WHY PEDOMETERS ARE IMPORTANT

Thomas Kiel

Physical Education

Lifetime Physical Wellness

CCA PL-HS-2.2.1

What is it?

A step counter

A motivational tool

An exercise device

Basic Information

Attached to the waist of the pantsWhen your foot hits the ground, the

pedometer counts a step. Average person’s stride is about 2 ½ ft.

Just over 2000 steps is equal to 1 mile

Motivational Tool Setting realistic goals Aim for at least 10,000 each day More information on goals:

Log amount of steps taken in a normal weekTry to increase this amount by 10% until you

reach your goal of 10,000-15,000 steps Example: John walks 42,000 steps in a week (6,000

each day) 10% of 42,000 = 420 steps

Set Your Goal

You can use the FITT principle with your pedometer to create a fitness plan.

Frequency Intensity Type Time

This could be used to allow students to create a fitness plan using the FITT principle .

An Exercise Device

• For long term health and reduced chronic disease risk

10,000 Daily Steps

• For successful, sustained weight loss

• To build aerobic fitness, at least 3,000 steps should be at a brisk pace

12,000-15,000 Daily Steps

An Exercise Device – The Health Benefits How can pedometers maintain health?

Can lower blood pressureHelp promote weight lossPromotes exercise that will strengthen

muscles and bones

An Exercise Device: Activities What activities can you do that work with

a pedometer?WalkingRunningBiking DancingHouse chores

How Can I Achieve Lifetime Personal Wellness?

Lifetime Personal Wellness

Plenty of

Sleep

10,000 steps daily

Healthy eating

Resources

Pedometers: Motivating fitness http://fcs.tamu.edu/health/healthhints/2009/sep/pedometers.pdf

Walk British Columbia http://walkbc.ca/pedometers

America’s Walking http://www.pbs.org/americaswalking/gear/gearpedometers.html

How to use a pedometer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml8-AmM_ibs