A pedometer is a small electronic device, usually worn on the waist, which calculates the number of steps the wearer takes. The number of steps can be converted into distance traveled if the pedometer is programmed with the length of the walker's stride. Pedometers typically use one of three methods to calculate footsteps: piezo-electric accelerometers, coiled spring mechanisms, or hairspring mechanisms.
Users can track their daily activity levels via number of steps taken; 10,000 steps per day is a common goal for increased fitness and weight loss. Pedometers may also include other features such as clocks, timers, stopwatches, pulse rate readers, and calorie estimates. Pedometer watches and activity computers are related devices that help track activity levels.
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