Pedometers

Technology

There are many pedometers out there that are very good. Here are a few options:

• Walk4Life Pedometer (Between $20-39)

• Geopalz pedometers - funky designs for kids (Around $20)

• Gaiam Oregon Calorie Coach (Between $20-40)

• Yamax Digiwalker Pedometer (Between $25-40)

• Omron Pedometer (Between $20-50)

Wearing a Pedometer

Proper positioning is key!

• At waistband in line with the midpoint of your thigh and kneecap.
• Pedometer positioned just in front of your hip.
• Device must remain upright.
• Inclusion of students with disabilities: Students with disabilities or in a wheelchair should be included.
  • Wheelchair students can attach the pedometer to their upper arm to obtain STEP count (if they push their own chair)
  • If someone else is pushing the chair, have that person wear the pedometer.

Finding your Stride Length

To Set Your Stride Length:

1. Measure a 30 ft distance. Mark the starting and finishing line.

2. Count the number of STEPs it takes you to walk the 30 ft. Walk at your normal pace (the pace you think you use most throughout the day).

3. Find your STEP number and the corresponding stride length (in feet and inches) in the following table.

Assessment & Evaluation

The Surgeon General Report recommends 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day for adults.

• Moderate Intensity Walking 100–150 (SPM)
• 30 minutes of moderate intensity walking = 3,200-4,000 STEPs
• 10,000 STEPs is a target/30 minutes is the goal

Step Goals:

• Healthy Adults walk 7,000 – 13,000 STEPs per day
• Older Adults walk 6,000 – 8,500 STEPs per day
• Children walk 10,000 – 14,000 STEPs per day

NASPE Guidelines:

Children should accumulate at least 60 minutes, and up to several hours, of age-appropriate physical activity on all or most days of the week. This daily accumulation should include moderate and vigorous physical activity with the majority of the time being spent in activity that is intermittent in nature.

Keeping a record of your steps:

• PeCentral" "Log It"
• President's Challenge Website
• Fitnessgram/Activitygram 8.0/9.0
• Excel Sheets

Web Based Challenges

• Movable: MOVchallenge - $29.99 - Track your steps and each mover strives to move 100 miles in 21 days! For schools, families, businesses and anybody else!
• Creative Walking: Robert Sweetgall, expert on Pedometer Walking programs or Smart Stepping School Programs. He has a colorful map of USA for students to step and learn geography at the same time. Pedometer challenges are truly interdisciplinary!
• Pedometer Company: They have a walk across the America challenges and pedometer kits available.
• America On the Move: Various programs for schools and general public. Online tracking, logs and community centers for support.