On test: a calorie-counting pedometer

Now it's easy to keep track of how many calories you're burning while you walk. By Karen O'Grady

Do you know how many calories you burn during an average day's activity? For those that like to keep a close eye on calorie consumption, it will be welcome news to discover a pedometer that not only counts steps, but also calculates the number of calories burned while walking or jogging.

Alongside the step counter, the Pedometer Plus by Silva allows you to track calories burned and distance walked, either in kilometres or miles. The recommended government guideline for number of steps in one day is 10,000. This roughly equates to a distance of 7km, burning approximately 400 calories.

How does it work?

To register every step the pedometer uses a built-in pendulum. The ideal place to attach the pedometer is on the waistband of clothing or on a belt close to the hip. Measuring just 52 x 50 x 22 (mm) and weighing 32g the pedometer is extremely lightweight and it's easy to forget it's there at all. For added security, there is a cord attachment included which will securely fasten your pedometer to clothing, however I found the clip to be strong, and didn't need to use this.

 
Setting the pedometer can be a little tricky if you haven't used one before, however a close look at the instructions will remedy this. You will need to set your 'stride length' body weight and whether you would like distance to be measured in miles or kilometres. Once this vital information has been set, it's actually very simple to use the pedometer. Steps are automatically counted when you walk (there must be six steps taken in a row without stopping) and then a press of a button shows you how far you have travelled and how many calories you've used.

The technical specs

The pedometer weighs 32g and takes a L1142/LR43battery (included). The gadget is always on, since its background power consumption is extremely low.

 

What's the best thing about it?

Being able to see calories burned when walking is extremely motivating. Counting steps can feel a little abstract, whereas seeing a calorie total alongside your steps at the end of the day is a real bonus.

 

What's the worst thing about it?

Mastering the settings can take a little time, but it's definitely worth it, and once you've entered your individual details you don't need to do it again.

 

Anything else?

If you've never measured your steps before you may be surprised to discover how much walking you really do in a day, and how near, (or far!) this is to the recommended 10,000 steps. Even if you're not interested in calorie counting, this is a great way to measure your overall daily activity level.

 

How much does it cost?

£24.99. For stockists or to buy online please call 01506 406277 or visit www.silva.ltd.uk

 

Click here for a review of a pedometer pendant