Walking is a great form of exercise, and using a pedometer you can easily track your steps and push yourself further then you may have thought possible.
Have you ever considered how much of a workout you get through the day just by walking? Ever wondered just how many steps you take in a day? Or how about calories you burn? The fact is walking is a great way to stay in shape, and a pedometer is a simple way of tracking your progress.
What is a pedometer?
A pedometer is a device you typically clip on your waist band and it calculates how many steps you take. There are two basic types of pedometers, spring-levered and Piezoelectric. According to www.Medicinenet.com, the spring-levered pedometers has a horizontal lever arm that moves up and down in response to movement. The piezoelectric pedometer is made of material which creates an electric charge.
Some pedometers include multiple settings which allow you to track distance, calories, as well as time spent walking. Be sure if you purchase a pedometer which tracks calories that you are able to enter your weight and stride distance; this will make the caloric and distance readings more accurate.
How much should I be walking per day?
It is recommended that the average person walks 10,000 steps per day in order to maintain a healthy life. However, if an individual is looking to lose weight about 13,000 to 15,000 steps per day is a necessary amount. A pedometer is a great way not only to track the number of steps taken in a period of time but it also serves as a motivator that will keep you walking more and more each day.
“The President’s Challenge”
Do you want to be challenged and recognized for your accomplishments? The President's Challenge is a program created with the goal of getting Americans moving for at least 30 minutes a day. All you have to do is register online, log your workouts each day for five days a week, and six weeks total. Once you have met the requirements you will receive an emblem, certificate and stickers. For more information visit their website at www.presidentschallenge.org.
Step Equivalents for Other Activities
The President's Challenge gives a break down of athletic activities and how many steps on average are achieved in en minutes of performing these workouts. Here’s a few from the list.
Step Equivalents for Ten Minutes of Each Activity
- Vigorous Sit-ups 2,526
- Rowing Machine 1,095
- Bicycling 2,526
- Surfing 968
- Skateboarding 1,895
- Kick Boxing 3,200
- Swimming 1,780
Using a pedometer is a very easy way of becoming aware of your daily activities, or perhaps lack there of. Through awareness you may change some of your choices; for example, rather than taking the elevator tackle those stairs, park further away from your destination so you are forced to walk a bit more, and go for short walks throughout the day. When you really think about it, there is always time for a walk.
