Tuesday fitness fun fact

How's your walking going? Track your miles with a pedometer.

Why do I need a pedometer??   A pedometer is easy to use and inexpensive to buy. Just clip it to your belt and you're good to go.  "You can't control what you can't measure".  That "saying"  was made famous in the business world -- but it applies to many other areas of life as well.  The pedometer allows the wearer to measure activity level.  This unique ability to provide a specific measurement (steps, miles, etc), allows you to set specific 'goals'....and goal setting is the key to success.  

Once you begin wearing a pedometer/step counter and set a daily goal for yourself, you'll find (like millions of others) that by having a goal - and a device that measures your progress - you'll be more active.   The pedometer actually provides the motivation to be more active - which is a key to any long term fitness program.  The small investment in a pedometer is well worth the 'motivation'!

What should my goal be?? How many 'steps per day'?

It depends.  How active are you now?? How is your general health?   You should start out by wearing the pedometer on a 'normal' day to determine your present activity level (steps per day).  That figure becomes your 'baseline'. Then (provided your in good health), begin increasing your goal modestly.  As an example:  If you find  you  presently take only 3,500 steps per day (which is probably the average), you may want to create a goal of 5,000 -- and after attaining 5,000 for several weeks - then, increase to 7,500.....then onto 10,000....and beyond!

A great deal has been written about '10,000 steps per day' as a general goal-- but, again, it depends on your present activity level and health.   10,000 steps per day would be the general equivalent of walking (around) 5 miles.  (It's not as easy as you think).   If you think you walk that much now... you're probably wrong.  The average person takes only 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day....and many take much less! (They need a pedometer!)

Hey great post Boner.  This gives me some good ideas on what to do to keep me on track for my own walking program.  After reading this I think a pedometer would be a great lifetime investment.  I have a few goals for my walking and the pedometer would help me reach them.  Also Boner, at one time you posted your 5 "F's" for life..........Faith, Family, Friends, Forgiveness etc.  I had a copy of that at one time and have somehow lost it.  I would appreciate you reposting that.  I thought it was exceptionally benefical for all of us in all aspects of our life.  Your "Fitness Fun Facts" are always interesting and enjoyable to read.  I appreciate you posting them.

Thanks Captain! I bought my father-in-law a pedometer after he had open heart surgery and 4 years later he's still using it. He found out that he's kind of a goal guy and he really gets excited about topping previous "personal bests." Regarding my personal pyramid of 5 "F's" for a balanced life, they were in desending order of importance - Faith, Family, Fitness, Financial (career or job) then Fun. I figure if you're clickin' on all cylinders so to speak, fun will be a natural byproduct of the others.  You brought up Foregiveness which I need to add especially given my marital situation.  Boner

That is great.  If you have the money and like to get out and hike, walk, run or just explore get a GPS.  They are awesomely fun to paly with. https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=349

Garmin just came out with their new and improved line of GPS for bikes and I've been drooling, Scott. I think I might pony up for the old model since the new ones just add color and a power meter input neither of which I need. The power meter would be cool but way, way to expensive for this cheap bastage.  Boner