Move Those Feet!

From PBS:

“If you want to know not just the number of steps you’ve taken, but the distance as well, you can calibrate a pedometer. The simplest way is to wear it while walking a known distance, such as once around a quarter-mile track, at your normal walking speed. Then multiply that number of steps by four, and you know your typical number of steps per mile. (For greater accuracy, you should walk a full mile-four times around the track). Now, anytime you want to estimate the distance you’ve walked, just divide the total number of steps you’ve taken by your “steps per mile” calibration. Keep in mind it’s just an estimate, because the length of your stride increases as you walk faster. So, on faster walks you’ll be underestimating the distance somewhat, and on slower walks you’ll overestimate a bit.

“Some pedometers allow you to enter your step length (based on a calibration walk) and they will calculate your walking distance automatically. Fancier models will even estimate the calories you burn if you enter your body weight as well. But don’t count on these calorie estimates to be particularly accurate, given the wide variation of fitness levels and personal physiology of individuals.”

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