Discount Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer

I would agree with the bulk of the reviewers who have stated that this pedometer is accurate and functional; and I want to thank everyone who took the time to write about their pedometer experiences, as it really helped me to make my decision.

I've had a couple of other pedometers that just didn't seem to record steps accurately or consistently. With the Omron, the miles I walk tally with known distances of my routes, so this feature seems quite accurate.

You set it up out of the box by setting the current date and time, your stride length (in feet and inches), and your weight (this helps it to calculate calories burned). It's probably best not to attach too much weight (ha!) to the calorie reading, as I believe that's difficult to calculate, and I'm not sure the pedometer really knows how hard you're working on each of your steps. While it knows how fast you're going, it doesn't know if you are walking uphill or down, or carrying a load, for example.

A note on aerobic steps: if I am remembering the manual correctly, "aerobic steps" are counted when you walk at least ten minutes at a pace of at least 60 steps/minute. So you will not see the aerobic steps start to mount until after 10 minutes of non-stop activity. If you take off running for 8 minutes and then stop, you will still see 0 aerobic steps.

I followed the instructions to measure my stride. Definitely take 10 or more steps so you get something like an average stride in your measurement. I have over-estimated my stride length before by taking only 1-2 steps.

Other models require being clipped to a belt or waistband, and may even suggest that you clip them as close to the center of your body as you can. The Omron HJ-112 really does work in a purse, coat pocket, etc., so it is easy to wear every day without having a big bulge on your belt. I generally take it out of the clip-on-holder thingie and put it in my pants pocket.

I have needed to replace the batteries roughly every six months. Also, after almost two years of daily use, it started to misbehave (by intermittently not counting steps). I replaced it with another Omron HJ-112, though. Two years seemed fair to me.

Beware: it is possible for the pedometer to get reset in your pocket or purse, if something pushes on and holds the "reset" button. This has happened to me a couple of times: not often, but it's possible.

If you are trying the 10,000 steps/day plan, be aware that the pedometer resets to a new day at midnight (hence the clock), so get those steps in before you turn into a pumpkin!

Several of my friends, co-workers, and family members are now carrying around the Omron. Come, join the pedometer obsession!Get more detail about Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer.