Pedometers and 10,000 steps

[Martha]

I finally bought a pedometer to measure how many steps I walk a day. One of the latest fitness fads is to be sure to walk 10,000 steps a day.

Well, I have had it four full days. My stats are 16,228, 16019, 24424, and 17106. The days were fairly active, but no long walks or anything like that. On the 24,424 day I painted a room and was up and down the ladder a lot. The pedometer if anything is underestimating my steps. Frankly, 10,000 steps doesnt seem like a whole lot.

Anyone else use these things? Is it helpful?

 

[Outtahere]

Martha isn't it that you're suppose to track your everyday steps then add 10,000 to that?

 

[Martha]

According to this web site the goal is a total of 10,000 steps: http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html

The web site says that sedentary people may average only 1000 to 3000 steps a day.

 

[cube_rat]

If I had to choose between a pedometer and a HR monitor, I'd choose a HR monitor. Although the pedometer helps a person to become cognizant of physical acitivity (anything that helps a person start an exercise program is great), a HR monitor can help gauge your level of fitness and recovery rate. Anyway, that's just my opinion.

Edit: It's "choose" not "chose"

 

[Outtahere]

I would suppose if you're a very sedentary person working up to 10,000 steps a day would be very helpful but when you're already at that or exceeding it would adding more give you as much benefit?

 

[Outtahere]

I loved my HR monitor, I should get it fixed or buy a new one.

 

[Martha]

It seems that way, Ottahere. Cube is probably right. At this point I would get more out of a heart rate monitor. But for some reason, checking my heart rate creeps me out.

At least the pedometer was only $5.99 at Walgreens. I'll keep it on for a while longer to see how I average.

 

[uncledrz]

Martha
As I recall, you live in the Twin Cities. Do you walk in the neighborhood (to the store, park, etc). That might add to your activity.

We aren't in an urban area, so have to make palns to walk and get out, whereas friends and family who do live in the city are able to walk all over and get some good exercise in their daily routine.
Tio z

 

[Outtahere]

I like my pedometer, I use it every few months to see how I'm doing and to check my treadmil to see if the milage is still accurate. The HR monitor is strange to get use to but it sure does show you if you're working too hard or not hard enough. I had been walking 4 to 5 miles a day and thought I was getting my HR up there, I bought a monitor and boy was I surprised at the results. In order for me to get my HR into range I had to run, walking wasn't cutting it even going up hills.

 

[MJ]

Speaking about a HR monitor which I don't own, a couple of days ago, I was updating my Fat Max Zone stats and one of the measurements, I need is my resting HR so I counted it after I woke up. Now, I have never thought of myself as an athlete but I recorded a 40 HR. I was shocked. The best HR I had was 45, which I had 4 years ago when I was weightlifting. I guess riding around hilly Tucson on a folding bike appears to greatly decrease your resting heart rate. Any slower and I'll be dead.

 

[haha]

I finally bought a pedometer to measure how many steps I walk a day. One of the latest fitness fads is to be sure to walk 10,000 steps a day.

Well, I have had it four full days. My stats are 16,228, 16019, 24424, and 17106. The days were fairly active, but no long walks or anything like that. On the 24,424 day I painted a room and was up and down the ladder a lot. The pedometer if anything is underestimating my steps. Frankly, 10,000 steps doesnt seem like a whole lot.

Anyone else use these things? Is it helpful?

That is a huge number of steps. Using 18,000 a day as your average, you are doing almost 7 miles a day, even if your stride is only 2 feet- a pretty conservative estimate.

Relax, sit down, and ask Sweetie -Pie to mix you a martini.

Ha

 

[audreyh1]

You're doing a huge number of steps. Really, 10,000 is a large number. You might want to do a calibrated 2 mile walk and see how many steps the pedometer registers. I think for me something 2600 steps = 1 mile.

Congrats on being so active.

Audrey

 

[LRS]

Make sure your pedometer is not going "click" when you bend over or move your torso. that can add some steps when you are not stepping.

10,000 is in the neighborhood of 5 miles, no? I am sure I have days when I cover that much ground just cleaning the house and shopping.

Edited to not sound stingy with praise--24,000 steps is a "feat"! Way to go!

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

My whole approach to exercised changed when I got a heart rate monitor. Before, I would jog at a pace which I perceived as "right" but which in retrospect was way too fast for my age. I am sure it had me in the 90% of predicted pulse range. Something about all those years of competitive sports in school, the need to "push," and the testosterone thing all combined.

Once I started monitoring my heart rate, I was able to settle into the truly correct pulse range (80-85% max for me), at which pace I barely felt any fatigue. I recover very quickly even after a 50 minute jog, probably have a slow pace of about 10-11 minute miles (guessing). I also feel safer as a middle aged man keeping it moderate in intensity.

