GeoPalz Pedometer

geopalz.com, two ounces
It’s sometimes difficult for kids to understand the importance of fitness. One trick is to add a counting or competition component as an incentive. Factor in a kid’s inexplicable attraction to electronic gizmos, and the GeoPalz pedometer works on all levels. The easy-to-use pedometer tracks 21 days of steps without having to be reset. Inside is an internal clock, a self-calibration for 98 percent accuracy, and the ability to track “vigorous workout minutes.” Kids can log onto the GeoPalz website with a “secret password” and record their daily steps for points that translate into fun games and free stuff. An easy-to-use alligator clip secures the GeoPalz to a shoe or pocket; our young testers wear it running, mountain biking and playing soccer and then compare results with friends.  The pedometer has a water-resistant, rubberized casing—great for those wet days when puddle splashing is leg one of the kidathalon events.