Pedometer Shopping 101
by Sue Roberts

Walking has become quite a popular way to get fit and burn off some calories. Exercise is
good for you, right?

Do you know how far you walk each time you head out the door?

I've been known to go for a long walk, then get in the car and try and retrace my steps,
figuring out the total distance I walked via the car's odometer. (This was in the olden,
pre-pedometer days!)

Trust me, a pedometer is much easier, is probably more accurate, and is really not too
expensive.

Like anything else in life, you get what you pay for, though. There are some very
inexpensive models you can buy (I'm talking $3 or $4), but for the most part these
are inaccurate and a waste of time.

Here are a few tips compiled by members of the Weight Management practice group
of the American Dietetic Association-- you might find these helpful if you decide to go
pedometer-shopping:

Look for these features:

Ensure closed case protection.
Pedometer Leash/safety strap
Get warranty if able.
Model that flips open and spring loaded clip vs. molded plastic clip that slides over waist band

Here are some recommended models to check out:

*Omron Healthcare HJ $35 (Consumer reports 2004)

*Freestyle Tracer $20 (Recommendations by Consumer reports 2004 )

*New Lifestyles NL 2000 $55 (Consumer reports 2004)

*Digi-walker (By New Lifestyles)

*Digi-walker SW-200 (By New Lifestyles. Counts steps only.-comes with booklet on positioning the pedometer and safety strap($5.00 extra)

*Accusplit

*Accusplit Eagle X 120 $20.00

Websites/Phone for ordering:

Accusplit: 1-800-935-1996 http://www.accusplit.com/ (Good customer service)

Digiwalker/New Lifestyle: 1-816-373-9969 http://www.new-lifestyles.com/DIGIWALKER

Lace up those sneaks and head outdoors!

Copyright  April 27, 2007  Sue Roberts, MPH MS RD/CN
As a certified nutritionist and registered dietitan for over 20 years, Sue is passionate about helping you become your healthiest ever! She provides completely confidential online nutrition counseling, wellness coaching and education services at www.YourOnlineNutritionist.com

Your Online Nutritionist
PO Box 4354
West Richland, WA 99353
ph: 509.392.2071
fax: 309.401.8759
sue@youronlinenutritionist.com