A Walk in Progress
Brian January 2nd, 2009
I was reading the Wall Street Journal Health section the other day and came across a good article about keeping track of daily energy expenditure for weight loss. There are charts which can be referenced for different activities (gardening, housework, bowling etc.) to get a rough estimate of your energy expenditure throughout the day. I find these cumbersome to use, so here is a much easier method (although the charts could be used along with the pedometer) to track progress.Â
A pedometer is a simple device which tracks how many steps you have taken in a day. The steps can be converted into miles once you enter your stride length into the unit. Start with 3,000 steps (great if you are already doing more) and try to add 300 steps per week until your each 10,000. Most people walk around 2,000/day (roughly 1 mile). By hitting 10,000 steps you will be getting the recommended exercise to be considered active. This simple change in daily activity can drop pounds of fat every year and lead to a big change in blood pressure and fitness levels.
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In Health,
Brian