Working With the iPod nano Pedometer to Keep Track of Your Workout

The latest iPod nano (6th generation) has some iPhone features incorporated into it as well as new options for iPod enthusiasts. These features include a touch screen, a radio tuner, and a Fitness app for workouts. Within the Fitness app is a pedometer that keeps track of each step you take throughout the day, the estimated calorie count, and the totals for each day, week, and month.

Starting and Using the Pedometer Option on the iPod nano

The pedometer icon is a bright red Nike+ icon labeled “Fitness” on the home screen of the iPod nano. Tap it and you have the option to open “Walk” (the pedometer), “Run” (to choose a run with accompanying music) or “History.” Tap the “Walk” menu option to open the pedometer screen.

A large orange “Start” button is shown. Tap “Start” to initiate the pedometer function. That’s all it takes to begin. Clip the pedometer to a part of your clothing and start walking. After walking a few steps, look at the iPod screen again. Notice the number of steps you’ve taken is shown, and the number of calories burned are shown, if you’ve actually burned any yet.

Two thousand steps are approximately one mile, and one mile burns approximately 100 calories. As you keep walking throughout the day, the pedometer keeps track of your progress, and the estimated number of calories is shown on the dashboard. (However, if you are going to be sitting still for periods of time it is a good idea to re-charge the iPod so that you have enough juice to get you through your day.)

After you are finished for the day, you don’t even need to write down your progress, because the iPod nano keeps track of your daily, weekly and monthly steps. Tap “Stop” to stop the pedometer. When you tap “Start” again, the pedometer starts over at zero. However, your old progress is still recorded in the history.

Considerations when Using the iPod nano Pedometer

The pedometer must be clipped to you at all times to work, so the calories burned throughout the day are an estimate. If you forget to clip the pedometer to you, you probably burned more calories than what is shown in the progress screen.

The other consideration is that the calories estimated for each mile depends on your body. Some people might actually burn more calories than what is shown. For some people, fewer calories are burned. You also burn more calories if you run versus walking a mile, because your heart rate is higher.

Before you choose any workout procedure, always consult a physician. Anyone with any heart conditions or respiratory issues should consult a doctor before raising the body’s heart rate. With the permission of a doctor and a regular workout schedule, the pedometer can help you keep track of your weight loss goals.