On test: a pedometer that's a pendant

For counting your steps each day - and more. By Adrienne Wyper

Whether you're aiming to walk the recommended 10,000 steps a day, or taking part in our walk-your-way-to-fitness plan, or even if you're just curious about how much walking you really do in the course of daily life, a pedometer is what you need.

 

The Silva Ex3 Plus pedometer differs from most in that you can wear it round your neck on the cord provided, or put it in your pocket. This makes it easier to see what the readout reveals.

How does it work?

According to the instruction leaflet (offputtingly thick but that's only because it's in nine languages), the pedometer 'detects acceleration in each of the 3 axis and therefore the position/direction of the unit is not crucial as long as it is still and does not swing'. Which means that you don't have to wear it clipped to your waistband - hence the neck cord. So it's ideal if you're wearing a dress. Or when you get up in the morning, or after a bath. You don't have to wait to get dressed to count those steps. And you can also slip it into a pocket if you prefer.

As well as counting steps, it also measures calories burned - once you've entered your weight - and it has a seven-day memory so you can check a week's worth of walking. 

 

The technical specs

The pedometer weighs 20g and takes a lithium CR2032 battery (included). Also included is a tiny screwdriver for the battery cover. The gadget is always on, since its background power consumption is extremely low.

 

What's the best thing about it?

I like the fact that you don't have to wear it clipped to your waistband. It automatically positions the display to the right way up, whichever way you hold it. And the Step Barometer Function, which is a simple display of your daily steps average, is very encouraging!

 

What's the worst thing about it?

I'd prefer a neck cord that wasn't printed with 'Silva exercise 4 life', but you can string it on to a ribbon or cord of your own. I found it hard to reset its measurements from metric to imperial.

 

Anything else?

Before you go for the 10,000 a day, it's illuminating to wear it for several days to get an idea of your normal average daily total. On one day at home, although I expended a lot of energy digging in the garden, I only popped round the corner so my steps total was just 2,837. On a more active day (10-minute walk to bus stop; one-hour walk at lunchtime; 10-minute walk to restaurant, 20-minute walk to bar, 15-minute walk to cinema, 10-minute walk to bus stop) I racked up 8,846 steps.

 

How much does it cost?

£29.95. For stockists or to buy online please call 01506 406277 or visit www.silva.ltd.uk

 

Click here for a review of a clip-on pedometer