Cheap Pedometers

Welcome to the place for cheap pedometers and step counter information!

Why Buy a Pedometer?

A medical study conducted in Jan 2010 produced some very startling results – sitting for four hours or longer causes your body to start sending shutdown signals, the same signals sent when people die!

Walking from just 5000 – 10,000 steps a day helps to counter our computer and TV lifestyles and can actually help you to live longer.  A cheap pedometer helps you to track your progress, reminds you of your objective, and helps insure that you meet your daily goals.

Pedometers use a sensor to “click” when you take a step and increment a counter.  They are small and light enough to wear all day long, rather than just when you exercise.

Although they are simple to wear and use, pedometers tend to greatly encourage people to exercise and walk more often.

The simplest of pedometers are digital, have one or two buttons, and attach to your belt.  However, you can get as elaborate as you want – all the way to virtual computers that calculate calories burned and have USB interfaces to upload data to your the internet.

People that buy pedometers are proven to exercise more (and live longer) as proven by a study performed in 2005 by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ®.

Finding Free Pedometers

Luckily, you do not have to spend a fortune; many companies are actually giving away promotional pedometers with their logos on them for promotion, or you can find free-shipping bargains for step counters online at both Amazon and Ebay.

Types of Pedometers

These handy little devices come in all shapes and sizes, most operate by being attached to your belt or placed into a pocket.

• Simple step counting pedometers – these devices on count steps and/or maybe distance – accuracy is hit or miss but they help you to stay active.

• Walking Odometers and Speedometers – these more expensive and complex devices actually use GPS and are the right fit for runners or people serious about fitness and weight loss.

• Fitness and Sports  Watches – these watches typically keep track of your heart rate, distance walked, and past records.  Some are coupled with a band that you wear around your torso for monitoring heart rate.

• Talking Pedometers – these basic digital pedometers will read aloud your current progress.

No matter what style device you choose, the most important thing to remember is to configure it for your specific stride distance.  Out of the box they will be highly inaccurate until you customize them for you and configure this setting!

Counting Your Steps

Owning a pedometers means little if you don’t know how to interpret the data it gives.  Here are some basic guidelines for judging your amount of daily activity (they will vary slightly depending on the length of your step):

• 1 mile = 1900 – 2400 steps
• 1 block = about 200 steps
• 15 minutes of jogging = around 3000 steps
• 15 minutes of hiking = around 2700 steps
• Sedentary lifestyle = less than 5000 steps

People who walk at least 10,000 steps a day are classified as “active” and are at far less risk than those who walk less.  However, walking at least 6000 steps a day (even if its just around your house, local shopping mall, or around the block) can prevent heart problems.

Walking for Better Health

The secret to better health through walking is simply consistency.  There is no need to buy exercise videos, gym memberships, or expensive equipment.  Set goals for yourself, share them with others, then just do it!

Walking for 15 minutes a day for 5 days a week is the best way to start and will make a big difference.  Once again, your primary objective should be consistency.  If the weather isn’t suitable for walking outside, head to your local shopping mall and do laps indoors – its free!

Read more about Step Counters on about.com.