Benefits of a Pedometer

I really feel like I have been slacking on my challenge. I have been so busy, and the weather so crummy that walking outside just hasn't been happening. But, don't worry, I haven't forgotten about my goal!

In fact, I have still been walking a lot, even if it hasn't been on a track or for laps at a time. I have been wearing my pedometer religiously and having it has really made me aware of how many steps I take in a day.

For those of you know don't know, I spend 7 hours a day sitting at a desk in an office. I work at a computer screen or sit in meetings for most of my work day, and aside from the occasional errand, or walking to and from my car, I normally don't do a whole lot of walking (which aside from being tiring, it's not a healthy thing!).

However, having my pedometer really motivates me to get extra steps in throughout the day. I work downtown in McMinnville and as a result, there isn't a lot of parking that isn't limited to two hours. Normally I fight for a few coveted spots kitty corner to the office so I don't have to walk far, but lately I have been parking in the parking garage 2 blocks away. It's not a lot more walking, but I park on the other side of the structure and at the top of the ramp, so when I walk to and from the office I add at least a thousand steps to my day. It takes a few more minutes to get to work, but it's really beneficial.

I also try to get up and walk more around the office. I walk around when I talk on the phone (when I can) and I take walks around the block to stretch my legs. Not only does it give me some extra steps to add to my pedometer, but it also gives me fresh air, relieves the stress on my back form sitting so much, and I can focus better after I take a break.

I think a lot of people could really benefit from owning a pedometer. It especially helps those of us who have sedentary jobs. Right now I walk about 25oo steps a day, which I am sure is more than if I didn't have a pedometer. I like to see how many steps I have taken at certain points in the day, and if the number isn't as high as I want it to be, I make a more conscious effort to get up and walk.

I was talking to Janna one day about my pedometer and how much I walk. She is a teacher and I bet she walks 10,000 steps a day. So I am curious. Do any of you blog readers wear a pedometer? And if so, what's your occupation and average steps?

Pedometer!

I finally bought myself a pedometer today! So now I can actually go walking somewhere other than a track and know how far I walked! I bought it at a perfect time too because I was extremely skeptical that the 1 Mile Walk with Leslie Sanone was actually one mile. So, I set it to track distance, and guess what. It was most definitely NOT a mile! I had to sit out for a few minutes (just 2) but my pedometer still read .36 of a mile. Not that the pedometer is 100% accurate (it did cost only $14) but I highly doubt that sitting out for two minutes really affected it that much. So, sorry Leslie, I don't believe you!















But, it was still a good workout. Janna joined me today and even she admitted it 13 minutes into it that it was harder than she thought. Still, not my choice of workout.

I wish it would stop raining so I can go back outside!

April 27 Summary:
Miles walked: .36 of a mile
Rests: one, with 6 minutes to go, and rested 2 minutes
Where: Inside my apartment
Weather: Outside, rainy and cold. Inside, dry.
Walking partner: Leslie Sanone (Exercise TV) and Janna