Pedometers 'R Us

**taurusmoon** · #1 07-18-2001, 09:27 AM

As promised in the Stepping thread, here is some preliminary research on pedometers. I can't endorse any of these models (or dealers) since I haven't tried them myself, but the list below is a good place to start if you're shopping for one.

There is a wide range of features available in the various models and tons of combinations within this range. You need to decide what's important to you.

My one most important feature (and it's not a feature really, it's more of a performance issue) is accuracy. I have one (and if I could find it, I'd tell you which one it is.

) that works well if you're running or power walking, but is useless for picking up the incidental steps you accumulate just by being alive. It's just not sensitive enough. As a result I'm now waiting anxiously for a replacement to arrive.

All you really need to count your steps is a step counter. (Duh.) But, if you're like me, and you love obsessing over data you might want more. Some of the other features available out there are distance (you have to program your walking and/or running stride for this to calculate), lap counters, calories burned (you have to enter your weight for this - and it can't account for hills or other causes of extra exertion), heart rate, pace and elapsed time. One other feature that is critical to me because of numerous past experience

is a protected reset button.

So, without further ado, here are some models you might want to look at. If the link takes you to a retailer that doesn't mean you can't buy it elsewhere. It just means that that's where I (or Jennie, or Amy) found it first.

Digiwalker
They have a number of models. The model that comes up through the link is the one I picked for myself. Surf through their site to see the others (your criteria might well be different than mine.)

Omron HJ 104
This was Jennie's pick. She liked the 7 day memory and the reset protection.

Omron HJ 105
Not sure why this model is $10 more than the one above. Maybe it's the sensitivity switch. Which is a nice feature if you don't want the pedometer to cheat for you (or even if you do).

Sportline Fitness Pedometer 360
I believe that Joubert owns this one. Perhaps we can coerce some commentary from him.

Oregon Scientific
This one features a pulsemeter. Can't tell you how accurate it is though.

NOTE: There are a number of more sophisticated fitness monitors that could be added to this list but most of them are activity driven and not appropriate for all day use. Plus they cost upwards of $200. If any of you want to learn about these, I'll go dig up links for them too. However, none of them are necessary for what we're trying to accomplish here. Even though they are rather cool.

If you have any to add to this list, please do so. And, if you own one already, that means you're ready to join our EA Steppers Club. So, make sure you sign up.

Sara

cyndilouwhoo · #2 07-18-2001, 11:27 AM

Well Sara...You've done all the research...

Now write a review!

Cyndi

Who is hereby volunteering to smack around Sara's muse until it delivers

**taurusmoon** · #3 07-18-2001, 11:34 AM

Sorry Cyndi. My muse up and joined a Labor Union.

I've been informed that Epinions is not a Union Shop.

Sara

tanster · #4 07-18-2001, 02:25 PM

Here are some other pedometer links:

Accusplit

Walk4Life Walking Buddies: very simple, pretty, and fashionable!

A product sheet and manual for the Omron HJ-104 (the one I'm impatiently waiting for)

As Sara says, there are many different products to choose from -- some track steps only, some track steps, mileage, mph, heartrate, etc., some even have a radio headset so you can listen to tunes while you walk!

To join our EA steppers club (see separate thread), all you need is a pedometer that tracks steps.

**Joubert**[$] · #5 07-18-2001, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by taurusmoon

Sportline Fitness Pedometer 360
I believe that Joubert owns this one. Perhaps we can coerce some commentary from him.

Sara

Hey, lady. I'm a writer on Epinions.com. I get paid for my opinions on consumer products. Whaddya want, my creativity for free? Geez.

(whispering noise in the background)

A penny? Each person? A penny? Do I look like Oliver Twist? Horatio who? Oh, forget it, I'll tell them already!

----------------
Sportline 360

It's about 2" by 2" with a pretty sturdy belt clip. I've entered weight and measured my stride. I have no idea if the calorie algorithim is correct and really don't care about that part, but I think that's pretty basic math. I checked the stride accuracy tonight and it is accurate with one big requirement. The makers recommend that you clip the pedometer roughly at where the crease in a pair of slacks would be.

I've been doing it wrong since Father's Day. (I mean, the counting thing)

I was wearing the pedometer at my side like a cell phone. Today, I wore it exactly on the crease of my slacks (it fits neatly under the belt) and counted steps. The pedometer was within a step or two each time, if not dead on perfect. Other things it measures are on the link.

Kalynda ended up buying this one at Modell's for the same price that's on the web so you can save shipping if there's one close to you. There is a seven day memory on this one as well, but I key my data into a spreadsheet each night. I'll scan the instructions and email them to anyone who is interested. Just PM me.

One thing that's interesting is that this pedometer looks like a cheap, small pager. I really didn't want to get into a five minute conversation with everyone I met about the pedometer and most actually think it is a pager. So if you want to be somewhat low-key, this is a nice choice.

**mrisch**[$] · #6 07-19-2001, 12:07 AM

OK pedometer gurus -

I want one that is small and good looking enough to wear all day every day. What is your suggestion?

**conradd** · #7 07-20-2001, 02:33 PM

Okay, slept through this morning's date with my Pilates video. So, I'll buy a pedometer and join in the fun. The tips here have been very helpful.

Deb
who wonders if anyone else is just a wee bit intimidated by Jennie's numbers ???

tanster · #8 07-20-2001, 02:34 PM

All I do is step. I have no other life! (Just ask Sara.)

