Using a Pedometer to Improve Your Health
Pedometers can help add fun into walking for your health and they can serve as great motivators and trackers. A pedometer is basically a small digital device not much bigger than a pager or cell phone that counts steps. The more high-tech models can also have additional functions to select from.
A number of pedometers are available with different features and prices. This is why it may be wise to consider your needs and your budget before purchasing one.
For the best accuracy most pedometers should be kept horizontal and be worn on the waistband. In case the device comes unclipped and to prevent it from falling off and getting lost while walking or jogging, safety straps are available. Additional features that can be useful are calorie counters, heart rate monitors and distance counters.
To get the best results from a pedometer it is wise to wear it daily and all day long. This will enable you to initially accumulate your average number of steps based on your regular activities and allow you to set realistic goals. A goal you might consider is gradually increasing your steps by 250-500 per day to reach a 10,000 daily step count. On average 1,000 steps equals ½ mile. Of course this can vary depending on the speed and length of your stride.
10,000 steps per day may seem an ambitious goal but there are a number of easy ways that you can achieve this. You might consider skipping the elevator and taking the stairs, parking at a greater distance from where you want to go and creating situations where you will walk more during a given day. Other ways include walking to an associate’s office instead of calling them, taking a turn around the block at lunchtime and taking the dog and your kids for a walk after dinner every evening.
Pedometers can help your kids increase their physical activity and become more fit also. You might consider holding family contests and awarding prizes to the family member who did the best that week. With a pedometer you could record everyone’s progress and set goals. Walking is one of the simplest exercises you can do to get into shape and improve your health.
Darrin Tebbe of Bodytronics is glad to make available a number of quality pedometers along with related fitness equipment. Please visit Bodytronics to learn more.



