How to Choose and Use a Pedometer
-- By Liza Barnes Rothfuss
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 to15,000 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 and 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:
- Distance and Speed Estimators (calculated by programming average stride length, or through a GPS system, the latter of which is more accurate)
- Calorie Expenditure Estimators (calculated by programming weight)
- Stopwatches
- Heart Rate monitor
- Steps per Minute
- Computer compatibility, which allows the user to upload data from the pedometer an d graph stepping progress.
- Flip Case (to prevent accidental button pressing)
- One of the most important features a pedometer can boast, however, is comfort. It should not be bulky and should include a safety strap, so you don’t drop it down the toilet. The best place to wear a pedometer is at the waist, aligned with the knee.
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