A step-o-meter or step counter does just what it says, it counts the number of steps that you take each day. It has no fiddly buttons, you don’t need to work out how long your stride is and it won’t tell you the time or how many calories you have used – if that is what you need to know – then buy yourself a pedometer, but what it will do is count your steps.

A step-o-meter just fits on the waistband of your trousers or skirt and each time you move your hip to walk a step, then it records that movement as a step. Try it out, walk across the room counting your steps and see if your total matches the one on your step-o-meter. If it doesn’t then try moving your step-o-meter to your other hip, making sure it is located right above the hip joint.

A Step counter will tell you when you have done the recommended number of steps each day and if you are a reasonably fit adult that will be 10,000. If you wish to start a walking plan especially if you are overweight then try Step One .

Counting your steps can be fun

• Write down each day the total number of steps you have taken in a notebook
• At the end of the week work out your total number of steps for that week
• 10,000 steps is about 5 miles so convert your steps to miles
• Plot them on a map – somewhere you would like to go
• Each week mark on your miles to see how far you have walked
• Set yourself a goal – for instance aim to “step” across a state or county

You will be surprised at how quickly the miles add up.

A good idea for a family wanting to get fit is to have a map that shows how far each person has “stepped”, granny and /or the children can all join in

You can walk outside or walk on a treadmill either way you still count steps. Most important do remember to put on your step-o-meter as soon as you get up and don’t take it off until you go to bed – every step counts!

Enjoy your walking!