Best Pedometers

The easiest and most fun ways to track your steps

When purchasing a pedometer you want to make sure you get one that’ll count your steps accurately, otherwise it’s not going to do you much good. Depending on your needs you might just want something basic that will count steps, distance, calories and more. If you’ve got a thing for high tech gear you might want a pedometer that’s integrated into other electronics or that can communicate with your MP3 player.

These are a few of the best:

Best for wearing almost anywhere (on your body)

• Omron HJ-112 Pedometer - This pedometer can be worn on a belt, in a pocket, clipped to a bra or anywhere else as long as the face or back sides aren’t parallel to the ground. It counts steps, distance and calories as well as judging walking and jogging steps differently. One of the best things about it is the clock automatically resets at midnight so you don’t have to remember to reset it each day. Plus users say it’s very precise. The only downfalls that have been noted are that it is bulky (which most pedometers are, although this one is a big larger than average) and it is easy to accidentally reset. Cost: $20 to $30.

• Nike + iPod Sports Kit - This kit includes a shoe sensor pedometer that communicates wirelessly with iPod’s Nano via a receiver that you plug into the MP3 player. Unfortunately they want you to buy specific pairs of Nike shoes that have built in pockets to hold the sensor, as well as a specific model of the iPod and use them together, so it could get very pricey. Only Nano iPods will work, which makes sense because they are Flash MP3 players and therefore not prone to skipping during strenuous activity.

• Sony Ericsson Walkman phones - These cell phones have almost all your fitness needs covered, with music storage, a pedometer that tracks steps, speed, distance and calories burned. Some come with a fitness headphone set and armband included. Something to think about if your cell phone is getting close to retirement.