When initiating a fitness routine you may want to consider a basic walking plan with the help of a pedometer. Walking is one of the simplest and least expensive methods of conditioning. Millions of people walk away pounds as they improve their fitness levels everyday. Using a pedometer can be motivational for beginning and maintaining a fitness regime. Recognizing the numbers of steps taken each day provides a sense of accomplishment and inspiration.
So, What is a Pedometer Anyway?
Pedometer is an electronic device worn on the hip above the knee or carried in a pocket or bag used to count steps, distance and time walked by detection of hip movement. The hips mounted model of pedometers must be calibrated to the users gate (strides length) before using to ensure accurate measurement of steps/distance traveled. Pedometer’s features vary from basic distance traveled to steps per minute and many other features as well. Extra features can be nice but step distance traveled is all you really need to mount a successful walking campaign.
Walking is Simple, Walking is Free, Walking Provides Many Health Benefits
- Walking reduces the risk of many diseases.
- Walking and a sensible eating plan can help you lose and manage weight.
- Walking can help control blood pressure.
- Walking can reduce risk of strokes and heart attacks.
- Walking can strengthen bones, reducing risk of osteoporosis and broken bones.
- Walking can lower stress levels.
- Walking can improve sleep.
These are just a few of the health benefits provided by walking. More importantly it’s free and it's easy.
Walking to Condition Your Body
Walking stimulates and strengthens the cardiovascular system, improving the body’s ability to perform work and burn calories. Walking is a low impact activity that strengthens bones, joints, tendons and ligaments, reducing the risk of injury. Performing regular physical activity produces an overall sense of well being both mentally and physically. Most sedentary or overweight individuals just don’t have the endurance or stamina to perform higher intensity activities, walking doesn’t require a high level of conditioning.
The intensity of walking allows walkers to use fat for energy for extended periods of time, whereas higher intensity activities will utilize more carbohydrate for fuel. This means even previously inactive individuals can gain health benefits and lose weight at the same time while walking.
Your Pedometer can Motivate You
The average person’s stride is roughly 2 ½ feet long meaning it takes about 1000 steps to walk one mile. Taking 10,000 steps is equivalent to walking about 5 miles, the suggested number of steps walker should aim for. Using your pedometer allows you to track the number of steps taken. A pedometer allows individuals to clearly see how active they are daily.
Seeing the number of steps taken each day is motivational. As you get up from your couch, desk or computer and walk more, your pedometer will let you know just how well you’re doing. You may be under the impression you are getting a fair amount of exercise each day while your pedometer indicates otherwise. Use your pedometer to establish a benchmark and proceed from there.
You can set up your program and goals according to your current health and fitness levels. If you are coming off a sedentary lifestyle, wear your pedometer for a few days while performing your normal activities. Record the number of steps taken each day and gradually increase the number of steps taken. You can choose to increase daily or weekly, until you reach 10,000 steps per day.
Always consult your health care provider before beginning any fitness routine.
Chris Christian - Chris Christian has been involved with fitness for over 30 years and personal training for 12 years. In addition he teachs fitness and ...
