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