3D PEDOMETER
Also called “3D G sensor pedometers”, “fitness trackers”, “activity trackers”, “accelerometers” or “tri-axis pedometers”. These are next generation pedometers which utilize a computer chip called an accelerometer, designed to detect it’s own motion. There is no pendulum or other moving parts, so 3D pedometers can be kept in a pocket or purse, or worn around the neck on a lanyard. 3D pedometers also work better with a wider range of body types than standard clip pedometers, including the severely obese. Because they don’t clip to the hip, they’re less likely to fall off and become lost. They’re also more likely to be used by people who don’t like wearing clip-style pedometers. Because of the advanced chip technology, accelerometer – equipped pedometers cost more than traditional style pedometers. But prices are coming down.
ACCELEROMETER
See 3D PEDOMETER above.
ACTIVITY TRACKER
See 3D PEDOMETER above.
ADJUSTABLE STRIDE
Pedometers with an adjustable stride feature allow each user to enter his/her specific stride length into the pedometer. This offers greater accuracy for measurements of distance walked and calories burned. Pedometer models with this option have a default mode (usually 24″) so the pedometer can be used without prior programming.
ADJUSTABLE WEIGHT
Pedometers with an adjustable weight feature allow each user to enter his/her specific weight into the pedometer. This offers greater accuracy for measurements of distance walked and calories burned. Pedometer models with this option have a default mode (usually 125-150lbs) so the pedometer can be used without prior programming.
ALL DAY PEDOMETERS
Pedometers designed to be worn both while walking and also while engaged in non-walking activities. Typically an ALL DAY PEDOMETER has a CLAMSHELL COVER to protect the function button(s). Some pedometers have buttons which are less likely to be accidentally pressed, or require extended time holding down the RESET button to actually reset. These pedometers can also be considered “all day” pedometers.
AUTO SHUTOFF or AUTOSLEEP
A feature which shuts off the battery power to the display, if the pedometer does not detect movement for a period of time. This helps to extend battery life. Pedometers whose displays shut off will typically “wake up” when the user starts or resumes walking. No buttons need to be pushed to wake up the display.
BATTERY
The power supply needed for most pedometers. Typically batteries are button style. Pedometer batteries are designed to last at least one year, but often last much longer. A common pedometer battery is the AG13. This battery also goes by the names LR44, A76, 357, L1154, PX76A, 303, D303, D357 and others. Some pedometers use different battery sizes.
BODY FAT ESTIMATOR
A pedometer with a body fat estimator uses a painless, minute current to measure the subcutaneous fluid (body fat) under the skin. To measure, the pedometer is held in both hands, with the thumbs on metal sensors. A signal is sent through one hand, up the arm, across the body, down the other arm and into the other sensor. As the current passes through the body, the voltage difference between each side of the body is measured. The voltage difference is referred to as the impedance, and is used to estimate body fat percentage. For best accuracy, it is recommended the user test themselves in the morning, before eating, drinking, or exercising.
CALORIES
Food creates energy. Food energy is expressed in calories, a measure of energy. Walking burns calories. Some multifunction pedometer models display the number of calories burned while walking. As a pedometer counts steps, it also converts those steps into an estimate of calories burned during each step. A multifunction pedometer with adjustable stride and weight (see above) takes the stride and weight of each user into account when estimating calories burned.
CLAMSHELL COVER
A cover or lid which closes over the face of the pedometer to protect the display and prevent inadvertently pressing function button(s). Pedometers with clamshell covers are useful when users will be wearing their pedometers for extended periods of time, such as for 10,000 step programs.
COUNTDOWN TIMER
Pedometers with this feature count backwards from a programmed time and sound an alarm when time is up.
FITNESS TRACKER
See 3D PEDOMETER above.
FUNCTION BUTTONS
The button(s) on the pedometer used to control the digital display. Typically there is a RESET button to reset counts to zero. Other function buttons switch between displays, or allow the user to program the pedometer on some models.
GAIT
A person’s walk, including speed, length of stride, movement of hips, bending of knees. Each person has his or her own unique gait. For this reason, two or more people walking together will often not register an identical number of steps when comparing pedometers.
G-SENSOR PEDOMETER
See 3D PEDOMETER above.
