FAQs: Pedometers

Walking 10,000 steps per day is widely recommended by professionals. And research shows that it is necessary to maintain a healthy active lifestyle.

Aiming for 10,000 steps per day is widely recommended by physicians, trainers and organizations such as Shape Up America. And, research shows that walking 10,000 steps per day is necessary to maintain a healthy active lifestyle.

Ten thousand steps is equivalent to about 5 miles. Click here for our step conversion chart. Most people average about 4,500 steps already in their normal day so getting to 10,000 might be easier than you think.

The unit accurately measures activity in your pocket, or anywhere you want to put it, including upper front pocket of a shirt, the front pocket of your pants or attached to your waist.

The unit may not measure your activity correctly in the following conditions:

  • The unit moves irregularly (when placed in a bag or when dangling from your waist)
  • Walking at an inconsistent pace (shuffling feet, wearing sandals or starting and stopping frequently
  • Up and down movement (standing up/sitting down, climbing up or down stairs, playing sports other than walking and running, engaged in an upper-body workout)
  • Vibrations from a moving vehicle
  • Walking slowly
  • Running or walking with the unit held in your hand.

Setting the date and time of your pedometer depends on which model you have. Click here to find the instruction manual for your specific model.

Measure your stride before setting up your pedometer. Measure the distance from START to END in inches. Calculate your stride length by dividing the total distance that you measured by 10 then divide that number by 12. Stride length = Total distance in inches ÷ 10 (# of strides) ÷ 12 (inches per foot).

For example:

Total distance (10 strides) = 320″
Stride length formula = 320″ ÷ 10 = 32″ (2′ 8″)

Conversion Chart

12 inches = 1 foot
24 inches = 2 feet
36 inches = 3 feet
48 inches = 4 feet

You can reset your pedometer in a few different ways depending on your model. Some units have a reset button on the back where you can insert a paper clip or small pin that will reset the system. Or, you may need to remove your battery and replace it again.

If you see the low battery indicator blinking on your display, immediately replace the battery otherwise the battery will stop counting. Use the screwdriver provided with your unit or other small screwdriver to remove the cover on the back of your device. Remove your battery with a thin stick, such as a toothpick; do not use anything metal. Replace with a new CR2032 battery and close the cover.

Tri-axis 3D smart sensor technology is more accurate than the standard pendulum system. It counts your steps accurately and quietly whether positioned flat, vertically or horizontally so you can wear it almost anywhere — at your hip, in your pocket or even in your bag.

Dual-axis 2D smart sensor technology is more accurate than the standard pendulum system. It counts your steps accurately and quietly whether positioned vertically or horizontally; whether it’s in your pocket, on your belt or clipped to your bag.

Aerobic steps are the physical exercise that helps us stay healthy. Aerobic steps are counted separately when walking more than 60 steps per minute and more than 10 minutes continuously. If a rest of less than 1 minute is taken after a continuous walk for more than 10 minutes, this will be regarded as part of a “continuous walk.”

Press the MODE button to select the type of measurement you want to see (steps, distance, calories burned, etc.). Then press the MEM button to view the results (days 1-7) in memory. The display will change with each press of the MEM button.

The average number of aerobic steps per minute is displayed. The faster you walk, the more calories you will burn.

After 5 minutes with no button being pressed, the display will automatically go off. This means your pedometer is in the Battery Saving Mode to help extend the battery life. However, the unit still continues to count your steps. Simply press the MEM, SET or MODE button to activate the display again.

The letter T stands for Transfer Indicator. The Transfer Indicator will blink when 18 days of data, including the current day, are stored in the memory and have not been transferred to OMRON Fitness.  The Transfer Indicator will light up when 22 days of data have not been transferred.

Depending on which pedometer model you have, the device will begin to delete the older measurement results first to make room for the new measurements. Make sure you transfer your data regularly at OMRON Fitness.

Our Health Management Software works with the HJ-720ITC and HJ-720FFP pedometers and is compatible with PC computers with Windows® 7, Vista, XP and 2000. Click here for instructions and tips on getting started.

The HJ-720ITC and HJ-720FFP are compatible with Microsoft® HealthVault™.  Click here for details on how to get started.

When you set how much weight you want to lose in four weeks, the activity monitor calculates the target activity calories you should burn in a week to support your weight loss goals. The weekly target of activity calories is displayed as 100%. The value for your usual activity calories is updated every four weeks based on your activities.

This is your “congratulations” mark, which is displayed when you have achieved your weekly target. When you have almost achieved your weekly target, the mark raises one hand to encourage you.

Your battery may need to be replaced. Refer to your instruction manual on how to replace the CR2032 battery.

Your monitor’s battery saving mode may be active. Press either the memory, display or start buttons to engage. If that does not work, you may need to replace your battery or ensure that the battery is correctly installed.

A malfunction may have occurred. Remove the battery and insert it again.

The data can be transferred to a computer simply by using the OMRON NFC Communication Tray.

Ensure the following steps have been taken before transferring data:

 

  1. Download and install NFC Tray software to your computer. Start the software program.
  2. Properly connect the NFC Communication Tray via an USB port on your computer.
  3. Make sure workout mode is off on your activity monitor.
  4. Match the marks on your activity monitor and the NFC Communications Tray.

If the data transfer is still not working after trying the above troubleshooting tips, there may be a data transfer failure occurring. Please contact OMRON’s Consumer Support.

There may have been a communication error. Check the display on your computer and follow the instruction provided. If the error still occurs, contact OMRON’s Consumer Support.

Click here for a complete list of compatible devices.