Mobile Apps Cons. The accuracy of GPS distance measurement depends on several factors. This is because your phone must have frequent communication with multiple GPS satellites. If your phone doesn't have a clear view of the sky, it won't be locking position with as many satellites. If your phone loses contact with one or more satellites, you can see a sudden jump in distance.
If you look at your route as plotted on a map, you can see this "GPS jitter" and the errors it introduces. If you are walking in an area with many tall buildings, in a deep valley, or next to a hill, you may see more GPS inaccuracy and loss of signal.
Plus, GPS is often lost and doesn't work well indoors. It won't measure your distance on the treadmill because your position isn't changing. For better distance accuracy, you can walk the same route several times and compare the distance each time.
More and more smartwatches and fitness bands are incorporating GPS for distance and speed readings, such as the Apple Watch and the Fitbit Sense and Versa. These allow you to leave your smartphone behind during your walking workout and still get GPS speed and distance measurements.
These often display both your speed and distance and may link with heart rate monitor straps or have LED pulse detection built-in. GPS Watch Pros. These are easy to wear, provide a lot of data and information. They may be more convenient for checking on the fly compared to your mobile phone app. GPS Watch Cons. GPS smartwatches are generally expensive and are also subject to GPS failures, which means they may not always provide the most accurate measure of your walking distance.
GPS watches have the same drawbacks as your mobile phone GPS for losing contact with the satellites and not working indoors. Using MapMyWalk online, you can create and measure a walking route. The website allows you to draw the routes and get a distance reading. MapMyWalk has both street view and a satellite view.
You can zoom in on portions of the route that use a sidewalk or path that isn't along a street. With a premium subscription, you can print out maps and directions and export them to your phone app to use while walking. Other online map services include Mapometer , a map-based route planner that calculates the distance and elevation of your walks, tracks your progress, and monitors the calories you burn.
Similarly, Plot a Route is another route planner and activity tracker for walkers, runners , and bikers as is On the Go Map , which also tracks your distance and elevation and allows you to share your route with others. Online Map Pros. Depending on the program you choose, you may be able to save and reuse your routes.
Online Map Cons. In some cases, an online map can be tedious to draw out. You have to either remember where exactly where you walked or plan in advance. You'll also want to make sure that you don't deviate from the route in order to get the most accurate assessment of your activity. You can drive a walking route in a car or measure it on a bike with an odometer. But the distance may be off depending on whether your odometer is properly calibrated for your tire size and other factors.
Odometers are the gold standard for walking events and running races, using a mechanical walking wheel that clicks off each yard or meter. Of course, these are not always appropriate or available for everyday use. Odometer Pros. Odometers are easy to use and accessible for most people with a car or bike.
Walk steps without watching the counter 3. Check the number of steps recorded to see how accurate it is. Some models have a sensitivity setting that you can adjust if it is too sensitive, or not sensitive enough. You can also experiment by attaching it in a different place to see where it is the most accurate for you. Why count steps? It has been shown that most people take about 4,—6, steps per day, while inactive individuals only take between 1,, steps per day.
With the onset of obesity and health issues in our population, a pedometer provides a simple way of measuring your level of physical activity, while performing an exercise that most people can do - walking.
How many steps do I need to take? The aim is to work up to 10, steps per day. This equals about 8km, or an hour and a half of walking, and is in line with the Canadian Physical Activity Guideline of at least minutes of additional activity most days of the week.
If you have been averaging 3, steps, it is important to work up to this goal gradually, and to realize that this amount of steps may not be recommended for some members of the population older adults, those with chronic diseases, or children. How many calories is that? How do I start? Wear the pedometer for three days — ideally two workdays and a non-work day. Calculate the average steps over these three days, and gradually work up from there.
A safe daily increase to aim for is a step increase per day, applied each week. For example, if you are averaging 4, steps currently, aim for 4, steps a day your first week, then 5, steps per day the next week, etc. You will be amazed at how quickly the steps add up. Can I run with it? Yes, pedometers are designed to work while running as well — just make sure it is attached securely!
Join the Discussion. Hoon May 7, May 9, We're glad to know that this article was helpful, Hoon! James Jan 24, Jan 26, Thanks, James! We're glad you're our Wonder Friend! I usually walk 10, steps a day I have a fit bit. Mar 28, That's great, Kaitlyn! An excellent way to stay healthy! Mar 23, Do you have a pedometer, Brianna? Or are you thinking of getting one?
Cole Feb 16, Thank You for creating wonderoplis I love this article! Feb 16, Katelyn Jan 30, I got 20, steps. PS can you dab? Jan 30, Jan 23, That's bananas, Warlord. No one could get that many steps in a day! Maybe a tap dancer Noah Dec 19, Dec 19, Thank you for commenting!
I used a pedometer once. I got a lot of steps. I had no incentive. I broke it. I swam instead of walking. It counts because swimming is harder than walking.
I just died bye bye. Dec 14, Dec 13, DBrown Dec 8, I thought it was really cool that pedometers work like a pendulum clock. I have always wondered how come the steps are counted even though you are just shaking it. Dec 9, It's great to hear your thoughts, DBrown! Thank you for exploring this Wonder with us!
Mackenzie kirk Nov 29, I love learnig about this kind off stuff because im a sort nerd, I play soccer and I injoy exerciseing. Nov 29, Wanye Nov 23, Sharny Nov 24, Nov 25, We're glad you enjoyed this Wonder, Sharny!
Nov 23, Bre Nov 23, How does the parts of this connect to your phone.
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