Healthbolt

Are You a Lazy Walker? Maybe So.

by Liberty on June 13th, 2008

Walking without a pedometer may be getting you nowhere…

Image details: Group of woman walking served by picapp.com

Sure, you talk the talk…but do you walk the walk?

If you’re walking without a pedometer, probably not.

See, most people aren’t all that good at monitoring their own progress. They tend to overestimate the amount of effort (or in the case of walking, the amount of steps) they’ve accumulated. It’s human nature - we like to think we’re better than we are - or at least more ambitious.

However…

According to a study by the University of Michigan, wearing a pedometer (a small computer worn on your waist which measures the amount of steps you take) may keep you moving 20 to 40 minutes longer than those who go technology free.

So for a little investment up front (you can score a basic model totally on the cheap or spring for a more tricked-out model with all the bells and whistles) the result can be great fitness success later on. Sounds like a good trade-off to me, no?

So, do you already use a pedometer while walking? Does it keep you motivated?

Are you thinking of trying it?

Let us know in the comments below…