The emergence of the 10 thousand steps theory predetermined the popularity of applications that help users count how many steps they have walked in a day. There have been numerous studies showing that people who walk 10,000 steps a day are healthier, have lower cholesterol levels and are less prone to heart disease. However, followers of the theory often miss the fact that walking slowly will not do anything for your health. You need a quick step that significantly increases your heart rate. That's why it's best to only take the meter into account when you're walking or jogging.
In general, software pedometers work no worse than smartwatches such as the Apple Watch or fitness trackers like the Mi Band. The measurement accuracy is close to 99%. If you have a treadmill, use it to test it out or just go for a walk with your smartphone in your pocket. Once you get home, compare the distance traveled using Google Maps. So, here are the best pedometers for Android, which seem to hint that it’s time to take a walk.
Step Counter Pedometer
Step Counter from Leap Fitness is a pretty nice pedometer with good functionality and an interface in Russian. Working with it begins with setting a task for the day. Then you can see reports on the average number of steps taken per day, the total number for different periods of time, and the number of calories burned.
For calculations, not GPS data is used, but smartphone sensors. This means that the phone will sit down more slowly. Step Counter also has a function that reminds you to drink a glass of water to replenish your body's daily fluid intake. The application is free, but it displays advertising, which can be turned off for 180 rubles.
The best pedometer apps for Android
The top best pedometers included only those applications that received the highest user ratings. There is a selection of videos with reviews from people who have tried these programs.
Moves
Moves is a free application with a high rating and advanced functionality. It was created specifically for smartphones with the Android operating system equipped with GPS and an accelerometer. The program calculates your walking speed and also, based on the data obtained, calculates the number of calories burned.
When installing and launching the application for the first time on a mobile device, you must read the “Privacy Policy” and accept the “Terms of Use”. You can enter the application by creating a new profile or logging in to the social network Facebook. After this, you will have access to the full functionality of the software. The program not only acts as a step counter, but also builds a route.
With this application you will always know how many calories you burned.
Runtastic Pedometer
Runtastic Pedometer counts steps, determines distance traveled, correlating this with calories burned.
Other software functions:
- sound notifications about incoming calls;
- intelligent sleep control;
- unlocking the screen of a mobile device;
- alarm.
All changes that occur are recorded in a diary, where the user can monitor their own progress.
Mi Fit
This American-made software requires a connection to GPS. To authorize, you need to log into your Mi account or a social network account linked to Google.
The next step after launching the software is to create a task for the coming day. This can be any number of steps that the user is going to take in a day.
Additional options:
- chat messaging;
- energy saving;
- monitoring heart rate and sleep duration.
The main disadvantage of the program is insufficient Russification. There may also be synchronization problems with some mobile devices.
Accupedo Pedometer
Using the Pedometer, a person can receive information about how active he remained throughout the day. There is a function for creating a special task with setting the time for its completion. In the settings you can set the time for the application to automatically turn on. The signal is transmitted unhindered even when the smartphone is in a bag or pocket. When the software is in standby mode, the phone's charge is consumed slightly.
In the application you can view statistics for 1 day, week, month and even a year. In the “History” tab you can set the sports mode.
Press the start button and you're done.
Noom Walk Pedometer
This software is quite easy to use - to turn it on, you just need to press the start button and carry your mobile device with you throughout the day. To operate it, you only need a G-sensor, so you can use it even in places where there is no mobile connection. The application runs in energy saving mode.
Endomondo
The software is suitable for people who want to be productive. The incentive is that the user can compete with other people participating in the program and setting similar goals. The application will not only calculate the distance traveled, but also report the speed of walking and running, while the route can be thought out and set using maps in advance. The software is suitable not only for runners, but also for cyclists and skateboarders.
For convenience, the user can exercise using a ready-made training program. The application consumes a fairly large amount of electricity; additional options are available for a fee.
Pacer
The software was created specifically for people involved in fitness. It allows you to calculate the distance traveled and calories burned, as well as monitor your weight. Counting begins immediately after downloading and launching the program on your smartphone.
You need to configure the sensitivity of the application in advance. For its continuous operation, you need to add the software to the list of allowed ones on your device. Using the GPS signal, you can create schedules for daily jogging and sports.
Google Fit
Google Fit is Google's answer to Apple Health. Google Fit not only works as a “hub” that receives information from various fitness apps, but also collects its own data. Just install the application and log in using your Google profile. After this, the pedometer function will start automatically.
