Pedometer Safety Leash

If you wear your pedometer on your waistband, you have probably had it slip off. Usually this happens in the worst time and place -- the restroom. Now you are scrabbling on a not-so-clean floor for it and wondering just how "water resistant" your pedometer is as you want to give it a good scrubbing.

A pedometer safety leash provides extra security that it will stay attached rather than hitting the floor or slipping away unnoticed. Some pedometers come with a leash, while with others you need to buy it separately or make one yourself.

The most common type of pedometer leash uses an alligator clip for attaching to your waistband. This can be made of metal or plastic. A lanyard cord then attaches to your pedometer, usually suggesting you use a larks head knot.
How to Make a Larks Head Knot

Some pedometer leashes have a quick-release clip on the lanyard so you can detach the pedometer without releasing the alligator clip from your waistband.

The safety leash may have an O-ring of a thinner cord for attaching to the pedometer. This is necessary for some pedometers that have small holes to thread the leash through.

If your pedometer didn't come with a leash and you don't want to order one (or need something for immediate security while waiting for your order to arrive), you can make one yourself. A safety pin will work in place of an alligator clip, but you might be able to scavenge an alligator clip or buy one at a craft store.

Use any cord or string.

Knot the cord to form a loop.

Attach one end to the alligator clip or safety pin. A larks head knot works best.

Attach the other end to your pedometer using a larks head knot. The best place to attach it is usually around the built-in clip on the pedometer -- the thing you don't trust to stay attached to your waistband.

Now pin or clip the safety leash to your waistband each time you wear your pedometer.

My Nikon pocket cameras come with a carrying cord. I have several extra as I seem to drop and break my camera at the rate of once per year. It has a thinner O-ring at one end, perfect for attaching to the pedometer. All I needed was a safety pin and larke head knot at the other end.

Leashes make sense with waistband-clipped pedometers, but what about pocket pedometers? I feel very insecure with them, especially because many of them cost extra due to their advanced accelerometer mechanisms.

Even more challenging, many of them are round and smooth and there is no obvious way to put a leash on it. Unless they come with a detachable clip, you are out of luck in leashing them.

If there is a way to attach a leash, do so and then pin or clip it to your pocket opening. Then you won't lose it unnoticed as you walk throughout the day. Also, it is one more clue that you need to take the pedometer out of your pocket at the end of the day rather than sending it through the laundry.

If you carry your pocket pedometer in a purse or pack, it is wise to use a security leash to attach it to a loop or keyholder so you don't lose it. It will also make it easier to locate to read your step count throughout the day.