Pedometer Tips
Did you walk for 30 minutes and your pedometer reads only 100 steps? Pedometers can over
count or undercount steps for several reasons. The pedometer may be bad, or it may be
something you can correct with a fresh battery or better wearing position. It may even be user
error -- hitting the reset button or reading the wrong mode.
1. Pedometer is Tilted and Counts Few Steps
The common inexpensive pedometer uses a pendulum mechanism and must be worn in a specific
position to accurately count steps. If it is tilted forward or backward or side to side it won't count
all steps. If you find the pedometer isn't counting steps, try repositioning it on the waistband or
clipping it to a pocket. If you can't get an accurate reading, it is best to switch to a pocket
pedometer that uses an accelerometer mechanism. These are much more tolerant of being tilted.
Most can still be clipped to your waistband if you prefer to wear it that way.
2. Wearing it in the Wrong Position
Clip-on pedometers are meant to be worn on the waistband. The instructions will usually show
one position, but it may not be right for an individual's body shape and stride. Walkers need to
experiment for the best position -- somewhere between the hip and the navel, where the
pedometer won't be tilted forward, backward, or sideways. Attempting to wear it in novel ways
such as clipped to a pocket, a sock, or a bra may give inaccurate results -- or may be spot on.
You need to experiment. Pedometers designated as pocket pedometers are more tolerant of more
positions, but they also have their limits for accuracy.
3. Accidentally Hitting the Reset Button
If your pedometer doesn't have a cover over the reset button, it can be easy to accidentally hit the
reset when adjusting your clothing or looking at the pedometer. The cure for this is to get a
pedometer that has a cover over the reset button or has recessed buttons that are difficult to press
accidentally. Some pedometers keep a daily count going and pressing reset only clears the
current session, not the total.
4. Didn't Turn it On
Some pedometers have on/off switches. Locate the instructions to see how to turn it on. New
pedometers may have a tab over the battery that needs removed before it will work. The
pedometer function of a pedometer watch or the 5th generation iPod have specific methods for
turning on the pedometer function. Always check your pedometer after a minute of walking to
see if it is counting steps or needs to be turned on or repositioned.
5. It Hit the Floor
Pedometers are known to fly off of your waistband and incur major trauma, especially in
restrooms. If your pedometer just took a tumble and now it's not working, it is unlikely to be
revived at the trauma center. You can try removing the battery and replacing it. But after that,
just call the time of death. The best prevention for this common accident is to use a pedometer
leash. You can buy one or just make your own out of some string and a safety pin. That extra
point of safety is critical as I have yet to find a foolproof clip.
6. Pedometer Battery is Going Dead
A pedometer battery lasts six months to a year with common use. As the battery runs down, the
walker may see flaky readings -- counting too few or too many steps. If you have been using the
pedometer for a few months without a problem, this may be the cause of newly inaccurate
readings. If it is a new pedometer, try changing the battery to see if that corrects the problem.
Many manufacturers have a tab over the battery so the buyer can remove it and start with a fresh
battery. But some pedometers are sold with the battery already running. Visit the manufacturer's
web site for instructions if you don't have them saved.
7. Pedometer Got Wet
Few pedometers are waterproof. If you made a mistake and submerged your pedometer, you can
try to rescue it by taking out the battery and letting it thoroughly dry for a day or two in a warm,
dry place (like on top of your TV or desktop computer) before putting the battery back in. You
may want to use a hair dryer to gently blow it dry. If it still shows a blank display or a strange
bunch of numbers, it is probably beyond rescue.
8. Looking at the Wrong Mode Many pedometers have different screen modes showing
distance, calories burned, exercise time, speed, stopwatch and other data besides a step count.
Check to make sure you are looking at the right screen mode. If the distance seems strange,
check to see whether it is showing kilometers or miles. Coffee to wake yourself up and wearing
your reading glasses can also help.
9. Spring Mechanism is Getting Old
The cheaper pedometers use a spring mechanism, and as the pedometer ages the spring loses it
springiness. After a million steps they tend to over count steps. The cheapest hairspring models
age fastest, but coiled springs also age. This leads to inaccurate step counts. Look for a
pedometer with a piezo-electric accelerometer mechanism. They may cost a little more, but they
are silent and maintain their accuracy for longer.
What Makes Your Pedometer Tick?
10. Need to Set the Stride Length and Weight
The step count shouldn't be affected by an incorrect stride length or weight, but you need to set
these accurately to get a good estimate of distance and calories burned. Check your pedometer
instructions and take the time to get a good estimate of stride length. If you walk a measured
mile and it doesn't match the pedometer, increase your stride length setting if it is
underestimating the distance (saying you went .75 miles instead of the 1 mile of the course) and
decrease your stride length if it is overestimating (saying you went 1.25 miles on a 1 mile
course.) Don't underestimate your weight -- you burn more calories per mile the more you weigh.
How to Set Your Pedometer