Online Personal Training Blog

All About Pedometers

Pedometers have had many names during the course of history, such as calibrated odometer, manpo-kei, hike-o-meter, Tomish-meter, and step counter. These devices have existed since ancient times, but have not always been just a tool for people who want to stay healthy and physically active.

Perhaps the first use of pedometers can be dated back to the time of the early Romans. Steps were counted in order to measure distances, not for the purpose of the physical fitness of the Roman soldiers, but for whatever military and civil purposes that distance measurement may serve the Romans. Leonardo da Vinci also saw the possible military uses of a mechanical pedometer, and this was evident in his paintings, depicting Roman soldiers carrying such a device.

The third president American president, Thomas Jefferson, also saw potential and he acquired his first pedometer in France. It may not be known whether he had it modified or not, but he did introduce it to the people of the US. This particular pedometer was therefore called the Tomish-meter for a while and it operated with a swinging pendulum.

Since that time, the pedometer became even more popular and was then marketed around the US as a hike-o-meter. Later on there was a Japanese version developed by Y. Hatano. He marketed his pedometers for the first time in 1965 and these were called manpo-keis, which when translated into English means 10,000 steps meter.

Early pedometers were constructed differently than modern versions, which are now digital or can be integrated into various electronic devices. Before modern day devices, pedometers were made of lead balls that would swing like a pendulum and the striking would be the count. This was not accurate, unlike today’s pedometers which are very precise.

Before pedometers became a common phenomenon, they were first used to measure distances covered by runners. Sportsmen would not be found practicing without these back then, for they were important tools in their athletic activities. Now, pedometers are mainly used for recording the number of steps. This is due to the fact that walking has been widely accepted as a good form of exercise. One no longer needs to do strenuous activities to consider him exercising, because a brisk and recorded walk will do for the minimum.

For those who are weak or too overweight to take part of regular exercises, but nevertheless need exercise, pedometers are a great help since they track how much is being done. Diabetics and chronically ill people will quickly see the value of pedometers and their use as a tool to keep fit.

From measuring distances to staying healthy, the pedometer has indeed evolved from a simple tool to a healthy aid. They may have been a lot of names, they may have been used differently, but one thing is for sure. The pedometer will not count its days for it will stay for a long, long time.

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