OTOH, I don't think it would be very useful (or comfortable) to wear all day. Your pulse can go up briefly for so many reasons besides physical exertion that it would get useless. I'm sure that when I am faced with giving a lecture to 150 medical students all smarter than I am, or faced with a distraught patient, my pulse rises.

BTW, there is a measurement called Heart Rate Recovery where you measure your pulse at near-peak rate, then rest (e.g. 2.5 mph walk) and measure it again at 1 and 2 minutes. If it drops >= 12-20 beats per minute, that is normal. Some believe that this single parameter is almost as good a predictor of sudden death or heart attack over the next year as a full blown stress test. <CMA>I am NOT advising this for anyone without an OK from their personal doctor (it can be dangerous to exercise to peak heart rate if you have previously silent coronary disease) or even a properly supervised cardiac stress test</CMA> but it is interesting.

 

[Cool Dood]

Don't forget to take off your pedometer if you take a vacation in Washington, D.C., especially if you do the whole Capitol tour thing. It could show an unnaturally high number...

 

[TromboneAl]

Make sure your pedometer is not going "click" when you bend over or move your torso.

When I get home, the stuffed beaver is going to want to comment on this.

 

[Mr._johngalt]

When I get home, the stuffed beaver is going to want to comment on this.

Reminds me of the library scene from the old Leslie Neilson (sp?)
movie...."Nice Beaver!".

JG

 

[Mr._johngalt]

Speaking about a HR monitor which I don't own, a couple of days ago, I was updating my Fat Max Zone stats and one of the measurements, I need is my resting HR so I counted it after I woke up. Now, I have never thought of myself as an athlete but I recorded a 40 HR. I was shocked. The best HR I had was 45, which I had 4 years ago when I was weightlifting. I guess riding around hilly Tucson on a folding bike appears to greatly decrease your resting heart rate. Any slower and I'll be dead.

Yep, 40 would scare the hell out of me (and surprise those who don't think I have a heart).

JG

 

[Outtahere]

Rich that was the same thing I found when I used mine, I was either not working hard enough or working too hard. I have to get another one, I'd forgotten how much it helped me and I'm sure I'm way off the mark now without monitoring myself.

 

[Mr._johngalt]

I used to jog some when I was younger (never seriously). After I retired
I took regular daily walks of several miles. Alas, I had to cut back on that as well.
I actually feel more sorry for the dog than myself, although she is gettin'
older too.

An aside. My brother is also a "former" jogger. He had to cut back for health reasons like I did. However, he maintains a fitness regimen.
As far as I know he still does like 200 situps a day. The only time I "sit up" is to make another manhattan. Be interesting to see which system works
better.

JG

 

[Texas Proud]

Did you drive or anything else in a vehicle?

When I got mine awhile back, I found out that I could get a couple of thousand 'steps' riding the bus... the car was not as bad, but did register step also... finally, location is also important... I could get double steps if placed in the wrong part of my waist..

I think it is about 4 miles, not 5, but it does matter how long is your stride..

Also, I found it is very easy to lose them.... I would try and 'turn off'' mine by turning it sideways when not walking... and then back correct when I started again... well, you don't quite get it connected right all the time... and then you go to move it and it is not there!!!

But, I do need to get out and about a lot more...

 

[Dawg52]

I finally bought a pedometer to measure how many steps I walk a day. One of the latest fitness fads is to be sure to walk 10,000 steps a day.

Well, I have had it four full days. My stats are 16,228, 16019, 24424, and 17106. The days were fairly active, but no long walks or anything like that. On the 24,424 day I painted a room and was up and down the ladder a lot. The pedometer if anything is underestimating my steps. Frankly, 10,000 steps doesnt seem like a whole lot.

Anyone else use these things? Is it helpful?

I may have to get me one of these things. I take my dog on a 2 mile walk every day and I thought I was doing pretty good. I bet I don't walk another 2000 steps all day. Walking around in the office and a little in the house can't add up to much.

 

[Sarah in SC]

Martha,
I picked up one the other day at Target. I am using it to figure out how many miles I am walking an hour (aiming for a 15 minute mile).
I haven't used the step feature, but I did read the tiny pamphlet that came with it on the subject.
Did you do the whole "walk 10 steps and measure how many inches thing" to get it calibrated?
I think mine will be useful during my "exercise time", but I'd feel kinda groovy walking around with it on all day!
Sarah

 

[Martha]

That is a huge number of steps. Using 18,000 a day as your average, you are doing almost 7 miles a day, even if your stride is only 2 feet- a pretty conservative estimate.

Relax, sit down, and ask Sweetie -Pie to mix you a martini.

Ha

I am a pacer.

Given I am so short, my stride is about 2 feet or a little less.

Sarah, I did do the step calibration thing.

I check to see if it is registering false steps.

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Would it be useful to go to the nearby high school track, pace off a quarter mile at "leisurely" pace and then another at your fitness hussle pace? That would give you a nice baseline to figure out how many steps per mile, depending on the type of walk you're taking.