Pedometer Tips
Participants get a free pedometer when starting with the NeighborWalks program. Here are some tips on the best way to put your pedometer to good use.
What is a pedometer?
A pedometer is a tool used for walking that tracks the number of steps you take. It only works for walking as it is not designed to track biking or running. The pedometers you are receiving today track both your daily number of steps and your weekly total of steps. Simply by paying more attention to the number of steps we take and the more walking we do, the greater health benefits we see. Walking is the simplest, easiest, cheapest form of physical activity!
Where to wear your pedometer
Research has shown that the best place to wear your pedometer is on your waist aligned directly over the knee. It needs to be fairly straight up and down. If this is not possible at the waist, try attaching the pedometer to the top of your sock.
How many steps equal a mile?
1 mile = 2,000 steps. Having a goal of reaching 10,000 steps per day would equal 5 miles! This may be a large goal for some, especially if you are just starting a walking program. A good rule of thumb is to wear your pedometer during a typical day and record your base line of usual steps walked. Aim to increase that number by a thousand steps each day for the next week until you reach 10,000 steps.
Example:
Day 1 = 5,400 steps
Day 2 = 6,400 steps
Day 3 = 7,400 steps
Day 4 = 8,400 steps
Day 5 = 9,400 steps
Day 6 = 10,000 steps
A pedometer can be great for people of all ages- young and old to motivate and track our walking progress. Keep a daily log of the number of steps you take over a month! You will be impressed!
Does it matter if I am a slow walker?
The nice thing about using a pedometer is that it records the number of steps, not how fast you walk. A slow walker gets the same reading on the pedometer as a fast walker if they walk the same distance.
Pedometer tips
Easy ways to rack up the steps!
Walk during your lunch break, take the kids in the stroller, walk a new route in your neighborhood, park further away at work or store parking lots, walk to work or to run an errand. Take simple strides for healthier lives!
