STEPTREK Pedometers

MULTIFUNCTION PEDOMETERS
PROS: More features for making additional measurements. Multifunctional pedometers measure distance traveled and calories burned. Adjustable stride and weight models let each user program the pedometer to their specific measurements. Additional features may include jogging auto adjustment; a sensitivity adjustment; a pulse counter; a clock, stopwatch or other counter. Other pedometers may have alarms built in, and one model talks and keeps users informed of progress.
CONS: Not recommended for beginners or casual walking programs. Programming a multifunction pedometer may be an issue for some users, or may require additional instruction for proper use. Generally more expensive than single function models.

SCHOOL PEDOMETERS
PROS: In general, the single function school pedometers have been chosen for users with little or no previous pedometer experience. Most beginner's pedometers are single function models so users can focus on walking and not the technology. A few multifunction pedometers are included, primarily ones which are easier to program.
CONS: Children in general are tougher on pedometers than any other group of walkers. STEPTREK offers a variety of designs for children; however, not all are appropriate for all situations. We receive regular reports of children resetting pedometers by bumping buttons while leaning against tables, chairs, walls or other objects, usually in school situations. Sitting down and leaning over, such as to tie a shoe or pick up a pencil, can cause the pedometer to be pressed against the thigh and may reset the counter. Although we do offer some frontward facing models, those with exposed buttons are NOT recommended where children are likely to be engaged in activities other than walking. See FUNCTION BUTTONS, below. Additionally, children, as a walking group, tend to accidentally drop or lose pedometers more often than other walking groups. Children also are more likely to drop pedometers while in the bathroom. We recommend a safety leash on all pedometers used for kid's walking programs.

ADJUSTABLE STRIDE AND WEIGHT PEDOMETERS
PROS: Best pedometers for programs requiring precise measurements and cumulative data. Best for advanced walking programs. Adjustable stride and weight lets each user enter their personal weight and length of gait for accurate measurements.
CONS: Programming may be an issue for some users, or may require additional instruction for proper use. Battery removal or replacement will clear custom programmed measurements on most models. Generally more expensive than single function models.

UPWARD FACING PEDOMETERS
PROS: Upward facing display means most people can read the display by glancing down at the numbers, without handling and twisting the pedometer. This put less stress on the clip, for longer clip life.
CONS: Fairly low priced, but usually more expensive than front-facing pedometers.

CLAMSHELL PEDOMETERS
PROS: Clamshell design protects from accidentally pressing buttons on the pedometer. This may be better for some users, such as children, who tend to accidentally bump buttons or lean against objects more often. Clamshell pedometers may also have advantages for groups planning to wear pedometers for extended periods of time, such as for 10k programs. Pedometers tilt when sitting, and this can cause the pedometer to become wedged in the lap, which can cause accidental button pressing. The clamshell cover helps to prevent this from occurring. Cover also protects from getting dirt or moisture on buttons or display.
CONS: Pedometer needs to be opened to read digital display for clear cover model. Clamshell design may be harder to open for users with less flexibility or dextrous movement capability. STEPTREK pedometers are chosen for their ease of use to open, but with a firm closure to avoid accidental opening.

ECONOMICAL PEDOMETERS
PROS: Best value for the dollar in pedometers. Best for promotional purposes and incentives to encourage walking. Most models have a large area for custom logo imprint. Low cost pedometers are usually easier to use because of the simple design. Typically the lowest cost pedometers are frontward facing designs.
CONS: Not for every walking program. Some lower cost models may be designed with less expensive or less durable internal components or external parts in comparison to more expensive pedometers. Frontward facing pedometers may have buttons which are exposed and can be unintentionally pressed. See FUNCTION BUTTONS below.

SENIOR PEDOMETERS
PROS: Models were chosen for this category which have large, easy to read displays, and adjustable features for individual walking styles. These models are also recommended for those with limited dexterity levels. We also have a model that talks, and another that can be worn around the neck.
CONS: Some of the multifunction models require programming. Some are more intuitive than others. When initally programming, visual prompts on some of the models are small in size and may be more difficult to read.

PULSE METERS
PROS: Pulse meters let you check your pulse rate while you're walking, for more accurate, real time results.
CONS: Pulse meters are relatively new and add considerably to the cost of the pedometer.

