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Top Computer-Linked Pedometers

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 16, 2013

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Keep track of your walking steps, distance, calories burned and other data with these pedometers that can be downloaded to your computer or to a personal web site. You can view data charts and graphs and see how you are progressing to your goals. Those that link to a web site may have interactive features with other users or experts, and may or may not charge a subscription fee.

1. Fitbit One Activity Tracker

Fitbit OneCourtesy of Pricegrabber

Finding a computerized pedometer that works with both Mac and PC can be a challenge. The Fitbit not only does that, but it is tiny and works completely wirelessly and automatically. Then Fitbit added Bluetooth syncing to an iPhone app with the Fitbit One and Fitbit Zip models in 2012 and the Fitbit Flex Wristband in 2013. The sensor is unobtrusive when worn on your waistband. You can see your steps, distance, and calories burned on the pedometer. It uploads to your computer and onto the Fitbit web site whenever you are in range of your computer, or to a phone app with the One or Zip models. Online and on the app you can track you steps, calories burned, log your calories eaten, and share the info with friends. Best of all, there is no additional fee to use the web site, it's included in the price of the sensor. The Fitbit One and Fitbit Ultra also track your sleep quality and count the stairs you climb.

2. Nike+ FuelBand

Nike+ FuelBandWendy Bumgardner © 2012
I was rarely achieving enough steps per day during the work week until I put on the Nike+ FuelBand. Since I clasped it to my wrist, I made that goal every single day. I did a lot of hallway walking during the rainy season and circling the work campus in good weather. I found excuses to run documents to other buildings. Your mileage may vary, but I have to see the little FuelBand character do his happy dance each day when I make it to my goal. On the bracelet itself you can see steps, calories, time of day, and your NikeFuel total. It uploads via Bluetooth to an iPhone app or you plug it into a USB port to recharge and upload data. Online you can see graphs of your activity and view all of your achievement badges, engage in challenges, and more. It doesn't track specific workouts. But it does the trick to motivate me.

3. WalkingSpree

WalkingSpree Home ScreenWendy Bumgardner used with permission of WalkingSpree.com

WalkingSpree uses the Omron HJ-720IT pedometer to link you to their web site to track your walking data. They are US based and use imperial units (miles and pounds) vs. metric as you may see at Fitbug. With the basic Club Pack you get access to charts and graphs of your walking activity, the ability to track non-walking exercise, forums, blogs, and coaching tips. You can set up online walking clubs and buddies. If you also want to track you diet and nutrition and get expert advice from a personal trainer, you can purchase the Wellness Pack for an additional fee or monthly subscription. If you have a Mac, WalkingSpree has Mac and iPad compatible software (as well as Windows) while Omron has only Windows software.

4. Omron HJ-720 ITC Pedometer

Omron HJ-720ITC PedometerWendy Bumgardner © 2007

The Omron HJ-720ITC Pedometer Pedometer is the workhorse behind WalkingSpree, but can also be used as a stand-alone uploading pedometer. You can connect it via USB with a PC and tract your data on your own computer rather than uploading it to a web site. It tracks steps, distance and calories. With Omron's program, you don't have the range of features you get with WalkingSpree.

5. The Biggest Loser SLIMCOACH by MYTRAK

The Biggest Loser SLIMCOACHCourtesy of Pricegrabber
As seen on reality TV, this activity monitor uses a simple red-yellow-green display to show you how you are reaching your daily goal for steps and calories burned. Sync your data to the MYTRAK web site to get a detailed program for gradually increasing physical activity goals. The site also has diet planning and charting tools, including a variety of diets and daily menu plans, recipes, shopping list, etc. What's missing? I still prefer monitors that have a numerical display on the sensor.

6. iPod Nano

iPod nano 7th GenerationCourtesy of Pricegrabber

As of the fifth generation, the iPod nano includes a pedometer function. It's a built-in app that doesn't need anything extra, it works using the accelerometer already in the unit. While the GPS-powered pedometer apps for the iPhone suck battery power like a vampire, the iPod pedometer can work all day without being a big drain. You can just use it for walking workouts, if you remember to turn it on and off. You can explore your data on the iPod nano itself, or upload it to the Nikeplus.com web site when you sync your iPod. You only get readouts of steps and calories, no speed or distance. As of the 7th generation iPod nano, you can sync it to a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor.

7. Wahoo Fitness Stride Sensor

Wahoo Fitness Stride SensorCourtesy of Pricegrabber

This foot pod sensor transmits stride and speed data to any ANT+ compatible device. It is an advanced accelerometer that needs no calibration. There is a sensor key and apps available for the iPhone and iTouch. Most apps include speed, distance and calories. Apps should be available that also show step data. This device is only used for workouts, not for all-day step data.

8. Nike + iPod Sport Kit

Nike+ Sport Kit iPodWendy Bumgardner © 2006

The Nike + iPod Sport Kit comes with a shoe sensor and an adapter for your iPod nano, Touch, or iPhone 3GS or 4. It also is compatible with a Nike Sportband and Sportwatch. You can record and track your walking workout, get audible updates on your speed and distance, and view it all on the Nikeplus.com web site. The sensor is supposed to be used in the sole of Nike+ shoes, but there are various ways to attach it to other shoes.

9. Garmin Forerunner 10 and 110

Garmin Forerunner 10Courtesy of Pricegrabber
The Forerunner uses a GPS to get true distance and speed, although not really a pedometer in that you don't get a step count. It also works only outdoors unless you upgrade to versions that are compatible with an optional foot pod. The 110 version is compatible with an ANT+ chest strap heart monitor to also capture your heart rate data. With the basic 10 and 110 units, which sell for under $200, you get fewer training features than with their more expensive units.
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10. AllSportGPS for Smart Phones

AllSportGPSWendy Bumgardner ©
Turn your Blackberry or other compatible smart phones into a GPS mapping speedometer/odometer. View your speed and distance throughout your walk and see your route on a map in real time. Your data is automatically uploaded to a web site after your walk or run for viewing. You can choose to make your routes public or keep them private. You can add photos and text to illustrate your walking adventures. For the small fee, it is a full-featured product. The drawback is that is that this only tracks dedicated walks or runs, not total daily mileage. Like other GPS-based units, it doesn't count steps and you have to use it outdoors rather than indoors.

11. ActiPed Activity Monitor

ActiPedWendy Bumgardner © 2008

Clip the Actiped fitness monitor onto your shoe and it uploads data to your computer automatically, tracking steps, distance and calories. It uses a USB stick to make the wireless connection. The data lives on the ActiHealth web site and you can view it there in many ways. I didn't like the fact that there was no display on the unit itself, so you had to go online to see your current total. That doesn't seem like a good, steady motivator.

12. Nintendo DS Personal Trainer Walking

Nintendo DS Personal Trainer WalkingPhoto courtesy of Pricegrabber
This may be a good module to pick up for a young person who loves their Nintendo DS console but needs motivation to move more. You carry the pedometer in your pocket or clipped to your waisband. It has only a red/green light display, you have to upload it to the Nintendo DS to view your step count. The graphs on the console are nice for tracking daily steps and step patterns. But as an adult, I didn't enjoy the graphics or buy into the daily pattern concept. I far prefer sensors that have a step display, rather than the red/green light the Nintendo has. Otherwise, it is easy to underestimate steps per day and not reap the motivational benefits of using a pedometer.

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