Walking for Health Thru Digiwalker
Pedometer
A Needed Device - Digiwalker - Pedometer
The Digiwalker Pedometer is a
portable electronic device that counts each step a person takes by detecting the motion of
the person's hips. Aside from counting steps, the device can be
programmed to calculate distance, caloric expenditure as well as physical activity
intensity.
Pedometers can be a motivational tool for
people who want to increase physical activity. Clinical studies have shown that
pedometers not only increase physical activity but reduce blood pressure levels and body
mass index.
The benefits of exercise and other forms of physical activity are well
documented and include reduce risk of developing sedentary diseases. These diseases
result from sedentary lifestyle which is characterized by irregular physical activity or
the absence of it.
Sedentary activities include sitting, watching television, reading and long
hours of computer use with little or no vigorous activity or exercise. With
a Pedometer such as a digiwalker sw200, an ordinary
walk may be the simplest solution one hopes for.
Pedometers can help determine the level of
adult physical activity and may be classified as to:
-
Sedentary Lifestyle Index - under
5,000 steps per day
-
Low Active - 5,000 to 7,499
steps per day is typical of daily activity such as moving from one room to
another and doing household chores; this excludes sports and
exercise
-
Somewhat active - 7,500 to 9,999
steps per day and includes some exercise and
walking
-
Active - 10,000 steps per day
indicates the point where most individuals should
be
-
Highly Active - more than 12,500
steps per day
To accurately measure the number of steps per
day, a precise and reliable device like the yamax sw 200
pedometer should be used. A wide range of pedometers are
available but independent studies conclude that the Yamax range is the most accurate
among commercially available pedometers. The gold standard for pedometers is the
Yamax Digi-walker SW-200 pedometer which produces
accurate and reproducible results.
Maximizing Device
Usage
Wearing a Digiwalker Pedometer is an easy way
to track the number of steps taken per day. Maximizing the use of the device
equates to maximizing the benefits offered by physical activities. The following
are ways to increase daily steps:
-
Using stairs instead of the elevator
or escalator
-
Window
shopping
-
Walking the dog every
morning
-
Park farther from the store or other
target destination
-
Walk daily to neighbors and do some
garden weeding
The Ideal
Walk
Most health experts including the US Surgeon
General, UK Department of Health, pedometer companies in Japan and walking clubs
recommend walking around 10,000 steps a day for health. But the setting of a
universal target has encountered criticisms since it is not achievable by older persons
with mobility problems or those with chronic diseases. On the other hand, experts
believe that the target is too low for children.
Though the target of 10,000 steps
seems to be the popular choice,health experts also believe that the ideal number
of steps depends on how much calories should be burned. Each 2,000 to 2,500 steps is
equivalent to a mile and burn an average of 100 calories in a 150-pound person. Therefore, the
rule of thumb is 100 calories per mile for a 150-pound person.
Walking, when done properly, can help achieve
a number of health benefits. Digiwalker Pedometer, being the right partner, ensures
that one completes and remains in the program through a watchful walk towards
health.
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