|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About Our Program
This program is for individuals, or groups such as communities, corporations, or schools to help improve daily levels of activity and measure progress on a regular basis. Join the fun and start your journey on the Appalachian Trail or across the Pony Express. A pedometer will measure how many steps you take a day and this website will help you track your progress. We have a new addition to our program Nordic walking poles.
"I had the opportunity to spend five wonderful weeks in Finland and experience Nordic walking for the first time. I couldn't believe the difference the poles made!"
- Isaac Coffey
F.A.Q.
What is a Pedometer?
A pedometer is a simple device used to measure the number of steps you take in a day.
Top
How Does a Pedometer Work?
Basically, a pedometer counts your steps as you walk. Most pedometers have a tiny spring-set horizontal arm that moves up and down as you walk and measures the vertical movement of your hips. Electronic pedometers, however, can detect the impact of your foot hitting the ground. Essentially, a pedometer is a motion-sensitive electrical circuit that switches on and off, activating a digital counter. It tends to function best during vigorous walking, when the motion of the hips is more pronounced.
When positioned correctly, your pedometer records a step each time your hip moves up and down. Your pedometer also measures things you do throughout your day in addition to walking, e.g., bending to tie your shoes. (It is important to remember that it's all relative to how much you move). Every step will not be counted; sometimes wearing the pedometer in a different position will change how it counts. The idea is to become more active by taking more steps throughout the day. We have not found a pedometer that is 100% accurate.
Top
How Do I Wear It?
Attach the pedometer to your belt or waistband near the front of your hipbone.
Top
How Will I Benefit from Walking?
The benefits to increasing your physical activity are unlimited, if you have diabetes, your blood sugars will improve. If you have high blood pressure, it will go down. It will help you to prevent and lower high cholesterol, it will help you loose the body fat around your waist and increase your lean muscle mass. Your bones will become stronger as you get older and prevent fractures and broken bones. Increasing your activity will also reduce your stress levels. It will reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and death. Your quality of life will improve. To get the most health benefit from walking, walk regularly. Taking 10,000 steps a day may result in health benefits for healthy adults. (However, please note that this figure may not be appropriate for all groups, e.g., older adults, people living with chronic diseases, and children.)
Top
Walking has many benefits, including: helping to prevent heart disease and stroke by improving cholesterol levels, blood flow, and heart function; reducing blood pressure and preventing adult-onset diabetes by reducing body fat; helping to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis.
Top
How Do I Get Started and Progress Safely?
Wear the pedometer for three days and calculate your average daily count. Choose two workdays and one non-workday. Your daily step goal should be personally relevant; to improve your average daily count; sustainable for the long term; recorded to help keep you motivated to be active. Try to gradually increase your number of steps. For example, if you normally average 3,000 steps a day, then your initial goal might be to try to reach 4,000 or 5,000 steps a day. When you've mastered that, see whether you can work up to 7,000 and then eventually 10,000.
We are now becoming acquainted with how many steps different groups of people typically take. We can expect children to take 12,000 and 16,000 steps/day and healthy younger adults take 7,000-13,000 steps/day. Healthy older adults typically take 6,000-8,500 steps/day and those living with chronic illnesses or with disabilities take 3,500-5,500 steps/day.
Top
Will My Pedometer Work if I Run?
Yes, it works for running. Keep in mind that the pedometer does not measure intensity of activity, but steps are counted just the same.
Top
What about using elliptical trainers?
Placing the pedometer on your shoe when using stationary equipment will give you more steps.
Top
How Do I Care for My Pedometer?
Avoid dropping or crushing, as this could break. Avoid excessive moisture. Do not force the pedometer clip on to the belt this may break the clip. Change the battery when the digital display fades.
Top
Looking for More Information about Physical Activity?
Visit or contact your local YMCA.
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2005 Staunton/Augusta YMCA - All Rights Reserved | ActivateVirginia.org
|