pedometer

from msnbc.com

20 studies found clipping on a step counter inspired weight loss

A $20 fitness gadget stood up to multiple research studies, helping people walk an additional mile each day — but only if they logged their steps.

from thatsfit.com

This fun ThinQ model 303 pedometer is only 3mm thick -- about the size of a credit card. So if you're the sort of person who isn't really into fitness, but would still like to know how much exercise you're getting on your walk to the office, or during your evening strolls around the neighborhood, this is perfect.

from walking.about.com

Pedometers are great tools to count walking steps, but you may find problems with the belt clips, sticky cases, and accuracy.

1) Breaking Belt Clips

This is usually a problem of plastic clips. Look for a pedometer that has a replaceable belt clip rather than one molded from the case.

from walking.about.com

A reader writes, "Fitness experts usually recommend sustained exercise of 20 to 30 minutes at a stretch and say that anything less than that doesn't give you much benefit. So if I try to add 3,000 steps per day to my regimen and do it by getting up from my desk every hour and taking a walk around the office building, or using the stairs instead of the elevator, will that accomplish anything for me in that short period of time?

from walking.about.com

I am a gadget lover. I want data. I want something to play with while I walk. These gizmos will help you plan or track a better walking workout.

1) Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Personal Trainer

The Forerunner uses a GPS to get true distance and speed, and a chest strap heart rate monitor. Garmin improved on the Forerunner 201 by adding a heart rate monitor and upgrading the software into a Training Center, and upgraded mapping abilities - you can now download and overlay your workout to a map. The GPS works only outdoors, and the 205 and 305 models promise better performance than the 201 in areas with lots of trees or tall buildings or in gullies.

From Prevention

Wear it right to get an accurate step count

by Maggie Spilner

Not all pedometer positions were created equal. Incorrect placement of your pedometer may result in only a portion of your steps being counted until you reposition it.

To count steps accurately, pedometers need to hang vertically from your waist, aligned over your knee. Clipping it to the tiny pocket just below the waistband of your jeans is a great way to make sure it's in the right place.

We hope the ants' pedometers have better quality control than most others on the market...(click image to enlarge)

New Scientist (a short video clip included) reports that desert ants have an internal pedometer that keeps track of how many steps they take, according to a new study.

"Desert ants have an internal system - like a pedometer - that keeps track of how many steps they take, according to a new study. The insects seem to rely on this system to find their way back to the nest after foraging. Other insects may also possess this pedometer-like system.