Count ‘Em
Once upon a time pedometers were very popular and it seems everybody had one. If you have one, where is it, securely fastened on your hip or in the back of the junk drawer? Like most gadgets, they go in and out of vogue. Dust it off and start using it again. If you’ve never used one and want to give it a try, trek on over to the dollar store and pick up one just to get you started. That way if you don’t keep it up you’re only out of a dollar.The standard recommendation is to achieve 10,000 steps a day, preferably by walking. Good idea in theory but not always practical. If you haven’t adopted a formal walking plan no need to fret, every step you take no matter what you’re doing will rack up the numbers. Put the pedometer on first thing in the morning and don’t take it off until you go to bed at night.The first day or even the first week will most likely not result in 10,000 steps; you’ve got to work your way up. And for those of you wondering, 2500 steps is approximately one mile. Again the pedometer counts the actual steps you take but I’ve found a chart that gives you an idea of how many steps are equivalent to 15 minutes of common activities. On your mark, get set, go!!!!!
- Standing while watering the lawn or garden - 600
- Clearing and washing dishes - 900
- Playing with the kids - 1100
- Carpentry- general workshop - 1200
- Playing Frisbee - 1200
- Bowling - 1200
- Grocery shopping - 1400
- Biking moderately (11 mph) - 1600
- Sweeping - 1600
- Washing the car - 1850
- Mowing the lawn with hand mower - 2350
- Moving furniture - 2350
- Carrying bricks - (hey you never know) 3150
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