How Do I Choose the Most Accurate Pedometer?

Getting an accurate pedometer is important to ensure that your steps are calculated correctly, whether you are wearing it all day long or simply while exercising. As a general rule, with pedometers you get what you pay for. Inexpensive ones may give an adequate estimate of the steps you've taken, but pricier pedometers of a higher quality are generally much more accurate. The mechanism the pedometer uses to count steps can help you determine accuracy. For instance, a pedometer that uses an accelerometer or a GPS tracker will likely be more accurate than one that uses a spring lever for counting steps, at least in certain cases.

It is possible to get a very accurate pedometer that counts steps using a coiled spring lever. These tend to work well when they can be worn properly placed in a vertical position on the hip, which means that overweight people who need to wear the pedometer at an angle may find that these are not as accurate. In addition, it is necessary to take pronounced steps, not to shuffle along, when wearing this type of pedometer. Conversely, a pedometer that uses an accelerometer to track steps picks up on much smaller vibration, so in some cases it can be a bit more accurate, especially for those who walk more slowly.

In general, the best way to get an accurate pedometer is to purchase one that includes GPS functionality, as it can accurately calculate distance traveled. These are the most expensive, however, and in some cases they may have trouble tracking steps if they are being worn in a city environment. The tall buildings in a city can sometimes block the GPS satellites, which will affect the accuracy as well. A few models high-end models use both GPS and an accelerometer, which takes over in these situations.

Another useful way to choose the most accurate pedometer is to read reviews posted online. Other users may detail their experience with certain brands or even particular models, and this can help to give you clues as to which brands or styles tend to be the most accurate. This may point you in the right direction as to which pedometer you might want to try. Some people will initially purchase and wear two pedometers when they are first starting out to see which one is the most accurate, as a type of trial and error.