Advice needed on pedometers

General discussions about getting and staying fit that don't relate directly to your indoor rower
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Nick
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Advice needed on pedometers

Post by Nick » January 17th, 2016, 12:29 pm

Although I remain a keen erger - my wife calls it "fanatical" my doc has also strongly recommended a long distance walking program added to exercise regimen. I'm looking for a reliable pedometer that can be worn either on my belt or carried in a pocket. The key word is "reliable". The 4x3motion piece that I'm currently using just doesn't cut it. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks in advance - Nick

jamesg
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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by jamesg » January 17th, 2016, 1:30 pm

http://walking.about.com/od/measure/tp/speedometer.htm

This seems to show a range. If you include hills or where it's easy to get lost, the gps systems might come in handy.

For short walks up to 2 hours total, I used pebbles: pick one up every 130 steps or so until I reach ten, then throw them away again. Then turn back for 4 km or repeat for 6 or 8. Once I know my average step and cadence on any given type of track, a watch is enough.

Here long mountain paths are always mapped, signposted and coded, so no lack of info. At my age, skisticks make a big difference when it's steep.
08-1940, 179cm, 83kg.

Cayenne
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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by Cayenne » January 18th, 2016, 7:44 am

Hello Nick:

I used to carry one of the high end Omron models in my pocket and although I became somewhat discouraged when I ultimately compared distance-covered with a GPS based programs on my iPhone (e.g., MapMyRun, etc.,) I believe it was "roughly" accurate for step-count. For my purposes, (perhaps not for yours,) approximation served the purpose. To the extent I thought I was under, I worked toward being certain I had met the count I was aiming toward. (Sort of like when you're counting laps mentally and think you may have missed so you do "extra" to be sure.)

The Omrons models were convenient to keep in the pocket and reasonably priced. (You may be happier researching smartphone apps to do what you're seeking.) FYI, I used to keep the Omron in a very small "Timbuktu" flip phone case, so that I would not inadvertently press a "clear" button in my pocket. That is something I would find frustrating. (i.e., I'm at 8K steps at 5 pm and I suddenly notice I've accidentally cleared the device :-(

Nick, BTW, if it is not too personal, why is the doc Rx'ing walking given that you are "keen" on erging, which puts you at the far right of the bell curve of activity as it is...? Just curious as to his thinking.

For me, as for many, time is the limiting aspect. Erg is wonderful and walking outdoors is wonderful. Wishing you enjoyment of both !

Eddie

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Yankeerunner
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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by Yankeerunner » January 18th, 2016, 9:40 am

Unless you use a pedometer to simply count steps I'm afraid that you will find it unreliable. First you have to accurately program your stride length into it, which is not easy. Then you have to keep that stride length whether you're tired, or going uphill, or downhill, or into a headwind, etc., also not easy.

A GPS watch will cost more, but is far more accurate. And unlike a pedometer it needs no reprogramming of stride length in order to be used my multiple people. Well worth it if you're to be a long-term user.
55-59: 1:33.5 3:19.2 6:55.7 18:22.0 2:47:26.5
60-64: 1:35.9 3:23.8 7:06.7 18:40.8 2:48:53.6
65-69: 1:38.6 3:31.9 7:19.2 19:26.6 3:02:06.0
70-74: 1:40.2 3:33.4 7:32.6 19:50.5 3:06:36.8
75-76: 1:43.9 3:47.7 7:50.2 20:51.3 3:13:55.7

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thecrashton
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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by thecrashton » January 18th, 2016, 10:52 am

Although I'm not going to suggest anything over anything else because everyone has their preference, it's worth mentioning that you can indeed get a reliable GPS watch for under $100 (TomTom Runner) which is basically the same price if not cheaper (when compared to something like the FitBit Charge) for a very reliable distance-measurement tool. This would also allow you to track your walking pace per km, speed, heartrate (with a chest strap) and more. Basically more tools and more accurate and usable data than just a straight up pedometer.
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Nick
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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by Nick » January 18th, 2016, 4:16 pm

Thanks to all for the good thoughts/advice. The doc is strongly encouraging me to continue to erg - he's never met a serious rower before - but he understands the benefits. His suggestion/advice that I add walking is to maximize long periods of aerobic exercise to my routine. Simply put - In his specialty (pulmonology) the gold standard for fitness testing is a walk test. The rowing is a critical factor in my fitness and will remain the centerpiece of my overall fitness activities. I will look into a GPS for outdoor walking - which I strongly prefer to a treadmill (God I hate those things). For step counting which may be the eventual way to go I'll look into the Omron. Once again - thanks for the advice.

Tim K.
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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by Tim K. » January 18th, 2016, 10:49 pm

I use an UP3. Have no idea what this is like but if it works as well as the UP does I would consider it if I was just looking for a step counter.

https://jawbone.com/store/buy/upmove

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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by markinnb » January 19th, 2016, 12:03 pm

Are you walking around halls and corridors at Malls etc and this makes it difficult if not impossible to figure out the true distance?


My first post may have made it seem that I was suggesting that you were physically or mentally unable to do math calculations. Sorry about that.
"It's hard enough as it is without doing it all wrong."

Nick
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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by Nick » January 20th, 2016, 1:23 pm

I do all of my walking out doors - generally along the trails of a nearby park. I really enjoy walking very early in the morning along city streets - very interesting things going on - but then again I'm a city boy and I love urban areas. I currently live in the boonies - but a walk in the park is quite all right. We're expecting a fairly monumental snow storm - semi-hysterical weather forecasters on the tube really hyping it. As long as the power holds out, we'll just lay back, read, eat lots of comfort food, erg till the cows come home and take many naps. If the power does go belly we'll do exactly the same thing - only with lots of blankets on hand - cheers - Nick

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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by markinnb » January 20th, 2016, 4:32 pm

thanks for the info.
I asked because I have found it easier to know my stride length as well how fast I walk on level solid surfaces. I'm kind of sloth like so I walk kind of slow. It is relatively easy to find the distance of any particular route.
I've counted my steps for 100 m and then again over 1 km. and just figured it out. I timed myself over these walks as well. BEen doing this for years.

one of the parks in my town has measured all the paths through the woods, up the hills, thru the streams and under the fences. sometimes even over fences.
AFter timing a few of these trips, I figured out my avg speed on uneven semi-tough slogging sort of terrain.
I know that if I've been out for 3.4 hours, I have a pretty good idea how far I've gone.
I know that if the distance is 8.7 km, then I have a pretty good idea how much time has passed.

I know that I'd lose that pedometer in 3 days or break it in 6.
"It's hard enough as it is without doing it all wrong."

Nick
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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by Nick » January 20th, 2016, 8:09 pm

One thing a I forgot to mention: www.mappedometer.com is a great site. It will allow the user to map his or her route's distance fairly precisely. Give it a try. Nick

markinnb
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Re: Advice needed on pedometers

Post by markinnb » January 21st, 2016, 12:09 pm

Nick wrote:One thing a I forgot to mention: http://www.mappedometer.com is a great site. It will allow the user to map his or her route's distance fairly precisely. Give it a try. Nick
google EArth has a distance devise using either path or line. I'd put it on path and figure out my distance. a steady hand is needed but you can get close enough to do the calculation. They have a free Pro option as well. I haven't downloaded that
"It's hard enough as it is without doing it all wrong."

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