Pedometers have had many names during the course of history, such as calibrated odometer, manpo-kei, hike-o-meter, Tomish-meter, and step counter. These devices have existed since ancient times, but have not always been just a tool for people who want to stay healthy and physically active.
The first to apparently have used pedometers were the early Romans. Back then they used the device to measure distances that were necessary for military or civilian purposes and not to stay healthy and active. The great painter Leonardo da Vinci also saw that pedometers can be used for military purposes and even had Roman soldiers carrying this device depicted in his paintings.
Later on the third president of the USA, Thomas Jefferson, saw the potential. He obtained his first pedometer from France, but it is still not certain if he had it modified or not. Nonetheless, the device was then known as a Tomish-meter and it worked by a swinging pendulum.
After that the device became popular and then was marketed throughout the United States. The name then changed to hike-o-meter. There was also a Japanese version of this, known as the manpo-keis which was then marketed starting in 1965. The literal translation of the Japanese pedometer is 10,000 step meter.
Early pedometers were constructed differently than modern versions, which are now digital or can be integrated into various electronic devices. Before modern day devices, pedometers were made of lead balls that would swing like a pendulum and the striking would be the count. This was not accurate, unlike today’s pedometers which are very precise.
Before pedometers became a common phenomenon, they were first used to measure distances covered by runners. Sportsmen would not be found practicing without these back then, for they were important tools in their athletic activities. Now, pedometers are mainly used for recording the number of steps. This is due to the fact that walking has been widely accepted as a good form of exercise. One no longer needs to do strenuous activities to consider him exercising, because a brisk and recorded walk will do for the minimum.
Those who are too weak to participate in physical activities like exercise still are not exempt from needing it daily. Pedometers can help since they keep track of what is done each day. People with diabetes or chronic disease will also benefit from using a pedometer as a tool to keep fit.
From measuring distances to staying healthy, the pedometer has indeed evolved from a simple tool to a healthy aid. They may have been a lot of names, they may have been used differently, but one thing is for sure. The pedometer will not count its days for it will stay for a long, long time.