There is also a calorie counter and a Move Minutes metric. The latter shows all the time you are active throughout the day. Depending on its readings, Google Fit gives you Heart Points (points are earned by any activity that increases your heart rate). Google actively collaborated with the American Heart Association to develop the latest metric. The interface has been translated into Russian.
In Move Minutes, minutes only count when you walk more than 30 steps per minute. That is, normal movements around the house will not be taken into account. Likewise, Heart Points are earned when you walk or run. All this is done by Google Fit - one of the best pedometers for Android. Other features include journaling and goal setting for Move Minutes.
Pedometer for phone
Elena, 01/04/2016
What is a pedometer on a phone?
If you have ever flipped the image on your phone screen, then your smartphone has an accelerometer. And if there is an accelerometer, then you can download the pedometer application and monitor the number of steps taken. What is a pedometer for, what is it on a phone, what are they and where to look for them?
Pedometer apps record movements using the accelerometer integrated into the smartphone. The principle of operation is based on recording oscillatory movements, which are captured by a tiny microcircuit that records acceleration. Many apps have the ability to fine-tune the sensitivity of the accelerometer. The application uses data received from GPS satellites to determine the location of the device on the ground. Smartphone applications can work autonomously, through authorization through registration or through an account on a social network.
How to choose a pedometer for your phone
Smartphone apps offer designs and features to suit every taste and need. Some will like the laconic design with a minimum of useful information, while others will like the interface from the “all-inclusive” series. The simplest programs offer a minimum number of functions and require turning on before training and turning off after it ends. In addition to the pedometer, multifunctional applications offer a wide range of additional functions and capabilities.
Most developers follow the path of simplifying the interface. Complex multi-factor algorithms are hidden behind simple graphic icons. You can select a pedometer for your phone, download it for free or download a paid version of the program in the application store.
Depending on the operating platform of the device, the application can be downloaded:
- for Android devices - in Android App Stores, Samsung Galaxy Apps, Yandex Store,
- for mobile devices with the Windows operating system - in the Windows Phone application store,
- for Apple gadgets (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch) - in the App Store in iTunes.
You can download a pedometer to your phone for free in Russian, or choose a program with a non-Russian interface. Pedometer utilities are usually simple and intuitive, even without translation. Most often, users choose pedometers by entering the search query “pedometer” or “pedometer” and then relying on pictures that depict footprints, a symbolic image of a walking human figure, or sneakers. A review of the pedometer and user reviews will help you navigate the features of the program.
Pedometer for phone - paid or free?
Before you download a pedometer to your phone for free or buy an application for your smartphone, you need to make a list of requirements for the program. Based on specific criteria, choosing is much easier.
The most basic pedometer apps simply count steps and time. More complex programs offer data on distance traveled, speed, and calorie consumption. Even more functional applications can automatically synchronize statistics with network archives, exchange information with social networks, track geolocation coordinates, and count heart rate. The application will work at its best if you synchronize it with an external pedometer or heart rate monitor.
Runtastic is one of the leading developers of proprietary software and sports gadgets. The Runtastic Pedometer Step Counter Lite phone pedometer is one of several dozen fitness apps in the company’s line. The utility is distributed free of charge, has a Russified interface, counts steps, calories, distance, speed, and offers a comparison of results.
Runtastic is one of the pioneers in both the development of gadgets and the development of sports software. The Runtastic Pro version, for example, is used by millions of athletes around the world, and that’s quite enough. The only thing you may need to add to the load is a connected heart rate monitor.
Looking for an inexpensive chest strap? — Pay attention to Nexx!
There are also more advanced models: Mio Global optical heart rate monitors.
Also, a new product from Mio - the Mio Slice bracelet - acts as an optical fitness heart rate monitor, and as a pedometer and activity tracker. It is also noteworthy that an individual system for assessing the effectiveness of loads has been developed for the gadget - PAI, or personal activity index.
The iHealth phone pedometer, unlike narrow-profile software products, is a multifunctional application from the company’s innovative line that collects and processes a huge amount of health data.
The Ihealth pedometer gadgets themselves are no longer on sale. This is probably due to the fact that the company was acquired by Xiaomi, and now both scales and blood pressure monitors are remade under the Chinese brand. By the way, Xiaomi also has its own mega-popular tracker-pedometer with an optical heart rate sensor - Xiaomi mi Band 2.
