 15 minutes will ensure that you walk briskly enough to maintain a proper activity level.

Considerations

• Depending on what pedometer you have, the counter can vary. Walking on uneven ground or keeping the pedometer at an angle made have an effect on the measurements. However, advances in technology are such that newer models should remain better than 95 percent accurate.