Pedometers

[IlliniMouse]

I bought an inexpensive pedometer over the weekend so I can be all prepared for the Biggest Loser challenges. (I looked for the Wheaties box ones, but they must not be out in my area or are gone.) The one I bought is totally inaccurate. I can walk 10 steps and it says I've walked 26. I put it on before I went on my treadmill and walked 2.75 miles and it said I walked 1.5. (I followed the instructions to a "t" on how to measure your steps so you could track distances on the pedometer. (The one I have is a Sportsline bought from Wal-mart for around $5)

Basically the ramble above comes down to asking....what brand/pedometer do you use? I'd like one that is more accurate if I'll be needing to track accurately for the BL challenges. (ANd even afterwards. )

TIA

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

You might try moving the pedometer along your waistband to better catch the hip action with the steps taken.

I have not found a pedometer that is very accurate for me except for Nike+ and even that is off. I guess though the goal is not exactly to be spot on, but rather to get moving.

I found some pedometer reviews here at about.com

The Nike+ SportBand or the one that connects to my Ipod is a good one for me. Since most pedometers are not exact, for me I've found Nike+ one closest. I like the one to my Ipod and it has lasted me a long time and is cheaper ($29 opposed to $59 for the Nike+ SportBand).

My Mom has tried several other brands of pedometers and has not found success with anything she's tried and ultimately has spent more than I have for the one that I use. (Nike+) I've also got lacelids http://lacelid.com/ so that I did not have to buy the special Nike shoes that do not fit me as well as other shoes.

Problem with Nike+ is that you can't necesarily conceal it on your hip as you can the other pedometers and that won't work for everyone who would benefit from wearing it most of the day.

Keep trying, you may find something to work with your steps.

 

[Raenstoirm]

I have been through a few over the years. The last one I had I really liked and it was really accurate, but I cant remember the brand! I know I bought it at target for around $15 in spring 2007. My current is a Timex (Dicks for $20) but it tends to be a little high on steps. If I am aiming for 10,000, I make sure to get 12,000 on the pedometer to make sure I have actually walked at least 10,000.

As of the challenges, the one you have should be fine. You are now getting a "feel" for it, so you know when you get to 10,000 just like I do on my Timex. As for the tasks, that is not a big deal.

I second the Nike+ though. I use it when I run (and take of the pedometer) and it seems to be pretty good. I put it in a lace pouch that is designed for a cell phone on the run. ( i don't have Nike running shoes.)

Oh and keep in mind with pedometers, the placement of them is very important. if you have a bit of a gut and the pedometer is not straight up and down, then it wont read right.

 

[IlliniMouse]

Thanks for the replies! Although I don't know if I should thank you for sharing the info on the Nike+ stuff, cause now I want it.

I repositioned where I'm placing the pedometer and found if I put it on my back instead of the front, the numbers are more accurate. It's only off a few steps one way or the other, so I'd imagine in the course of a day it should even itself out. At least by testing it out, I have an idea of its accuracy and can guestimate.

Thanks again!

 

[Denine]

DH and I both have Omron pedomters. They are quite accurate for us. The only time it doesn't count right is if you are taking irregular steps like when I vacuum or cut around aobstacles while cutting the grass. It was only about $20 from Amazon. It also keeps a 7 day history.