Pedometer apps are the perfect combination of digital technology and physical activity. With their applications and gadgets, developers strive to introduce as many people as possible to an active and healthy lifestyle. Pedometer apps support dozens of languages and cover a wide range of training activities.
We also recommend reading a large selection of applications: Pedometers for Android .
-10% discount on pedometers in the MedGadgets catalog using promo code 10FOOT .
To activate a promotional code, enter it in the cart when placing an order on the website. The promo code is valid until 12/31/18
Tags app, smartphone, pedometer
Fitbit
Did you know that the Fitbit app for the smart bracelet of the same name can be used without it? If you enable the MobileTrack function, it will work perfectly with just your phone.
What's so special about Fitbit? Firstly, it has a very nice interface. Secondly, it has very rich functionality. You can, for example, take part in numerous competitions or keep a workout record and food diary. You can also turn on the “Adventure” mode, where your walks will be compared with the length of certain routes. For example, with a hike in Yosemite National Park.
Accupedo
The special feature of Accupedo Pedometer is its widget, which always shows the number of steps taken. The widget can also be customized to show distance traveled, minutes spent, calories and other information. The countdown starts automatically after you take ten steps. So trips from the room to the bathroom or kitchen will not be counted. When the counting starts, you will receive a notification.
How does a pedometer work on a phone?
A mobile pedometer will only work if the phone has a position sensor (accelerometer). There are several ways to check support for the relevant technology (here are detailed instructions). The first option is to open Settings. If they have the ability to automatically change the screen position, then there is an accelerometer sensor. The second option is to look at the technical specifications of the mobile device, where the manufacturer must indicate all supported sensors.
Now all that remains is to install an application that will track every change of the phone in space in order to interpret rhythmic vibrations as steps. Subsequently, the statistics will be saved and processed, and the user will be able to obtain information about the number of steps taken and distance.
Runtastic Steps
Runtastic offers a range of apps focused on health and fitness. There are separate options for counting steps, keeping statistics for jogging, cycling and sleep cycles. All Runtastic apps communicate with each other and are compatible with Google Fit.
Runtastic Steps will count active minutes spent walking, the number of steps, and calories burned. There is a setting for daily goals. The cost of Runtastic Premium starts from 180 rubles per month. The free version is good enough, but it's better to invest in premium. The paid version will open up many new features, such as determining routes, diet planning, keeping a food diary and much more.
Mi fit
This application is related to Xiaomi fitness products. It helps to synchronize the results obtained during the operation of these devices and monitor their activity via a smartphone. But the use of fitness bracelets is not a prerequisite for counting physical activity.
Mi fit is a very feature-rich application. It tracks not only the number of steps, calories and time spent, but also all life activities, including sleep. The program is great for those who monitor their health or lose weight.
- Worldwide chat for sharing results;
- Takes good care of the battery;
- Displays data accurately;
- Lots of features.
- Not completely Russian interface;
- Quite long synchronization.
Pedometer
Pedometer includes a standard set of pedometers: a counter for calories burned, time spent walking, and average walking speed. Pedometer also displays information in the form of visual graphs, taking into account your gender and weight, and can give useful recommendations for burning calories. Unlike other apps, Pedometer will only start counting steps when you start the countdown yourself. If you want to use a pedometer not only while walking, but throughout the day, then it is better to choose some other application.
Pedometer puts a very low load on the smartphone's battery and offers a choice of several themes for interface design. For greater savings, you can set the start and end times of the program in advance. If necessary, you can adjust the sensitivity of the sensors to calibrate the distance calculation when you ride a bike or car.
Why does the pedometer show incorrect data? Calibration
An error in the data causes the accelerometer to malfunction. On some smartphones it is calibrated manually:
- Go to " Settings ".
- Open " Accessibility ".
- Click on " Acceleration sensor and gyroscope ".
- Place your phone horizontally and tap on “ Calibration ”.
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Work in the background
If the app doesn't count steps correctly:
- Go to "Settings" .
- Go to “Applications” - “All applications” .
- Find and open the pedometer card.
- Open "Manage Permissions" .
- In "Work in the background" set "Allow work in the background" .
Pacer App
Pacer App is an application from the Pacer Health developer, which is not just a step counter, but a multifunctional weight loss assistant. When you first start, you will need to indicate your age, gender and weight. After that, to motivate yourself, you can set your own goals or use ready-made templates from the developer. Along with statistics, you can view your personal trends in weight, steps, and calories to get a better idea of how quickly you're moving towards your goal.
