Pedometers: Reviews

Updated July 2010

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Best pedometer

Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112

The Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112 uses dual accelerometers to count steps, which researchers say are more accurate for overweight individuals and slow walkers (under 2.5 mph) than spring-levered pedometers. The… expandpedometer counts everyday steps and aerobic steps separately, and it also tracks distance and calories burned. Expert testing reveals it to be highly accurate when clipped to the waist, carried in a pocket or hung from a lanyard. Owners also say the Omron HJ-112 pedometer is simple to use and accurate. Some critics say it's a bit bulky and, because there is no protective cover, its reset button can be accidentally pushed. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Science & Medicine in Sports & Exercise: Researchers enlist nearly 100 walkers to test the Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112 while they walk on a treadmill at varying speeds.

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org editors test six pedometers, including the Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112.

NEA Today: This magazine of the National Education Association publishes a brief review of five pedometers.

Pedometers.com: An engineering firm that specializes in product testing provides ratings and brief reviews of more than 20 pedometers at Pedometers.com.

About.com: Wendy Bumgardner, the walking guide at About.com, ranks the Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112 as her top pick among nine pedometers.

Amazon.com: The Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112 attracts more than 2,700 owner-written reviews on Amazon.com, including more than 2,000 5-star reviews.

Walmart.com: The Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112 attracts 475 reviews at Walmart.com, where it receives a high rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 for accuracy.

Drugstore.com: Drugstore.com is a retail site that sells several models of pedometers.

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Buy from Amazon for $22.49
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Basic pedometer that counts steps only

Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200

*Est. $20 Compare Prices

It doesn't get much simpler than the Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200, which counts steps only (it can't tell the difference between running and walking and it can't measure mileage or calorie burn). This pedometer is hailed by… expandexperts for its accuracy, and owners say it's easy to use (there is only a single reset button). It uses a spring-lever mechanism, and it can only be clipped to the waist. It is not recommended for very overweight individuals, because it is less accurate during very slow walking or when a protruding stomach tilts it forward. The display is inside a protective cover and can be read while attached to the waist when it's flipped open. This pedometer is sold under other private-label brands in the U.S., including Accusplit and New-Lifestyles. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: This abstract summarizes a 2004 study in which 20 testers wore 13 pedometers during normal activity spanning a 24-hour period, and their step counts were compared to a control pedometer.

NEA Today: In this article, Scott Crouter, an associate professor of exercise and health science, evaluates five pedometers along with an unknown panel.

Pedometers.com: Pedometers.com includes ratings and brief reviews of more than 20 pedometers.

About.com: Wendy Bumgardner, About.com's guide to walking, places the Yamax Digi-Walker SW 200 in fifth place among nine pedometers.

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Buy from Amazon for $19.50
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Pedometer with wrist monitor

Timex Ironman Fitness Tracker

*Est. $70 Compare Prices

Some reviewers prefer pedometers with wrist monitors, allowing them to easily check their step totals throughout the day. The Timex Ironman Fitness Tracker has a pedometer that clips to the waist and transmits steps,… expandcalories and distance data to the matching watch. Although it is more expensive than many pedometers, this model offers more bells and whistles. The Timex has advanced step-counting functions like goal setting and calculating steps per minute. Additionally, the water-resistant watch is packed with features, including a backlit display, interval timers and alarms. It comes in three colors: black, light blue and pink. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Snewsnet.com: SNEWS, which is for the outdoor and fitness industry, includes a detailed review of the Timex Ironman Fitness Tracker.

Los Angeles Times: Roy M. Wallack highlights two pedometers in this gear review, including the Timex Ironman Fitness Tracker.

About.com: Wendy Bumgardner, the walking guide at About.com, is not very impressed with the Timex Ironman Fitness Tracker.

Amazon.com: Only a dozen or so owners review the Timex Ironman Fitness Tracker at Amazon.com, and reviews are mixed.

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