**taurusmoon** · #9 07-20-2001, 02:37 PM

Yep. She steps. And steps. And steps. And shops for gadgets to help her step. And steps. And steps.

Sometimes she stops to upload her data.

Then she steps some more.

Sara
Who doesn't even bother trying to keep up

jenninca · #10 07-22-2001, 10:54 PM

Well, I was going to come here and post information about the one I bought at Galyan's yesterday, but I discovered that I have the chose the same one as Joubert. I like it so far. The feature I like that he didn't mention (though I don't know if it's a standard feature on most) is that it has an auto on-off capability. If you don't move for four minutes, it turns off, then turns back on when you start stepping.

Cindy
who actually read a 100+ page kids' book while walking around her empty living room putting on steps today

**Joubert**[$] · #11 07-22-2001, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jenninca
The feature I like that he didn't mention (though I don't know if it's a standard feature on most) is that it has an auto on-off capability. If you don't move for four minutes, it turns off, then turns back on when you start stepping.

Cindy
who actually read a 100+ page kids' book while walking around her empty living room putting on steps today

Considering there are more 4 minute blocks when I don't move than when I do move, I agree that this is a good thing.

I'm calling on customers Tuesday-Thursday this week. I'm anxious to see what happens to my totals then. I feel like I walk 10 miles those days. Somehow I doubt that will be the total.

**pluckyduck** · #12 07-26-2001, 08:01 AM

Woo-hoo!

I'm going to get off my increasingly wide butt!!! I've gained 20 pounds since I joined Epinions. You don't think the red wine, twinkies and incessant net surfing had something to do with it, do you????

Sara, I ordered your choice in pedometers. I figured we might as well be twins, again.

I ordered it 5 minutes ago, checked the fastest delivery option and

It still hasn't arrived yet!

Andrea

**taurusmoon** · #13 07-26-2001, 09:06 AM

Doesn't white wine go better with twinkies?

Go Andrea Go!

Just come back here every so often, okay?

Sara

tanster · #14 07-26-2001, 11:39 AM

Yay Andrea!

I'll reserve you a space in our steppers club.

tanster · #15 07-26-2001, 02:08 PM

After spending a few days with the Omron HJ-104 pedometer, I can safely say that I love it!

I have, of course, written a review on it.

Sara and Michael: if you think this link is a no-no, please slap my hand and I will remove it. I was torn, because I think it's useful information and I didn't know where else to put it and have it still be easily accessible.

**taurusmoon** · #16 07-26-2001, 02:22 PM

Tsk, tsk Jennie.

It is a no no, but since it's so relevant to the topic and reposting the review here is a violation of copyright laws I'll allow it. But only because the review is so darn helpful.

So much so that I realize that I probably made the wrong choice in pedometers. Mine doesn't have anywhere near the number of features yours does. And, despite what people on the SportBrain forums were saying, it doesn't seem as accurate to me as I was led to believe. It'll take me a few more days to know for sure.

But, at $19.99, it may not hurt me to buy the Omron to help with the comparison.

Sara

**taurusmoon** · #17 07-26-2001, 02:32 PM

I'm about ready to join Pedometers Anonymous.

I ordered the Omron too.

Sara
Running out of hip room

tanster · #18 07-26-2001, 02:53 PM

Okay, Ms. Sara, this is proof positive that you are just as much of a gadget junkie as I am.

I bet you could throw one heck of a garage sale!

**taurusmoon** · #19 07-26-2001, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tanster

I bet you could throw one heck of a garage sale!

I fully intend to. As soon as I get a garage.

Sara
Who is glad they don't sell garages online

**mrisch**[$] · #20 07-26-2001, 03:19 PM

I bought the digiwalker - it looks closest to the SportBrain.

**taurusmoon** · #21 07-26-2001, 08:19 PM

Here's the Digiwalker/SportBrain comparison done on the walk from which I just returned:

Distance (according to SB - I haven't calibrated the DW yet): 3.5 miles

Steps:
SB - 6673
DW - 6315

I guess that's close enough.

For those of you not familiar with SportBrain, I've found its measurements to be fairly accurate on a measured course.

Digiwalker falls short on less purposeful walks (i.e. walking to the fridge to get a drink or to the bathroom to get rid of it). It doesn't seem to have the sensitivity to capture a slow pace accurately. It's also very picky as to placement. It didn't like the waistband I wore yesterday. It worked better today clipped to my underwear. Unfortunately, that placement makes it difficult to view the readout.

Sara

**pluckyduck** · #22 07-28-2001, 10:16 AM

Okay, Sara...what about the other one you own...the one I bought that still hasn't arrived yet?

I am so anxious to get credit for every single step!

I have a hard time picturing myself going on 4 mile walks every day. I don't think that will happen. My only goal (right now) is to

1) see how many steps are in my normal life
and then

2) inject ways within the day to increase my activity

There are really many ways I can get my fat butt moving without having to commit to an official "walk" every day. (That commitment would be destined for failure, my life just doesn't cooperate.)

BTW - I introduced a new plan at work on Friday, in anticipation (secretly) of the arrival of my new pedometer.

Management by walking around

I'm not making this up. Our busy season at work is just around the corner and we've been having a number of quality control problems with some of our newer people. My solution? I'm going to walk around a lot more, so I can be of help to individuals and get them over the hump.

Am I hysterical or what? Everybody's like, "Oh, good plan, Andrea really cares about us." and I'm like "Cool! More steps for my pedometer!"

Andrea
checking the mailbox...where is that damn thing?