In its very basic form, a pedometer counts your steps and converts that number into distance. So you may be able to keep track of how long you’ve walked throughout the day, or how long you’ve walked during a particular walking session.

But just like any other great invention, the pedometer continually reinvents itself to offer more features to the potential user.

Here is an in-depth investigation of the various types of pedometers that are now on the market.

1. Not all pedometers are created equal

Pedometers basically do the same thing: they count steps. However, the method used to count varies, which also explains the variable precision.

Currently, the methods used for counting are piezoelectric accelerometers, coil spring mechanism, and coil mechanism. The most accurate is the piezoelectric type and the least accurate is the spiral mechanism.

Find out what you need to use. If you want precise ones, go for the piezoelectric types.

2. Different pedometers have different characteristics

As stated above, a simple pedometer counts steps and displays the number of steps or converts that number to distance and nothing else. You can be satisfied with this very simple feature if you really have a low budget. It is worth mentioning here that 6,000 steps are recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle; It takes 10,000 steps throughout the day or 4,000 to 6,000 uninterrupted steps in a day to achieve weight loss.

For those willing to invest in higher-end models, there is a wide range of features available. Some pedometer models offer features such as calorie estimates, timers, clocks, stopwatches, speed estimators, 7-day memory, and pulse rate readers.

3. Some advanced features of pedometer worth knowing

Manufacturers like Garmin and Timex offer pedometers that continuously track your speed and distance using GPS technology. Nike has speedometers that also continuously track speed and distance using an accelerometer.

Some pedometers are even capable of uploading your walking data to a computer and processing that data to produce graphs of your progress in your walking program.

There is a wide range of pedometers available in the market as of now. The key points to choose one are: the features, your budget and your real need. Being able to decide and make an intelligent choice based on these areas will define your experience with this new health device: the pedometer.