PEDOMETER SAFETY LEASHES
PROS: Recommended for any program where accidental loss of pedometer is a concern, especially all day programs where users will be standing and sitting, as well as children's walking programs. Recommended for any program where pedometers are borrowed and returned for re-use. Helps prevent possible damage to a pedometer if it accidentally falls off, which adds to overall pedometer life. Prevents pedometer from bathroom "accidents".
CONS: Leashes add to the cost of the pedometer but may be economical in the long run by increasing the life of the pedometer.

OTHER PEDOMETER FEATURES
MOLDED CLIP
PROS: Solid one piece plastic clip is molded to the body. Slips over most typical clothing. No spring mechanism. No potential for pinching. (Care should always be taken when putting on or removing any pedometer to avoid stretching or putting stress on any type of pedometer clip.)
CONS: Thicker clothing or belts can stretch the clip over time, which may cause the pedometer to tilt and read incorrectly. Excessive stretching of the clip may shorten the life of the clip and use of the pedometer. Older model pedometers may have clips that are screwed in or glued in.

SQUEEZE SPRING CLIP
PROS: Spring clips spread wider to fit over thicker clothing and retain their strength for a long period of time (Care should always be taken when putting on or removing any pedometer to avoid stretching or putting stress on any type of pedometer clip.)
CONS: Some users do not want items that have potential pinch points, such as children's walking groups. Spring clips can also break with excessive pressure on the pedometer or clip. Back of some squeeze clip styles may be more noticeable against the body versus molded clip style.

BATTERY POWER AND AUTO SHUTOFF
All model pedometers use very little power, whether the digital readout is displayed continuously or turns after a period of time. Pedometers that shut off have advantages and disadvantages also.
PROS: Display shuts off after period of inactivity (usually 2-3 minutes, depending on model). This reduce battery consumption to zero or almost zero, extending battery life. Any movement of the hip will re-activate the display with the current accumulated numbers still in memory.
CONS: Some users who are not acquainted with the function of their pedometer may believe it has shut off, and press the RESET or other button out of habit. Proper instruction regarding the auto shutoff function can usually take care of the issue.

A NOTE ABOUT BATTERY REPLACEMENT: All pedometers have replaceable batteries. The identical battery can usually be found at many stores. Some batteries can be accessed from a small door in the back of the pedometer. On other models the entire cover is removed. Some models require a small screwdriver (such as an eyeglass screwdriver) to open the pedometer or access the battery compartment. Because batteries are small parts, and pedometers also contain small parts when opened, we do not recommend pedometers be used by children under 5, and then only with adult supervision.

FUNCTION BUTTONS
Most pedometer function buttons, such as RESET, are located on the front face of a pedometer. This works fine for most users. Open face pedometers, with the buttons exposed to the front, worn in while engaged in non-walking activity (ie: sitting, bending over) may cause the buttons on some models to accidentally be pressed. This could cause total numbers to be reset unintentionally. Some pedometers have covers to protect the buttons (see CLAMSHELL PEDOMETERS above). These may be preferable in school or office situations where the pedometer is worn for extended periods of time.

PENDULUMS
Almost all pedometers count by using a pendulum, which swings back and forth on a pivot, similar to a pendulum on a clock. When a pedometer is properly placed at the waist in a vertical position (most models), the pendulum will detect pelvic movement while walking. Pedometers are designed primarily to count steps. So it may seem obvious, but it's important to remind walkers that accuracy increases on any model pedometer while walking at a comfortable, steady pace for a period of time without multiple starts, stops, abrupt turns, or other changes in stride. The numbers on a pedometer display may not always match the number of steps actually taken depending on how frequently these kinds of movements are made, but overall, the pedometer will still be very close to the actual number of steps you’ve taken. The clearer your movements are, the easier it is for your pedometer to determine each step you take. Some pedometers have more features and adjustments for a wider range of use. Instruction of proper use (and limitations) of any pedometer is the best way to increase accuracy and satisfaction with a majority of users.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PEDOMETER AND A STEP COUNTER?
The two terms are often used interchangeably. As the name implies, a "step counter" has a single function, to counts steps. The term "pedometer" includes devices which count steps, and may also include other methods of measurement, ie: calories burned while walking, distance traveled, and/or other functions.