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Lose Weight the Right-Left-Right Way

Topic link: SparkPeople Articles
Added: 11/09/2004
Type: Tip

This article is also available online at Supplements and Health [http://www.supplements-health.com]

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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Wearing a pedometer is a great way to keep track of your daily activity, motivating you to get on you feet on days when you haven’t been so active. You don’t have to set aside lots of extra time to work walking into your busy schedule. Here are some ways to add more steps each day:

Avoid rock-star parking spaces. You can add hundreds of steps each day by parking farther from (rather than closer to) entrances.
Play Tag. Playing with kids is sure to increase your daily step count, and it’s fun too.
Shun the elevator. Take the stairs. These more challenging steps will help to build muscle too.
Move your feet, not your fingers. Walk to the accounting office instead of calling or emailing to ask a question.
Pace. Whether you’re waiting for the bus, or on a layover at the airport, use the opportunity to get in some extra steps.
Clean your house. Been putting off emptying out the hall closet? Cleaning is a great way to increase your daily stepping totals.
Enjoy the weather. Although most of the leaves are on the ground and the summer nights are behind us, don’t spend the winter hibernating. Invest in a fleece scarf and a good pair of earmuffs and get outside for some fresh crisp air.

If you’re the competitive type, you may become a pedometer-addict, constantly trying to squeeze in a few extra steps, so consider yourself warned. But the only consequence of this addiction—a slimmer, trimmer, fitter you.

SparkPeople.com is a leading weight loss web site that helps people transition from dieting to living a healthy lifestyle. This article is reprinted with permission of SparkPeople, Inc.

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