Everything you have heard is true! A pedometer is not much more than a small, lightweight device that counts your steps. They come in many different shapes and colors and some have a few fancy features but basically their ‘job’ is to count your steps. However, this seemingly insignificant device is so much more than a step counter. It is a fitness coach, a motivator and a tool to help you achieve new goals in your overall health.

Tall order, yes? If you purchase a pedometer and become comfortable with the available features of your model, it will pay you back with a longer life and a healthier lifestyle. All you have to do in return is take it out for a walk every day.

All tongue-in-cheek kidding aside, there are variety of pedometer models. Some flip-down and some are open face. Some count calories along with steps, others count distance traveled. Some come with an FM radio receiver, some play MP3s and others calculate your desired length of exercise with your current heart rate – and then change the music based on tempo to keep you moving.

Before choosing your pedometer you want to know what type of exercise routine you’ll be engaging in. Truly the most popular for those just getting back to being fit is a walking program that includes 10000 steps a day to start. After that you’ll be increasing your steps per day so be sure to get a pedometer with a memory of at least 7 days or one that allows you to upload your week’s workouts and walks to your computer via a USB cord. Sound fancy and expensive? These models are certainly fancy but they aren’t expensive. In fact you can find them right here on Pedometers.org for less than $40.

Another feature I love on my pedometer is the calorie burned counter. This usually prevents me from excusing myself of a second portion by telling myself that I walked an extra 200 steps. The numbers just won’t add up and if I’m not careful I’ll end up putting all that weight back on that I worked so hard to lose. The calorie counting pedometer keeps you honest with yourself – no excuses.