How can i measure my stride length

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Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Locate a pedometer to count your steps. A pedometer is a small device used to count the number of steps taken. You can use a pedometer that clips to your clothing, or try using a pedometer phone app. Most smartphones nowadays come with a step tracking feature. You can also download pedometer apps from your app store. Run or walk a known distance and track your number of steps.

Pick a distance such as metres ft or 1 mile 1. As you move, the pedometer will automatically keep track of your steps. You may complete 1 mile 1. Divide your total distance by the number of steps. When you know your total number of steps, divide the distance you walked or ran by the number of steps listed on your pedometer. This number is your stride length.

If you walked 1 mile 1. There are 5, feet 1, m in a mile, so divide that by 2, to find your stride length. Method 2. Pick a starting place and mark it with an item. You can draw a line with sidewalk chalk on your driveway, mark your spot with a pen, or use any household object to indicate your place.

Take 10 natural steps forward starting with your right foot. Count your steps from 1 to 10 as you walk forward. For best results, try not to overthink your foot placement and walk normally. Stride length and step length can be important numbers for a doctor to diagnose a problem with your gait or a condition that could be causing a problem with your gait. These numbers can also be useful for a doctor or physical therapist to evaluate your progress, and thus the effectiveness of treatment prescribed for the condition causing gait irregularities.

This information is also interesting for you to have in evaluating your personal fitness. If you get a new pedometer or fitness tracker — such as a Fitbit, Garmin, Xiaomi, Misfit, or Polar — you may need to enter your step length during the initial set up. Do you know how many steps you average each day?

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Many people wonder whether it's OK to work out while they're sick. How do you spot a friend lifting weights? Welcome, come on in. Join in on the discussion whether you are a newbie or an experienced walker. You will find inspiration and motivation amoung members that enjoy the walking lifestyle. Walking Forum. Subscribe for free weekly updates from this Walking site.

Past Issues. How to measure your step or stride. Guest Author - Hellie T. A stride is usually the distance travelled by one right leg and one left leg step so this is two steps. However a stride confusingly can also mean the same as a step! Of course, this estimation is not perfect - if you were to use this method and the result of our stride length calculator, the value you get could be as much as 2 inches either side of your actual height.

A small, persistent stride length might be a sign of Parkinson's disease, SM, or an illness of the cerebellum. If your short steps are accompanied by any signs, symptoms, or an unsteady gait, you should consult your GP to rule out the possibility of a neurological disorder.

Instead of using our stride length calculator, you may also try one of the following additional techniques:. Some phones offer step-counting and measuring apps.

They usually use GPS and your location to estimate the distance you've walked. The steps you're taking are measured using a small device built-into your phone - an accelerometer.

The accelerometer measures linear and angular acceleration, which allows it to estimate its position. If you'd like to be accurate, there are plenty of step-counting devices available online; this is the most expensive option! Embed Share via. Table of contents: How to use the stride length calculator? How to calculate my stride length?