Diet, exercise and weight loss are all about taking measurements. Weighing portions, checking the scales and counting the calories are all part of what you have to do.
So much so that sometimes I wish I had done Applied Maths for my Leaving Cert just so I could work out if I am allowed to have a Jaffa cake with my morning coffee.
But the latest addition to my weight loss equation is worth its minuscule weight in gold.
I picked up a pedometer last month because I was curious as to how active I am during the day. It is recommended that we take ten thousand steps daily to keep healthy, while five thousand steps and under is classed as sedentary. The stats we see on the health of the nation should be enough to inspire us to lace up our trainers.
The pedometer simply counts the number of steps you take each day. Whether you are at the gym, doing the housework or climbing the stairs, each step is logged. I clipped mine to my waistband and popped it in my pocket but you can loop it through your laces or even carry it in your handbag.
Advertised
There is a huge selection of pedometers available. You really can get one to suit any price range. I chose the Omron Walking Style III (€32.49 from Argos, shown above) but you can pick up a basic version for as low as €2.99. The prices vary depending on how user friendly they are, their accuracy, sturdiness and the clarity of the display.
If you are serious about fitness and have your Communion money to spend, you might want to check out the Fitbit Flex (€99.99, below) that is designed for both day and night use. It logs activity and diet during the day, while it tracks your sleeping patterns at night (it also has a vibrating alarm that is designed to wake you and not your partner up for your 6am gym date).
Once the device has been calibrated with the length of your stride, your weight and height, you are ready to go! This is all about being healthy and balanced, something that can’t be said for all weight loss aids.
A month in and I have been surprised by how much this little gadget has helped. I would have thought of myself as being quite active during the day but I have learned that’s not always the case. On the days that I don’t go to the gym, I really have to make the effort to walk more to get my steps up to the target. It’s like I’m in a competition with the small screen in my pocket. I’ll jump off the bus at an earlier stop, I’ll run a quick lap of the park before dinner or I’ll zip up the stairs. When I hit ten thousand steps, a mini man appears on the screen, clapping and cheering. Go me. Motivation and accountability in one little gadget.
Advertised
Pedometer, I’ve taken your measure. And I like it.
Do you use a pedometer? How many steps do you reckon you take a day?
