Have you ever gone out for a run and wondered how many calories you burned or how far you went? I’m a data dude. So I like to know all the stats of my workout, which is why I use a pedometer.
Yes, I said a pedometer. This tiny fitness tool has been around for decades, but it is far from outdated. And it’s not just for your speed-walking grandma. There are many uses and places for pedometers. If you’re still not convinced, read on for the when and why.
1. Track progress — First and foremost, a pedometer counts every step you take, measures distance traveled and the calories you burned. Take note of these stats and watch your fitness goals become reality
2. Challenge yourself — Numbers don’t lie. And if your numbers aren’t where you want them, wearing a pedometer will help you see how much further or faster you need to go to reach your goals. I like to try to beat my time and distance from the previous day — even little progress can translate to big gains.
3. Convenient and lightweight — I often forget I even have my pedometer on, because it’s so small and paper-light. It takes mere seconds to clip one onto your shorts or put in a pocket before you head out the door.
4. Affordable — Pedometers are a small investment compared to the pricey sports watches that seem to do everything except open your garage door. At 5% the cost, pedometers are the economical choice for more casual exercisers.
When is a pedometer most useful?
Counting calories in and calories out is fundamental to any nutrition plan. That’s why I use my pedometer in the gym, on my runs and throughout the day. Knowing the total calories burned helps me determine my nutritional needs for that day. Depending on your health and fitness goals, you could also use a pedometer to track the miles you walk in the neighborhood, steps you take while running errands or the distance you hike on weekend camping trips.