A pedometer is a small electronic device that is used to count how many steps a person is taking. It is mostly used by fitness enthusiasts to help them keep track of their exercise goals, and by people looking to lose weight and become more active. Experts recommend taking around 10,000 steps per day to improve physical fitness. Since it is basically impossible to keep mental track of how many steps a person walks in an average day, a pedometer becomes the only way to record such information.

A basic pedometer consists of a mechanical sensor which counts steps by taking into consideration how much the body shakes. A pedometer can sense the vibrations of the feet hitting the pavement or the movement of your hips, and use this to move the counter forward. Simply shaking the pedometer will get you the same result, even if you don't move, which shows how the device works. A software application inside the pedometer keeps track of the number of steps. More advanced models can also convert steps into miles or kilometers, calculate calories burned, tell you the time, and can even include mp3 player.

To be able to measure correctly, a pedometer should be worn straight and vertically, preferably attached to your belt. This will help the device identify the movements correctly and keep accurate track of how many steps you take. There is currently no pedometer in the market that is 100 percent accurate, but more expensive models such as the ones produced by Nike Sports are close to the mark. Wearing the pedometer correctly also improves its performance. Despite what many companies would like to believe, none of the pedometers currently in the market can measure accurately if placed in a pocket or your backpack.

Some companies are now producing pedometers that are integrated with personal electronic devices such as cell phones, CD player, and mp3 players. This still requires the user to attach the device to his or her body, plus the purchase of additional items such as shoe sensors. The technology is too new for experts to decide their accuracy.