Take 2000 More Steps and Call me in the Morning
The study split 94 sedentary patients into two groups. Both heard their physician tell them about the benefits of physical activity and got a 1-page handout and a follow-up phone call from a health educator. One group also received a pedometer and were asked to record their steps every day for nine weeks. Both groups were followed for their self-reported walking activity.Pedometers Motivate More
Both groups significantly increased the number of city blocks they walked per day and taking the stairs vs. the elevator, but the pedometer group was way out ahead of those without pedometers. Those with pedometers increased their steps by about 2100 per day, or 20 minutes of steady walking, a 30% increase in daily steps. They walked almost twice as many blocks as those without pedometers.What a Difference 2000 More Steps Can Make
Adding 2000 more steps per day can stop weight gain, according to Dr. James O. Hill. Adding more steps can help reduce body fat. Walking for 30 to 60 minutes a day is the recommended minimum daily exercise by the Centers for Disease Control. A tiny investment in a pedometer, whether you buy one yourself for $25 or less, or have it given to you by your health care provider, can be your most frugal health investment.Start Counting Your Steps
Join our free Step Counters Program and get daily tips on how to choose and use a pedometer and how to add more steps to your day.Step Counters Pedometer Walking Program
