One great way to increase calorie expenditure in the winter is to wear a pedometer all the time. The goal should be to get at least 10,000 steps per day, which is equivalent to about 5 miles (varies based on your stride).
You can start by finding your baseline of how many steps you typically take in one day and then work on increasing the number of steps by 200 per day. Look for creative opportunities to get your steps, such as by parking farther away from your destinations, getting up from your desk a couple times a day, walking on your lunch break, and doing housework when you get home.
When it comes to finding a good pedometer, there are so many types and levels of accuracy to choose from. Here are a few tips in shopping for a pedometer:
1. A firm clip that provides a snug fit on the waistband and a safety strap to serve as a backup attachment if the pedometer comes off of the waistband.
2. A cover so you don’t accidentally touch the buttons, potentially erasing your data.
3. Accuracy at lower speeds. Research shows that many commercial, inexpensive pedometers (often called suspended lever arm pedometers) undercount at lower speeds. Accelerometer-type step counters are more accurate. Some examples of accelerometers include: the DigiWalker NL-2000 and NL-1000. They are more expensive (around $50), but they provide a great way for you to track activity and stay engaged with your exercise goals.
If you are not exercising, try using a pedometer right away this winter – it can help you get in shape for the summer.
Rebecca
