Pedometer can result in more walking

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Using a pedometer can increase physical activity by about 2,000 steps daily that can make all the difference in weight loss, a U.S. pedometer maker says.

Jill Person, product manager at Omron Healthcare Inc., says the company's pocket pedometer uses dual-accelerometer technology to accurately counts steps when placed horizontally or vertically at the hip, in a pocket, handbag or backpack.

The Omron HJ-112 GOsmart Pocket Pedometer not only tracks steps but time, distance and calories as well as fat grams burned, Person says.

The pedometer also stores seven days of historical data, which allows for tracking a full week of exercise, Person says.

"At Omron, we want to empower Americans to achieve and maintain personal fitness goals by providing easy-to-use and accurate fitness products," Person says in a statement.

"The fresh start of a new year serves as the perfect time to set goals, start tracking steps and stay motivated with the HJ-112 so you can achieve your personal best."

A 2007 study by the Stanford School of Medicine showed that using a pedometer can increase physical activity by about 2,000 steps -- about 1 mile -- showing it can be a motivational tool that can push people to reach their exercise goals, Person says.