Using a pedometer for walking will help you keep track of the number of steps you take each time. A pedometer is a small device that counts the number of steps a person takes. It is able to do this as it detects motion. A pedometer for walking would be beneficial only if worn when you go out for your routine walking exercise as it would measure the number of steps only as long as you wear it.
A pedometer is a good fitness investment. There are several kinds of pedometers available in the market but they can be broadly categorized into inexpensive and expensive ones. An inexpensive pedometer for walking is one that will only measure the number of steps walked.
An expensive one will measure steps walked along with heart rate, distance covered, calories burned and so on. When using a pedometer for walking you should attach it to your waistline, just halfway between your bellybutton and your side. Remember to record your steps daily as well.
Pedometers for running are also widely available in the market. These help you to keep track of your running. They may be more expensive than the ones used for walking as they are technically more advanced. Running pedometers show how many calories you have burned, the distance you have traveled in miles or kilometers and your current, average and maximum speed as well. A running pedometer should be calibrated using a running stride instead of a walking stride. This is important because a runner's stride is longer or shorter than a walking stride. Ensure that you run a certain number of steps each day if you wish to use your running pedometer effectively.
You can also program the pedometer for jogging as well. Simply program your pedometer to account for the stride length so you can count the number of strides you take while jogging. The pedometer will help you to see if you are on track or not and how much more you need to jog to catch up.
A pedometer helps in tracking weight loss. The recommended number of steps for weight loss is 10,000 a day (counting all the steps in a day). For continued and sustained weight loss walking 4000-6000 steps each day is advised. Add steps to your daily routine so that you can reach the number of steps daily. The use of pedometers for weight loss become important as you can see how many steps you are walking per day.
It is advisable to wear a heart rate monitor while walking as it will tell you exactly what your heart rate is while exercising. It is beneficial for both, people who have heart problems and for those who do not.