Using a walking pedometer (also termed step counters) for health has been found to increase the benefits of walking or increase walking behavior.
A pedometer is a neat device that measures the number of steps you take in a day. Also called step counters, pedometers clip to a belt or waistband.
Pedometers range from $5 to $60, more for those with advanced features. A $20 model can get you a good mid-priced pedometer with calculations for calories burned, total miles, total steps total, clock & stopwatch.
We continue with benefits of using a walking pedometer. Click for benefits of
walking exercise
Benefits of a walking pedometer
* Using a pedometer to measure steps informs you regarding your normal activity level. Tells you how much you walk throughout the day, at work, shopping, home etc.
* A step counter provides you with a goal which you are held accountable for.
* Using a pedometer for walking helps you track progress.
* Wearing a pedometer provides extra motivation useful in increasing your level of exercise participation.
* Research shows that 5,000 more steps a day can greatly reduce the risks of chronic diseases. Most people walk only 3,000 steps daily. People who carry pedometers find the time to walk more.
* Using a pedometer for walking boosts health as wearers tend to walk an additional mile each day.
*If you use a step counter & log your steps you could expect to lower blood pressure and lose a few pounds.
* Finally, wearing a pedometer helps the environment & makes you “greener.”
Wearing a step walking counter
Just attach the pedometer to your belt or waistband near the front of your hipbone, in line with your kneecap.
The pedometer must stay upright to work correctly. If pedometer tips over, clip it to the side or back of your waistband. Women can clip the pedometer to the front of their bra between their breasts.
You can even clip the pedometer to the waistband of your underwear.
How a walking pedometer works
Your pedometer records a step each time your hip moves up and down.
So, technically, it is not counting steps but rather counting hip movements.
Your pedometer counts things you do throughout your day in addition to walking like squatting or bending to tie your shoes. It may also count “steps” when you are in a moving vehicle & your hips bounce up & down, so be aware.
Testing a step counter
It’s easy to test if you are wearing your pedometer correctly or it is functioning properly.
1) Clip pedometer where you normally would
2) Set the walking pedometer zero
3) Walk 20 steps
4) Compare steps recorded compared to the number of steps you actually took
As your body changes you may need to do the 20-step count test periodically to make sure that you're still getting accurate results.
Will my walking pedometer work if I run?
Especially so. However, it wont be measuring the intensity of your steps. So you should at least make a mental note of running steps since they are more demanding than walking steps. Adjust goals accordingly.
Caring for my pedometer
• Avoid dropping or crushing, as this could break the crystal.
• Though designed to withstand some moisture, too much can ruin a walking pedometer
• Don’t force the pedometer clip on to the belt or you might may break the clip
• Remember to change the battery when the digital display fades
Starting and progressing safely
Ten thousand steps may sound like a lot, but remember that most people walk 4,000 to 6,000 steps in their typical day. You’ll only need to add another 4,000 to 6,000 steps in a day to reach 10,000.
If you're walking at a fast pace, that's about a 30 to 60 minute walk.
Wear the pedometer for three days, and calculate your average daily count. Choose two workdays and one non-workday.
The daily 10,000 step goal
Taking 10,000 steps a day should result in health benefits for healthy adults.
However, please this figure may not be appropriate for all groups, e.g., older adults, people living with chronic diseases, and children.
If you are not used to walking, increase the number of steps gradually. Adding 100 steps per day should suffice.
Also, as you reach certain health & profile goals, staying at the same step number should help you maintain self.
However, to continue to improve, you will need to step up workouts. I recommend adding some other activity in addition to gradually increasing steps.
Look under EXERCISES on our navigation bar for suggestions. Consider an activity that is realistic & enjoyable given your health profile & preferences.
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