A Short History of the Pedometer from @DirectorBrunel #StepCount #Steps #GetFit #GetOutside

DC Editor Adam writes…
I've been road-testing a few step counting apps of late here on The Daily Constitutional. Drop me a line if you can recommend a good one!
Read the reviews so far…
Stepz - ★★★★ 
StepRecorder – ★★
Steps – ★★★★
iSteps – ★★★★★  To accompany my tests, here's a post from The DC's archive – back in 2014 Robert Hulse treated us to a short history of the pedometer…
Robert writes…

The first simple pedometer belonged to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, engineer on the Great Western Railway. 
Brunel was a small man but he paced the line from Bristol to London Paddington, his magnificent cathedral in glass (notice the three spans and transept). Brunel built broad gauge and carried a special walking cane, which unfolded to exactly 7 feet 0¼ inch, the distance between his railway lines. Today standard gauge is only 4 feet 8 ¾ inches. 
Everyone should have a pedometer, but remember it’s not just the number of steps, it’s the size of the steps – ask anyone with short legs!
By the way, Harry Potter leaves for Hogwarts from Kings Cross Station, Platform 9 ¾ (presumably 4ft 9 ¾?) but he comes back from the dead via broad gauge! Look carefully at the buttresses and you’ll see the celestial railway station is Paddington. Presumably that’s Platform 0 ¼? (or 7 ft 0 ¼ to be precise).
For info on Brunel tours with London Walks CLICK HERE.
About Your Correspondent…
Robert
Robert is allowed to drive sheep across London Bridge. An Oxford graduate, he's an actor, museum director, author and holder of the Freedom. Let alone the first person since Brunel to organize an underwater fair.
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com