Do you use a pedometer?
I recently started using one called a FitBit and oh the things I have learned! For example, I sit around too much on most days. Yes, I do work from the computer, but it’s really eye opening to see how many steps I get. For example, here is a good day of tracking, though there was still some time left in this day, unless I put in a second workout, there wasn’t much chance of reaching 10,000 steps.
This particular day was one where I was running errands (grocery shopping), and doing laundry. All of these things help a lot in getting extra steps. I did do a walking workout as well, but even with that, you can see I fell short of 10,000.
Th biggest lesson that I have learned through tracking steps is this: efficiency is not great for your health! What?! That’s right, when you are really efficient you take less steps. Case in point, the laundry… I always put all the empty hangers in the basket with the dirty clothes before taking it all down to the laundry room. One trip! Saves time! Oh yeah, it also means less walking up and down the stairs… oops! That just cuts out valuable steps on the pedometer! 
So, in response to my pedometer I have been trying to make more trips around the house. Certainly I have been trying to at least stand up more than I sit, even if I am not actually walking at the time, it’s still better than sitting.
What about you? Have you used a pedometer? What lessons did you learn?
I love my Fitbit and was priding myself on hitting 10,000 steps every day. Then I got plantar fasciitis – at least I think I did. My heel hurts. Anyway, that has put the kibosh on the walking for the moment.
I think the pedometer is really useful motivation, though. You can set a personal goal and get results every day as to whether you made it or not. I’ve discovered I’m pretty goal-oriented.
If you want to friend me on Fitbit, I’m Kellyim.
Awesome! I will be sure to find you on the site and be friends there. It’s great to know someone else who is using one.
I hope your foot feels better soon, I had that for a little bit too and it was painful. I actually found that walking around on it barefoot helped quiet a bit, and they also gave me a little brace to wear.
I love my pedometer. I always thought I walked quite a bit during the day. Not so much! I really try to get those 10,000 steps in outside of working out, but holy moly…its tough!
It is tough! And I always thought I walked a lot in the day too!