JOGGING AUTOADJUST
Pedometers with this feature sense if a user is walking or jogging at a faster pace. If the user is jogging, the pedometer will add 1/3 more steps to account for the extra distance taken in each step.
LEASH or SAFETY LEASH
A short tether and clip for attaching a pedometer to clothing. Leashes help prevent the pedometer from accidentally falling off and breaking, or becoming lost.
MEMORY RECALL
Pedometers with this function will store the previous days of walking statistics for easy reference.
MODE BUTTON
Multifunction pedometers typically have a MODE button. The MODE button allows the user to switch between various measurement readings. Usually these include STEPS, CALORIES, and DISTANCE. Depending on the model, the MODE button may also switch the display to show TIME, STOPWATCH or other functions. The MODE button may also be used in programming some models.
MOLDED PLASTIC CLIP
There are several styles of clips for attaching pedometers to clothing. The most common is the molded plastic clip. Molded clips are designed for strength and simplicity, and fit most clothing styles. Extra thick clothing can cause premature clip wear and should be avoided. Care should always be taken not to stretch clips when removing from clothing. This will result in a longer clip life.
MULTIFUNCTION PEDOMETER
A pedometer that displays STEPS plus other measurements is considered a MULTIFUNCTION pedometer. Common functions for a multifunction pedometer include STEPS taken, CALORIES burned, and DISTANCE walked in 1/10 mile increments. Multifunction models may also have other features. Check the information written next to each pedometer for the specific functions of a particular model.
OPEN FACE PEDOMETER
Pedometers with the display facing forward, or away from the person wearing it, are considered OPEN FACE pedometers.
PACE MELODY
Pedometers with a pace melody have various digitized tempos built in to the pedometer to help the user set a walking pace. Typically there is a variety of pace melodies for each user to choose from.
PEDOMETER
An electronic device for counting steps. Typically a pedometer detects hip movement by use of a pendulum located inside the pedometer. Other functions, including counting calories burned and distance travelled are calculated based on the number of steps taken, as well as information programmed into the pedometer by each user, if those options are a feature of a particular model.
PULSE METER
A device for measuring the heart rate of the user. Some pedometers have a pulse meter option.
PENDULUM
A small arm on a pivot point, located inside pedometers. The arm moves freely, and when it detects movement, adds a digit to a digital display. Pendulums are typically tuned to detect hip movement. Proper placement of the pedometer on the hip increases overall accuracy.
RESET BUTTON
The button which resets the digital display to zero. On some models, the RESET button must be pressed for several seconds before the display will reset, as a way to prevent accidental resets.
R.O.H.S. COMPLIANT
Pedometers are electronic instruments. They contain circuit boards, batteries, and other parts. To reduce the volume of potentially hazardous materials created during manufacturing, as well as entering the waste stream after electronics are discarded, manufacturers are now producing electronics that are ROHS Compliant. ROHS is an acronym for “Reduction of Hazardous Substances”. Certain parts and manufacturing methods are used which pose less of a danger to the environment. In addition, ROHS Compliant items may be more likely to be recycled. At this time, ROHS compliance is voluntary in the United States. Pedometer Express currently offers a few models which are certified ROHS Compliant and it is our goal to see that all Pedometer Express pedometers follow the ROHS guidelines. We will be offering these models as they become available.
SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT
Some pedometer models have a sensitivity adjustment, which is a sliding button for adjusting the ability of the pedometer to sense movement. Sensitivity adjustments allow each user to customize the pedometer to his/her individual gait for more accurate measurements.
SINGLE FUNCTION PEDOMETERS
Also referred to as step counters, single function pedometers count steps only.
SPRING CLIP
This is another type of clip for attaching a pedometer to clothing.
STEP COUNTER
Also referred to as single function pedometers, step counters count steps only.
STOPWATCH / TIMER
Some pedometer models offer a stopwatch so walkers can time the distance between two points. Other models have a timer function so walkers can measure the amount of time they have been walking.
STRIDE
The average distance a person moves in a typical step, usually measured in inches is STRIDE. The distance is measured on the same place for both feet, such as the tip of each toe.
TRI-AXIS PEDOMETER
See 3D PEDOMETER above.
UPWARD FACING PEDOMETER
A pedometer with the digital display facing upward for easy viewing. This type of pedometer is easier to read without twisting or turning the pedometer while clipped to the hip, which may prolong the life of the clip.