A step rate optimization device (12). The device includes a timer, a pedometer, an arterial waveform sensor (24), a processor and an indicator (16). The device indicates to the user (10) of a substantially sub-optimal relationship between the user's pulse rate and stride rate when the user's dominant stride rate frequency is at about 2-3 Hz and has a larger amplitude than the component of the user's dominant pulse waveform frequency at about 4-7 Hz and of a substantially optimal relationship between the user's pulse rate and stride rate when the user's dominant stride rate frequency component is at about 4-7 Hz and has a larger amplitude than the component of the user's dominant pulse waveform frequency at about 2-3 Hz.