There was a craze a while back wasn’t there? Everyone needed a pedometer and everyone at work was talking about how many steps they took to the loo and back, darts teams were claiming darts was a sport based on steps to and from the board (oooh, a sport where drinking beer is in the rules), and all boxes of cereals came with a bright yellow plastic pedometer that worked for about 6 days.
The phase quickly wore off, but more recently and in light of the reiterated advice that 10,000 steps a day is a healthy body necessity, people have been getting serious about pedometers again.
10,000 steps a day is quite a tall order, it’s the equivalent to approximately 5 miles and usually a lot more steps than the average person takes on a regular working day. If you are a gym bunny or a runner, you can stay safe in the knowledge that you likely reach this target or that your chosen form of exercise is treating your body well, increasing your stamina, raising your heartbeat and helping to keep you free from virus and disease. However if you are like me and the thought of the gym leaves you shuffling to a dark corner with a bag of quavers, then likelihood is, you might be falling under your daily step quota.
So how do you know how many steps you take a day? Well, that’s where the pedometer comes into it! That or you can never hold a conversation again as you strive to count all your steps under your breath without anyone ever noticing! Go with the pedometer we say!
By using a pedometer, you can accurately measure how many steps you are currently taking. There is no better measure in your quest to improve your health and fitness than an accurate starting point. This way, you are only going to improve on your current amount of exercise. Just vow to yourself that you will always step more a day than your weekly average, even if it’s just one extra step to change the channel!
To get your weekly average is easy, just wear your pedometer for a week and go from there. Hopefully you will be surprised by how many steps you take but don’t be disappointed if you are way below the 10,000, just know that this is the beginning and you will improve.
A pedometer will count how many steps you take, it works by using the principles of equilibrium and inertia. Let’s move on shall we! Be aware that sometimes a pedometer will mistake a sudden jerk or movement for a step which is why a weekly average is a good idea and that your step total might be out by 3-5%. Bear in mind that studies show the faster you go the more accurate your pedometer will be.
There are two types of pedometer, piezoelectric and spring levered with piezoelectric being more sensitive and therefore often better suited to slower walkers, however both do the same job, just in different ways. When you have chosen your pedometer, remember to wear it on your waist in line with the middle of your knee, though if you find it slips, some people recommend that you wear it in your sock!
Once you know your average daily stepping count, aim to increase your steps each day. If you realise there is no way you can reach 10,000 steps given your lifestyle, then aim for a big walk at the weekend to make up for smaller walks when you are busier. A pedometer will not cost you much at all and is really worth every penny. Guestimating your stepping ratio is okay, but if you are serious about walking to get fitter or lose weight, investing a few quid will pay off.
