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June 1, 2010
Pedometers Work!
Just because you're busy doesn't mean you're active. For the real test of your physical activity, get a pedometer.
Clip it to your waistband and wear it from the time you get out of bed until you go to sleep at night.
Keep track for two or three days, then use these "steps per day" numbers to figure out where you are:
Fewer than 4,500: You're very sedentary
4,500-5,500: You're sedentary
5,500 to 7,500: You're headed in the right direction but need to step it up
8,500 and up: You're active, stick with it
A recent study found that people who wear a pedometer walk about 2,000 more steps a day or about another mile than those who don't. That burns about 100 extra calories a day. If your goal is to lose weight, you probably need to work up to 12,000 or more steps a day.
Increase Your Steps:
Walk one city block, about 200 steps.
Take a brisk walk during your lunch break for about 20 minutes or so, about 2,000 steps.
Walk four laps around the track at a high school, 2,000 steps.
Play basketball game for 30 minutes, more than 4,300 steps.
Low-impact aerobic dancing for 20 minutes, more than 2,500 steps.
Play soccer for 1 hour, 8,000 to 10,000 steps.
Posted by Lisa at June 1, 2010 9:02 AM
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