We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Pedometer with Calorie Counter?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,175
Share

A pedometer with calorie counter is a small, clip-on device which counts the number of steps taken and approximate number of calories burned by its wearer. It is useful for monitoring one’s progress toward fitness goals. Some health experts warn that a pedometer with calorie counter does not always provide accurate information about calories burned. Others promote the pedometer as a good motivational tool for those who wish to increase their fitness level.

Many sporting goods, watch, and electronics manufacturers sell a version of the pedometer with calorie counter, and as a result, a wide variety of models are available. Most conform to a few basic specifications, however. They normally measure around 2 by 3 inches (5.08 by 7.62 cm) or less, and consist of a digital screen housed in a plastic casing. The pedometer is attached to a belt loop or waistband using a clip located at the device’s rear. Once a wearer has attached and activated the device, its digital screen displays a tally of the steps he has taken and the corresponding number of calories he has burned.

Some health experts caution that a pedometer with calorie counter does not necessarily provide accurate information about the number of calories burned. This false calorie count can occur in pedometers which are overly sensitive, causing them to mistake jostles and bumps for footsteps. Conversely, a pedometer which is not sensitive enough may undercount steps, consequently displaying a calorie readout that is too low.

Another reason that a pedometer with calorie counter may be inaccurate is that the actual number of calories burned during a workout can vary according to one’s fitness level. Those with a low fitness level tend to burn more calories per footstep than those with a high fitness level. More sophisticated pedometer models may feature a program which allows users to enter information about their fitness level and body type. While these pedometer models may be more expensive than others, they can minimize inaccuracies related to calorie counting.

Whether or not a pedometer with calorie counter provides a completely accurate tally of its user’s steps and burned calories, many fitness experts argue that the device is an excellent motivational tool. Some research has suggested that those who wish to improve their fitness level and opt to wear a pedometer may be likely to take more daily steps than those who wish to become fitter but do not wear the device. Therefore, it may be beneficial to wear a pedometer with calorie counter, but to regard its readings as approximations rather than exact measures.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-pedometer-with-calorie-counter.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.