“I’m not seeing any results.” It’s one of the most common reasons people quit an exercise program. While you may not notice immediate results, with each step you take, you are making yourself healthier from the inside out.
“We hear it all the time, and we explain that results won’t be overnight,” explains Michael A. Schwartz, MD, of Plancher Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in New York. “It does take time before you see some of the benefits.”
Thankfully, this excuse is one of the easiest to get over, at least for walkers. Doctors and exercise physiologists say wearing a pedometer can help people stay on track. The reason: Pedometers count steps. They are typically worn on a belt or waistband and record steps every time your hip moves up and down. You can use a pedometer as a visual record of your walking program’s goals, and have a historical view of where you started and how far you go – literally – every day.
Choosing a pedometer is fairly easy, according to Patrick Schneider, an exercise physiologist and assistant professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Schneider gives some basic guidelines on selecting a smart-buy pedometer:
Ease of use. All pedometers count steps. If that's all you need to know, a basic model might be fine. If you're curious about distance walked, calories burned or other measurements – or if you want the ability to upload your walking data or electronically track the numbers – you might prefer a fancier model.
Display. Look for a display monitor you can read in different types of lighting, especially if you'll be walking both indoors and outdoors.
Comfort. Choose a lightweight model that fits on the type of clothing you usually wear.
Sturdiness. Look for a sturdy clip and a security strap to hold the pedometer in place.
i have never been able to get a pedometer to work for me.. i have bought way too many over the years.. and wont even bother now...
i am glad to hear there are people who have gotten some to work..
like the idea of putting it on the shoe..
i love walking my treadmill..
and get all the info off it..
i have fluid on the brain... so i cant just go outside and walk... its not the same.. weather really effects me..
thanks for all info
After trying a number of pedometers over the years, I think I've found the best one (for me, at least). My husband set it up for me, but I think I could have done it myself. They say you can use it your pocket or bag or clip it on you belt (on your hip). (So far, I've only clipped it to my belt, and it stays on well). In addition to a clip, it has a strap. Finally, the Instruction Manual is very clear.
Thank you
Totally agree about the ipod, someone bought one for me, I walk more willingly engrossed (but watching traffic) in an audiobook. The other was the gift of a Disney annual pass, I sometimes stop after picking up work supplies (live about 40 min away) and walk, the time and miles pass without noticing in Disneyland and Calif Adventure...
Sure enough, she did. I am not home now so I cannot write exactly what brand it is, but I had my husband buy me an IPOD for my birthday and I have been downloading all fast oldies. It is awesome. I went to the 'Y' and walked the track until my battery died. I could have kept going. I also took it on my husband's treadmill and I went wild on it. I went on a vacation, ate desserts and extra wine (sorry I was on vacation), however, I tracked some of my steps with my pedometer on during some tours and one day I walked OVER SIX MILES, not counting morning and evening, and another day OVER FIVE MILES, and I only gained 1/2 lb. on the trip. If I didn't know I walked so many miles I would have wondered, 'how come', but sure enough it was because of the walking. It is a wonderful tool for those of us that want to keep track.
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