Are you trying to get more physical activity into your daily life after weight loss surgery? Walking more is an easy way to become more active, and a pedometer is a great tool to get you to do it.
What Is a Pedometer?
A pedometer is a small device that attaches to your shoe or belt and counts your steps. You can keep track of the total number of steps you take in a day, or count the steps you take during a walking workout. You can purchase a basic pedometer for less than $20.
Choosing a Pedometer
Before you buy a pedometer, ask yourself these basic questions.
- Is it easy to use? Some pedometers offer additional features that track your speed and total distance walked. The model you choose should be easy for you to use and should provide the basic information you want to stay motivated.
- Is the display easy to read? Choose a display that can be read under both indoor and outdoor lighting.
- Is it comfortable? A lightweight model can be worn all day.
- Is it sturdy? Find a model that offers a durable clip. Some models also offer an additional security strap.
A pedometer is an inexpensive tool to help keep you motivated on a daily basis. You don’t need to be overwhelmed by extra functions and features to benefit from using a pedometer.
Creating a Walking Program with a Pedometer
A pedometer is an inexpensive device that counts your footsteps. Keeping an eye on your daily number of steps taken can be a great motivator for getting more physical activity into your daily life. Learn how to incorporate a pedometer into your walking program.
- Figure out your baseline. Wear your pedometer to track the total steps you take each day for three days. At the end of the third day, figure out the average number of steps you walked per day. This will give you an indication of what your activity baseline is and help you set realistic short-term and long-term goals.
- Set short-term goals. Set goals that you can reach each day or within a few weeks. You may decide to increase your baseline total by a certain number of steps. Another realistic short-term goal may be to double your baseline steps. You’ll find that you look for ways to get more footsteps—and exercise—into your day.
- Set long-term goals. If you have a basic pedometer that only counts steps, you might set a long-term goal of walking 10,000 steps per day, which is the amount of daily steps recommended for weight loss. If your pedometer tracks speed and distance, you might set a long-term goal of having half of your steps be fast-paced, or covering a specific distance over a set time.
Use your pedometer to help you set, track, and achieve realistic fitness goals. A pedometer is a daily reminder that every step counts toward getting fit and losing weight.
