As it happens, walking is one of the best physical activities to take part in.

If you want to take up walking, a pedometer app is a fantastic way to track your steps.

When you download a pedometer app, there is no need to wear a fancy activity-tracking rig.

person walking on sidewalk wearing running shoes

Here are some of the benefits and potential downsides of these apps.

How Does a Pedometer App Work?

You likely know about pedometer apps, buthow does your phone track your steps accurately?

person running outdoors on path in park

They are used to keep a record of how many steps you take throughout the day.

Pros of Using Pedometer Apps

Pedometer apps make monitoring your daily steps and general health super simple.

If you’re considering your options, here are the advantages of using a pedometer app.

person wearing fitness activity tracker and lacing shoes

Nearly all pedometer apps automatically calibrate a daily step goal for you based on your tweaks.

There are even some pedometerapps that reward your walking habitsby incorporating motivational badges as encouragement.

Generally, a lot of pedometer apps can also track your calories, distance walked, and activity time.

close-up of smartphone battery percentage

Plus, connecting with others within the online community is only one aspect.

Pedometer Apps Can Cause a Step Counting Obsession

As previously mentioned, pedometers are a great motivating force.

The bad news is that getting your steps in for the day can become an unhealthy addiction.

person wearing wearable activity tracker showing heart rate

Some people become obsessed with counting their steps.

Often, there is an unrealistic goal for everyone to walk 10,000 steps each and every day.

Some have a shorter stride length, which means more steps.

Others have a longer stride length, which means fewer steps.

And monitoring your heart rate is also important.

Are Pedometer Apps Worthwhile or Too Good to Be True?

Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to exercise.

Additionally, it requires no experience or equipment, so just about everyone can do it.

However, using a pedometer app on your smartphone has several advantages and disadvantages.