Pathetically Painful Pedometer Passion

Years ago I was chosen to take part in a study conducted by Walking Magazine (no longer in publication) and a large research hospital. Instructions were simple: Here is a pedometer - wear it for three months and keep track of your steps. A few months after this study, the United States Surgeon General announced walking 10,000 steps per day is enough to keep your weight in check and promote a "healthy lifestyle". If you think 10,000 steps a staggering amount, a study from Harvard University found 6,000 steps a day was sufficient.

From what I can remember of this long-ago survey, there were days when I wouldn't walk as much as 3,000 steps and days when I would easily go over 10,000 - but the average was only about 6,000. In order to get up to the recommended 10,000 steps, I had to "go for a walk". Of course, that was the point - TO GET AMERICA MOVING! The average person will cover 5 miles in 10,000 steps. (Little me, at 5'1" and a teeny 2.25-foot stride covers 4.25 miles. Isn't that pathetic?)

It's not shopping - it's exercise!

After the survey, I kept wearing the pedometer and the results of my activity exactly correlate to my over-all well-being and weight. When steps were up, I felt better and the weight went down. (No need to go into what happens when the step count is low.) At first I would chart my steps, miles and calories burned, but after a while I learned how many steps I needed to feel good - 12,000. On a long driving day in the RV, it is nearly impossible to clock 10,000 steps unless you go for a very long walk after setting up camp for the night. Some days it is a struggle, some days I can clock the steps without even "exercising". A trip to Costco can really get the pedometer clicking - and even cruising the aisles at the supermarket registers an amazing amount of steps. A walk through a museum, zoo, or Disneyland will have your pedometer spinning!

Walking is a good way to get moving. No memberships to buy. Nothing special to wear except a good pair of NIKE's. If you want to use a pedometer - they are cheap and last for years. I kept wearing the pedometer from the Walking Magazine survey - I can't tell you how many times I dropped it, etc., yet it kept going for years. When it died, we were on the road and I had to use another model until I could replace my trusted brand. Though pedometers are sold at most large retailers, do some research before making the purchase. A poor quality unit can be inaccurate to 25% percent! Shop at a specialty sporting goods or running store or order from the great selection at amazon.com. When choosing a pedometer I recommend one that not only counts steps, but that allows you to measure your stride to calculate your mileage. (This is a one-time procedure, it just takes a minute and it is fun to watch your miles add-up!) Make sure it has a "leash" - an extra strap to secure the unit to your waistband. (A pedometer in the toilet is not a pretty sight.) I recommend (and wear) the Accusplit Eagle 170. The 170 will also calculate calories burned according to your weight and activity.

Wear a pedometer for a few weeks and learn how many steps you take on an average day. Then figure out how to increase your activity. Take the stairs, don't use your car, or park a few blocks from your destination - on purpose! If you are on a cordless phone, walk and talk at the same time. Your dog will love going an extra mile with you. Bribe/reward yourself: I won't have a glass of wine unless I have walked 10,000 steps BEFORE dinner. Yes, you may be spotted frantically circling the kitchen island or the RV park at 6:30 pm... but the reward will taste better for your deserved efforts. And take a day-off once in a while - have a pedicure!

There are several websites offering more information and several organizations that will allow you to track your progress on-line and provide printable charts. AARP's Step Up to Better Health program let's you track your progress on-line and offers a pedometer to members for only $9 ($14 for non-members). The US Department of Health and Human Services sponsors Small Steps - inspirational success stories, information about living an active life, dietary guidelines and offers free on-line activity tracking. If you need a book to learn about walking for exercise, I recommend The Complete Guide to Walking.

Get moving!