Measurement error
The main thing you need to understand is that an online pedometer or a regular mechanical one will never give you the exact number of steps you have taken. The fact is that such devices have a certain algorithm in the program that determines the position of a person in space. No algorithm can guarantee a 100% match. Most likely, in the future such high-precision devices will be created that can recognize every step.
However, do not think that a pedometer is a useless device. After all, there is a difference between 4,000 steps and 15,000 steps with an error of a couple of hundred. Therefore, using a pedometer to monitor your activity is a smart decision.
The most accurate measurement occurs during fast walking or running. When we are inactive, the device can count extra steps.
Your device must have a built-in accelerometer, GPS module or gyroscope. Otherwise, you will not be able to use the online pedometer.
GPS error
MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is a very popular all-in-one health and fitness app. The app has a large community of users who regularly share tips with other members. It's also compatible with a wide range of third-party services, including many listed in this review, so you can easily import data from them into MyFitnessPal.
In addition to tracking distance traveled, MyFitnessPal includes one of the largest nutrition libraries with detailed ingredient breakdowns. After all, it’s not enough to just take 10,000 steps. You also need to eat right, getting the required amount of macronutrients. Use the built-in barcode scanner to find out the vitamins and macronutrients in the foods you typically buy.
Samsung Health
If you have a Galaxy Watch, then you've probably already used Samsung's S-Health app. But even if you don't have a Galaxy Watch or Samsung smartphone, S-Health is still a great fitness app with a built-in pedometer feature. As with most other similar programs, immediately after installation you will be asked to enter your weight, gender, height and other data.
As soon as you specify them, the application will automatically start counting steps. By default, you will have a goal of 10,000 steps, however, you can set any other value. The application also calculates the total distance traveled per day and the number of calories burned, calculates the time spent sleeping, water consumption, food consumption and much more. Although S-Health is pre-installed on most Samsung smartphones, it can be downloaded by any Android user from the Play Store, and for free.
Accuracy of measurements and how to hold the phone when measuring steps
The accuracy of the steps taken depends on the calibration and sensitivity of the sensors, for which the manufacturer is responsible. If we compare the indicators on a budget and flagship smartphone, the first may show an error of 30% or more.
Another factor is the mounting of the device: a phone suspended on a lanyard will record vibrations differently than a device hidden in a pocket. Steps can count toward:
- jumping;
- sudden movements of the smartphone;
- strong taps on the screen while using or playing games;
- vibrations from the car when driving over a hole or speed bump.
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The only rule for using a pedometer on your phone is to keep the device close to your body. Put your smartphone in your pants pocket and secure it to your arm or leg using the sports case. If you place the device in the pocket of a sweatshirt, jacket, or backpack, the measurement accuracy will be poorer.
Note! The position of the smartphone does not affect the accuracy of the results.
Zombies, Run!
What better way to motivate yourself to burn calories than by convincing yourself that your life depends on it? Zombies, Run! Already downloaded by more than a million users. Just plug in your headphones and follow the instructions (in English) as you run around and complete various missions in a post-apocalyptic world overrun with the living dead.
This is great motivation for those who want to make running more fun. As soon as you stop, you will immediately feel the dead breath behind you and hear the screams of zombies. Be careful because the presence is quite strong. Zombies will chase you depending on the set speed mode. The Pro version includes over 300 different missions that become available as you complete previous levels.
Argus
Argus is a feature-rich health and fitness tracker. Walking alone will not guarantee good health. They give effect only in combination with other actions. Argus does an excellent job of not only counting steps, but can do much more. For example, it tracks your overall activity, counts calories and monitors sleep cycles.
There's a built-in exercise guide and even a barcode scanner to help you track your calorie intake. There is also its own social network with millions of active users with whom you can consult or just chat. The program is free, however, for advanced functionality, including, for example, exercises for home, you will have to pay $3 per year.
ViewRanger
Not so much a pedometer as a useful app for tourists. ViewRanger knows hundreds of thousands of tourist routes around the world, each of which is rated by millions of service users. Headed outside for a run but can't figure out a route? Launch ViewRanger by specifying the desired route length and difficulty. After this, the service will select suitable options.
This program is an excellent guide. When used with Augmented Reality, it will give useful tips on where to go next. An excellent option for those who are not so much obsessed with counting every step, but want to enjoy nature and fresh air more. The application supports Android Wear. GPS data is used to maintain movement statistics.
