A pedometer is a battery-operated device that you wear clipped to your pants, belt or shoes. It measures your stride somehow, and then counts your steps by responding to the rhythm of your body’s movements. In addition to counting the steps you take, some pedometers give you a step-by step analysis of your activity and measure distance traveled in steps and miles, time it took to travel, the number of calories burned, and more.

Some models keep time and sound alarms; the deluxe models even play a selection of classical sonatas in cadence with your steps or relay messages to you with a stern female voice that sounds more like your conscience keeping track of your periods of missed exercise. Pedometers help you to stay motivated by letting you know the progress you’re making each day. Some models even have memories in them, to remind you of the progress that you haven't yet made.

Research has shown that getting that pedometer up to an extra 2,000 steps a day, which is about one mile, can help you prevent weight gain or keep off unwanted pounds. You get other benefits from walking as a regular activity as well: a better response to your body’s insulin, lower risk for heart disease and osteoporosis and lower blood pressure. It can also prevent or delay type-2 diabetes by lowering glucose levels, and improving blood lipids (fats).

If you have any serious circulation problems, don’t think your only option for treatment is with dangerous angioplasties. Walking can be very effective in opening up new blood vessels and relieving the stress in obstructed ones. And it’s a heck of a lot safer. The observable end result for you is more energy, less stress and a healthier, more vibrant life. So, get in step and count on making a difference in your life.

If you’re not very active now, but you’re convinced that it’s healthier if you were-- there are a few steps you can take to get started. The first is to figure out how to fit a 15 to 20 minute walk into your daily schedule. Do you walk before coffee, after breakfast, or before dinner? Second, figure out how to add more steps to your normal routine. Can you use the stairs instead of the elevator? Can you park further away when you reach your destinations?

Change that old mindset from “why walk when you can ride” to “why ride when you can walk.” You’ll also need a sturdy, well-fitting pair of walking shoes, preferably rubber-soled for better cushioning and a place to walk where you enjoy the surroundings. Next, get yourself a decent pedometer.

Pedometers require very little upkeep. Just feed it a little watch battery every other year or so and it’s good to go. It helps motivate you to go the distance by making it easy to track your step-by-step progress. Besides, it’s very user-friendly and we promise-- you’ll never have to call a support person to get it working. Just start walking.  (read more about walking)

Want to buy a pedometer?

by Bruce Heath, DnC