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THE BASICS
Pedometers use a Magnetic Pendulum to track how many steps you take as you walk or run (whether you are exercising or just walking in the office). The pendulum is designed so that it swings past a magnetic field with each step you take, recording the step electronically. Some high-end models even use digital chips or GPS satellite technology to detect motion! Most pedometers work only when attached to your belt or waistband.

WHAT THEY DO
All pedometers (with the exception of GPS enabled devices) need to register each step you take. The pedometer then takes this step data and translates it into various pieces of information (depending on its features and functions) that will be useful to you. The most basic models only count steps. These models are preferred by people who want simplicity and ease-of-use. Other models will take basic step data and use their built-in computers to calculate other important information such as distance, calorie burn, average speed and more.

Forward Display

Flip Open Display

Top Display

STYLES OF PEDOMETERS
There are 3 basic designs of pedometers:

• Forward Display Design: A basic design found in many entry level pedometers.
User must remove pedometer from the waist to view the display.

• Flip Open Display Design: A cover protects the screen and shields the buttons from being pushed accidentally. User must flip open the cover to view the display.

• Top Display Design: A slim, compact design that is ideal for easy viewing of the display screen. User needs only to look down to view the display.

TYPES OF PEDOMETERS
There are five general types of pedometers. They range in price from $15 to $150 and cover a wide variety of features and functions:

• Step Pedometers: These pedometers count every step you take. They require no programming.

• Distance Pedometers: These pedometers count both steps and distance. They require you to enter your stride length.

• Calorie Burn Pedometers: These pedometers count steps, distance and calorie burn. They require you to enter your stride, age, gender and weight.

• GPS Pedometers: Worn on the wrist, these pedometers use satellite technology to calculate distance, speed, calorie burn and altitude. They require some basic programming.

• Specialty Pedometers: These pedometers have unique features that are tailored for specific individual needs. Unique features found in some pedometers include radios, panic alarms, pulse meters, memory functions, flashing safety lights and more.