pedometer

If you're walking to lose weight, a recent study says you need to walk at a quick pace of at least 100 steps per minute in order for it to be considered moderate intensity. A pedometer is a great tool to use when you're strolling along, since it tells you how many steps you've taken. You can also check it to make sure you're taking enough steps within a certain number of time in order to get your heart rate up. So in a 30-minute workout, you should take at least 3,000 steps. If this rate is too fast at first, start off doing 1,000 steps in 10 minutes before you build up to 30 minutes.


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My friends at Polar sent me a couple of heart rate monitors to test, and the FT40 and FT60 models did not disappoint. In fact, I've become pretty attached to the FT60. It was kind to include another fitness gadget, the FA20 activity computer ($120) that doesn't monitor your heart rate, but does some other cool stuff that motivates me to move.

The idea behind this gadget is to show how everyday activities, like walking your dog or choosing the stairs, can improve your overall health. The FA20 records your daily activity and gives you feedback about what kind of day you're having, letting you know if you've been lazy, active, or somewhere in between. It reminds me of a super-fancy pedometer, since it measures your calories burned, too. While the computer will do its job and monitor your total active time during the day without pushing extra buttons, you can set up targets during training (like how many calories you want to burn) and during training you can see the distance you've covered, steps taken, and calories burned.

I loved how the device kept track of my every move and it motivated me to fit in more steps when possible, like walking up six flights of stairs instead of taking the elevator. My only source of frustration with the FA20 is that it only records steps. This makes it ideal for walking or running, but I didn't appreciate being told I was having a lazy day when I took a strenuous strength training class and the gadget told me I hadn't burned any calories.

I would recommend this product to anyone looking for everyday motivation to improve their health and fitness. When you've made the choice to walk instead of drive, it's encouraging to look at the little screen on your wrist and see that you're benefiting your health. You can buy the FA20 here.

New research has found that people who use a pedometer to measure how far they walk lose more weight, exercise more and have lower blood pressure than those who do not. Whether or not those who use the devices are more motivated in the first place, just benefit from the assistance, or both is still undetermined. What's more? Those who wear a pedometer took an average of 2,000 more steps a day.

This is great news since pedometers are an inexpensive way to get motivated and start walking. I personally like the VIA from Highgear ($20). It's simple and works well, and easy on the wallet — three positives in my book. Buy it here.

What about you? Do you use a pedometer? Let me know in the comments section below.

I'll be the first to admit that I am not a fan of fanny packs. However sometimes when exercising, I find them acceptable. Still not fashionable, but acceptable. Wearing one while dancing around at Disneyland, totally unacceptable.

As far as fanny packs go, this Sportline Trail Tracker Sport Pack ($20) is as functional and sporty as they come. Not only does it have an over-sized media pocket with integrated music port and internal iPod holder, but it also has a built in pedometer. What's more? It's reflective so everyone will know you're wearing a fanny pack cars will see you during your evening and early morning runs.

Love the idea of using a pedometer but hate the look of having a gadget hooked to your belt throughout the day?

You're not alone. Luckily Sportline, the makers of the fabulous HydraCoach have done it again. However this time it's in the form of a super sleek pedometer, the ThinQ Pocket Pedometer. At a mere 3mm thin, these credit card inspired wafers will slide into your pocket and stealthy track your steps, distance and calories burned. All without anyone knowing you're doing it. How cool is that? Buy it from SportsUnlimitedInc.com for $24.99.

Whether you're training for your first 5k or simply looking to count your steps a day, the Tech 4 O Accelerator Series Watch ($49.00) may be a good fit for you.

This cute (and functional) watch calculates speed, distance, and caloric expenditure along with steps traveled. How does it work? Well the user’s movement produces varying degrees of electric current within the sensor, allowing the watch to detect different levels of acceleration, and therefore measure speed and distance of the user (95 percent accurate). My only issue with it, as this is usually my complaint with all fitness watches, is that it does not read heart rate transmitters.

One day they'll make an affordable watch that does everything, until then we'll all just have to stick to having a few fitness gadgets. Buy it from Amazon.com.

I don't know about you but I can get a bit carried away with my fitness gadgets, I definitely like to think that I give geeksugar a run for her money. The problem is that a lot of times I just don't want to walk around with a heart rate monitor, pedometer, music player and more dangling from my body.

This is why I was thrilled to learn about the Oregon Scientific MP3 Player/Pedometer($155.95). This little device combines a waterproof (yup- waterproof!) and shockproof design with 512MB of memory, integrated FM radio, built-in rechargeable battery and a built-in pedometer. How cool is that? Long gone are the days of juggling all your crap at the gym (or pool). When you buy the player you'll also get waterproof stereo earphones, USB cable, belt clip, carrying pouch and an armband. The only thing that would make this gadget cooler would be to integrate a heart rate monitor into it too, but I would integrate a heart rate monitor into anything if I could.

Buy it from the SwimOutlet.com.