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A calibrated odometer, a Tomish-meter, a manpo-kei, a hike-o-meter, and a step counter. All of these were, in one part of history or another, the names that a pedometer has taken before being known as such nowadays. Used as devices to aid enthusiasts in physical fitness in maintaining a high level of activity, pedometers have always existed in the ancient days of man.

The first time pedometers were probably used was back during the times of the early Romans. They counted steps to measure distances, however, and not for physical fitness. Knowing distances was of great service for many military and civilian purposes. Da Vinci also was able to see how a mechanical pedometer could be of use to the military and such a device can even be seen in his painting where Roman soldiers are carrying and early form of a pedometer.

This was further realized by the Third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. He actually got his first pedometer at France, and although it is still unknown whether he modified it or not, he then introduced it to the Americans. Hence, it was called a Tomish-meter for some time, which was first operated with a pendulum swinging back and forth.

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.

Nowadays pedometers are modern and can even be integrated into other electronic devices, but this was not always the case. Earlier versions had lead balls that would swing like a pendulum and these were attached to the hips. The strikes of the ball were used to take measurements, but this was not very precise. Today’s pedometers, especially the digital ones, are very precise.

Pedometers were first used to measure distances covered by runners. Athletes would not even be found practicing without one of these on them back in earlier times since these devices were important tools for many activities. Nowadays, though, the pedometer is primarily used to record the number of steps taken. This is so important now, because walking is considered a good way to exercise and nothing more strenuous than a brisk walk is necessary in order for it to be seen as exercise..

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.

The pedometer has evolved over time from a simple device to a tool that aids people who want to stay healthy. These devices have been called many things and have been used in different ways, but it can safely be said that they will be around for a long time to come.

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