How to Choose and Use a Pedometer

Get Fit the Right-Left-Right Way

-- By Liza Barnes, Health Educator

A recent study from the RAND Corporation found that people who live in the suburbs are more prone to chronic physical health problems than people living in compact urban areas. The theory is that "suburban sprawl" reduces the time people spend walking, thus increasing the time they spend sitting in cars, which is associated with higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, arthritis, headaches and breathing difficulties.

So if you live in the suburbs, or spend a lot of time in your car, what can you do to combat this growing problem? Just move! Not your house…just your body. Go for a walk!

The average American takes 5,000 steps a day, which is only half of the 10,000 daily steps recommended to achieve good health. For weight loss, 12,000 to 15,000 steps a day will help you achieve your goals. But who’s got time to count? That’s where the pedometer comes in. A pedometer is a nifty little gadget that counts your footsteps by sensing your body motion. They have gotten so popular in recent years that even McDonalds has jumped on board, giving them away with their new salad meal combos.

They range in price from $5 up, but before you buy one, check with your workplace. Some sponsor walking programs and give out pedometers for free. Pedometers come in different varieties, many of which boast lots of extras. Here are some common features:

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• LYNZIJOY "Even if it's not the most accurate piece of equipment you will ever own, it..."
• CHERNEY "I had just a basic count your steps pedometer a couple of years ago and lov..."
• GRANDMO1 "Thanks for the good info. I will use it a lot"

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