Guest Author - Denise Howard, M.D., M.P.H.

I asked a certified personal Trainer to tell me his thoughts on the use of a pedometer. This seemed like a good idea for a gift. This is what Craig Harris, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer had to say about the Bodytronics’ proCAL Calorie Pedometer.

What is a pedometer?

• A tool to measure the number of steps an individual takes during a given time frame.
• Measuring tool to assist with charting one’s progress against targeted goals.
• Means to measure caloric output and assist with adjustments needed to caloric intake.
• Motivational tool to gage amount of time spent walking, as well as, distance walked.

Why use a pedometer?

You should consult your physician before undertaking an exercise program. Before starting your exercise journey, it is important to get the correct tools to facilitate the achievement of your personal fitness goals. Walking is one of the least expensive and most “bang” for your buck exercises that can be completed easily. I t only makes sense to find a tool to assist you with charting your progress. Pedometers are one of the simplest ways to for an individual to assess their efforts, record their progress and report your work to a trainer.

After two weeks of using the Bodytronics’ proCAL Calorie Pedometer, I strongly recommend it for use by individuals just starting a wellness program and athletes training for a specific sport.

First, it is important that fitness products should be easy to use right out of the box. Otherwise the product that you have spent your hard earned money on quickly becomes a paperweight. The Bodytronics’ proCAL Calorie Pedometer was extremely easy to setup and use. The instructions were easy to read and the device was easy to program which translated into a quick setup.

Next, I was surprised to find a well thought out walking program as part of the instructions. Additionally, Bodytronics’ has included a log for tracking your progress. I believe that logging your work is one of the most important parts of any wellness program.

During the test period I found the Bodytronic proCAL Calorie Pedometer to be unobtrusive, sturdy (I dropped it several times on different surfaces), and simple to integrate into my daily activities.

The Bodytronics’ proCAL Calorie Pedometer has enough features and functions to enable any individual to track the core metrics that are important to any exercise program.

• Steps taken
• Distance walked
• Duration of exercise
• Caloric expenditure

Devices that are overloaded with features and functions are often burdensome to use. Again, I found the Bodytronics’ proCAL Calorie Pedometer to be simple to use and effective.

At $24.95 the Bodytronics’ proCAL Calorie Pedometer is great value making it a perfect stocking stuffer for the holidays.

http://bodytronics.com/PROD/procal