Pedometer - The Best Way to Lose Weight

Posted 11 March 2009

The humble pedometer could be the best way to lose weight as research reveals walking is better than intense workouts at the gym.

The pedometer is a simple device that allows you to keep track of the number of steps you take a day. And by incorporating more walking into your life, you will be on track for a healthier, and thinner, you. Investing in a pedometer and a pair of sturdy shoes is not just cheaper than expensive gym memberships, it's more realistic. Gyms can be places that are intimidating to some, and let's face it - most of us hate the thought of being cooped up in a grey, air conditioned gym. A pedometer gives you the opportunity to embrace the great outdoors, enjoy exercise and realistically incorporate it into your day-to-day routine.

Pedometer - Get your Walking Boots on

According to a study published in the journal Nature, walking burns off more energy than short bursts of gym activity. Those that embrace a pedometer are consciously incorporating walking and exercise into their whole day - whether it be going on a dedicated walk, jumping off the bus a stop earlier, or taking the stairs instead of the lift. A pedometer shows every step counts. A study by Prof Klaas Wersterterp at Maastricht University found that those who opted for intense workouts at the gym, were more likely to be sedate or couch potatoes the rest of the day. Whereas those who incorporated walking into their lives, for example by using a pedometer, were more active for longer periods.

Pedometer - Affordable and Accessible

Investing in a pedometer is a lot more affordable, and achievable for many people. And the news that incorporating more walking into our lives is more beneficial than intense gym workouts could be a huge boost for many. A moderately active lifestyle, the research says, speeds up our metabolism more than intense exercise and lazing around. A pedometer then could be a more efficient and effective way to lose weight and burn more energy.

Choose a Pedometer, Choose Health

Walking also helps protect against heart disease - a separate study has shown that walking up the stairs instead of taking the lift could reduce the risk of dying young by 15%. Researchers at the University of Geneva said those who did less than two hours exercise a week and took fewer than 10 flights of stairs a day had worse lung capacity, higher waistlines and more body fat and cholesterol. After switching to using the stairs instead of the lift, the health of the participants involved in the research improved across all factors - the equivalent of a 15% reduction in the chances of dying young or prematurely.

Interested in Using a Pedometer? Try Fitbug

Fitbug offers flexibility for you to do what exercise you can, when you can. By using the Fitbug pedometer you can get the right structure and motivation to keep you on the straight and narrow. You can choose a walking programme to suit your level and fit your schedule. As long as you have good shoes and are prepared to pick up the pace, you'll achieve your fitness, well being and weight loss goals. If you are the sort of person who likes concrete evidence of how they are getting on, print out your programme, stick it on your fridge and cross off each power walk as you complete it. Find out more, call: 0870 228 4949.