Time to Invest in a Pedometer

Currently, roughly half of Americans do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Physical activity has many physical, emotional, and physical benefits, and it is one of the best things you can do for you health. It been shown to help decrease and maintain weight, to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, to strengthen bones and muscles, and to improve mental health and mood. Many Americans find it difficult to start an exercise program and stick with it. A new study published in PLOS Medicine showed that participants who use a pedometer daily tended to be more active than those who didn’t. When they utilized a pedometer and received advice on how to increase physical activity, people had longer exercise sessions and they were more likely to continue to exercise long term, 3-4 years later. So if you are having difficulty starting and sticking to walking more, buy a pedometer! It will help you stay accountable to your goals and keep you on the right path!