Using a pedometer may lower your risk for diabetes
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EmailTaking the recommended amount of steps per day will do more than aid you in weight loss, it can also lower your risk for diabetes.
Have you ever received a pedometer from a health fair or community event? If so, did you know what number you should be aiming to reach each day?
The average American takes around 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day which is about 1 ½ to 2 miles. The American Heart Association recommends 10,000 steps a day for good health. Building up to 10,000 steps a day can help control weight and may also reduce diabetes risk. Weight loss is known to increase insulin sensitivity, so walking may in turn improve diabetes risk factors.
To use a pedometer correctly, make sure use the following tips:
- Put the pedometer on first thing in the morning and reset if needed from the previous day.
- Clip the pedometer to your clothes at your waistline, not on the top of a shirt or your shoe.
- Make sure the pedometer is secure and does not move around a lot.
- Do not get the pedometer wet.
- Use a tracker or note paper to record each day’s total steps so that you can challenge yourself to increase the amount each day or week!
Two thousand steps is the equivalent of one mile, so this gives you an idea of how many miles you are walking every day.
It is always important to remember that you should being walking slowly and build up gradually. You also will want to check with your doctor before starting a new physical activity routine. Warming up at the beginning with light stretching may improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. Once you have started your new routine, feel free to mix it up! Change your pace, direction, scenery and distance throughout the week.
Every little bit counts, so any time you can add in extra steps you get closer to the recommended 10,000 steps per day!
