Frequently Asked Pedometer Questions
I can hear something moving inside my pedometer, is that normal?
Yes. Your pedometer has an internal movement mechanism that contains a suspended lever arm. It moves up and down as you move. You'll also notice that the lever arm will count steps when you shake or move the pedometer. That, too, is normal.
My pedometer doesn't seem to be counting steps properly; what should I do?
The most common cause of a pedometer not counting steps accurately is incorrect placement. Read the section of your instructions entitled "Helpful Notes on Measurement."
How does a pedometer know how far I've gone?
A pedometer multiplies the number of steps that you take by the stride length that you entered and divides that number by 5280, which is the number of feet in a mile. Therefore, it is important to enter an accurate stride length. If you don't, your distance measurement will not be accurate.
What is my stride length?
Stride length is the distance from the toe of the forward foot to the toe of the back foot, or you could also think of it as from the heel of the forward foot to the heel of the back foot.
How do I calibrate my walking pace?
Walking pace or speed varies quite a bit, depending on stride length, terrain or walking surface, and even ones own physical condition, age and sex. Be sure to remember that your own personal situation will affect your speed. But if you want to know what pace is "average", here are some guidelines:
On average, women walk at 3 miles per hour. That is 20 minutes per mile, on reasonably flat terrain for the average woman. At this pace, the average woman should be able to easily carry on a conversation, but be breathing a bit heavier than when strolling.
For the average man, the speed is a little quicker at 3.5 miles per hour, mainly due to their longer legs and thus longer stride length. Also, men typically have more muscle mass, which increases speed because it is muscles which do the work to move the body.
My display appears to be scratched, is there anything I can do about it?
There is a very thin piece of plastic film that covers the display label. It protects the display label during assembly at the factory. It can be removed.
My pedometer went through the washing machine. What should I do?
Remove the battery and let the unit dry out for at least 24 hours. Then replace the battery with a new one and see if it will work. Sometimes they can survive a trip through the washing machine, but it is not recommended! The heat from the dryer may ruin the electronic parts of your pedometer.
My display shows irregular segments or my display is stuck on a number; what should I do?
If an unusual segment or half segment is displayed or if the display gets stuck, you need to perform a self-test. It's easy to do. Simply hold down all of the buttons for about 5 seconds. Then, when the display goes blank remove your fingers from the buttons. Your display will show 88888 and then 0. If that fails to solve the problem, you can reset the display by removing the battery and replacing it with the same battery. If the display still doesn't work properly, you may have broken the liquid crystal display. If that is the case, you'll need to purchase a replacement pedometer.
Will my pedometer count steps if I have the door open (in a horizontal plane) when I am wearing it?
No, your pedometer needs to remain level and vertical to work properly, so the door needs to be closed.
Will my pedometer work properly if it is in my pocket?
No, again, your pedometer needs to remain level and vertical to work properly.
Will my pedometer work if I run?
Yes, your pedometer works for both walking and running, but you will need to enter a stride length that corresponds to your pace. If you are running, you need to enter your running stride length; if you are walking, you need to enter your walking stride length. If you don't, the distance meter will not be accurate.
If I am wearing a dress, how can I wear it?
You could wear it on your pantyhose or underwear, but it would be best to turn the pedometer so that the clip faces the outside and the pedometer itself is against your skin. If you don't, it may not be held firmly enough to count properly.
Can two people share the same pedometer?
Yes, but each will need to program in his/her own stride length for his/her distance to be calculated accurately.
Do I need to reset it or turn it off at night?
You'll need to press the RESET button either in the evening after removing it or in the morning so that it starts at 000.
If I break the clip can it be repaired?
A clip repair kit is available should you break the clip on your pedometer. Email us for details.
If your question was not answered, please don't hesitate to contact us with additional questions (phone: 919-287-7000 or email: info@beactivenc.org).
Frequently Asked Active Steps Questions
How many steps should I take in a day?
10,000. However, one might not be doing this now, but this should be the goal.
How many steps should an adolescent take in a day?
11,000-13,000, one might not be what you are doing now, but it should be the goal.
How do I increase the number of steps I take?
- Park in the parking spot farthest from where you are going
- Play with your kids
- Walk your dog or the neighbor’s dog
- Push mow your grass
- Walk while you talk on the phone
- Walk to your coworkers office instead of calling or e-mailing
- When waiting, walk
- Walk while cleaning your house
- Walk to the store, post office, or work.
- Avoid drive-thru windows, get out and walk in.
- When you have a meeting, walk while you talk.
What should I wear?
A walker can walk anywhere at any time, so the only important article of clothing is your shoes. They should be supportive athletic shoes.
