Consumer Reports tests pedometers

Walking about four miles a day is touted as an ideal fitness goal. That’s about 10,000 steps. A pedometer can be an inexpensive incentive to help get you moving.  A Stanford University study reported that people who use a pedometer, walk about a mile more every day than those who don’t use one. If you’re ready to take the first step, which pedometer should you get?

Consumer Reports ’tested 10 conventional pedometers, three cell phone apps and three GPS watches to narrow down your choices. After logging close to 100 miles, counting more than 120,000 steps on a treadmill and climbing nearly 3,000 stairs, testers found several to recommend. The most elaborate are GPS watches. They use satellites to measure distance. They’re highly accurate outdoors. But for $200 to $300, they might be more than a typical walker really needs.

For a mere fraction of the cost, consider a conventional pedometer, which clips right onto your waistband. The Mio Trace pedometer is top rated and it costs $30. It’s easy to use and rated excellent for accuracy. It also has added features like a calorie counter, a stopwatch and a regular a watch.

Or, spend just $5 on this basic Sportline Step and Distance from Walmart, which rated very good for accuracy. Either can put you on the road to better health.

If you’re wondering about a cell phone app, Consumer Reports says two rated very good for accuracy and they’re easy to use. For Android phones, try the Accupedo pedometer widget. If you have an iPhone, testers liked the Pedometer Pro GPS Plus.  These both go for about $4.