If you are playing the weight loss game, a step counter is great tool to have. Studies have shown that those reaching higher numbers on this measure will not only have better health but also have a much easier time maintaining or losing body weight.

You can use a step counter to not only track how many strides you take during your workout but during the rest of the day as well. Don't ever forget that every day movements will all add up too. When you're trying to lose weight everything counts and if you can't get in your half an hour or more of walking per day, all the short trips you make in the day can replace this.

Some step counters will even come with a built in calorie burn recording making it even easier to track your progress. Do keep in mind however that these are not always entirely accurate as there are a variety of factors that can effect how many total calories you burn during your workout - body weight, intensity level and current fitness level are a few examples.

Overall though, if you are just getting started with fitness, purchasing one of these trackers can be a great motivational tool. Challenging yourself each and every day to reach a new, higher number can both encourage the right type of behaviour and give tremendous feelings of accomplishment at the end of each day.