Are You a Lazy Walker? Maybe So.
June 13, 2008 by Liberty Kontranowski
Filed under Computers, Easy Health Tips, Exercise, Fitness, Health, Weight Loss, Your Body, men's health
Walking without a pedometer may be getting you nowhere…
Image details: Group of woman walking served by picapp.com
Sure, you talk the talk…but do you walk the walk?
If you’re walking without a pedometer, probably not.
See, most people aren’t all that good at monitoring their own progress. They tend to overestimate the amount of effort (or in the case of walking, the amount of steps) they’ve accumulated. It’s human nature – we like to think we’re better than we are – or at least more ambitious.
However…
According to a study by the University of Michigan, wearing a pedometer (a small computer worn on your waist which measures the amount of steps you take) may keep you moving 20 to 40 minutes longer than those who go technology free.
So for a little investment up front (you can score a basic model totally on the cheap or spring for a more tricked-out model with all the bells and whistles) the result can be great fitness success later on. Sounds like a good trade-off to me, no?
So, do you already use a pedometer while walking? Does it keep you motivated?
Are you thinking of trying it?
Let us know in the comments below…
I just bought one yesterday to track my steps during my daily lunch walk (45 min brisk walk). I forget that I have it on so I dont think that it hinders me in any way.
for some reason I BUCK these things…and heat monitors….Im a child in that they dont motivate me but more cause me to rebel
happy weekend!
M.
what keeps me motivated is knowing that there is coffee at the end of the walk…not sure it’s all that healthy but it works for me.
I have a pedometer but I always forget to put it on. I have worn it at times during a “regular” day, just to see how many steps I take (not many). How many steps ARE you supposed to take in a day?
LOL, Liz.
Im gonna try that one this morning.
What works for me is mapping out in advance a loop path of a specific distance, like about three miles or so. That way, as long as I follow the path, the amount of energy expended should be relatively constant, and the only thing I have to measure is the time spent. And that only takes a watch.
Hey Hope, the recommended daily number of steps is 10,000. Seems like a ton (’specially when we’re stuck at the computer most of the day), but it’s really a good goal. Even if you start by shooting a smidge lower, best of luck to you in reaching YOUR goal.
Oh, Miz. You are SUCH a rebel! But hey, whatever motivates you (Liz’s coffee trick seems like a real winner, if you ask me!!) ;P
So, Israel, how’s that pedometer working out so far? Are you close to that elusive 10,000 step goal?
G – LOVE that tip. Setting out with a pre-mapped plan is bound to help you reach your goal without inadvertently slacking. Thanks for sharing that simple (but effective!) idea.
I have one but it misses so many of my steps that I lost my motivation with it. And I don’t really feel like spending more money on another one that may not work either. If I had one that worked accurately I would use it though.
okay, so I was at the supermarket today and got a pedometer — it was in the box of cereal I bought. So looks like I’ll be able to count the walks from now on…as soon as I dig through the cereal to find it!!!