Why is it important to track steps?Walking is one of the easiest ways to increase your daily exercise! Anyone can do it - all you need is some comfortable shoes, and some space to walk around in. Not only does walking improve your heart health, but can also help develop your leg muscles. More muscle mass leads to more calories burned each day, and more calories burned means more weight lost. It's a win for everybody! Setting a step goal, and tracking your progress, is a great way to keep motivated. Check out our FAQ below for more helpful information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many steps should I be getting each day?
Scientists generally recommend 10,000 steps per day, but keep in mind that this a guideline, not a definite rule. This number may change, depending on how physically active you are outside of walking - check out our page on office exercises to learn how to improve your overall health!
Do I need a pedometer?
While a pedometer can definitely be helpful, they're not absolutely necessary for tracking steps. Many smartphones now include a step counting service, and a recent study by the University of Pennsylvania even suggests that these apps are just as accurate as traditional pedometers.
You can also count how many steps you take in a minute, and write that number on a sticky note by your desk. That way, the next time you take a walk during your lunch break, you can multiply that number by the length of your walk to get your total number of steps. Just don't forget to add that to the steps it takes throughout the day to get you to the office coffee pot!
You can also count how many steps you take in a minute, and write that number on a sticky note by your desk. That way, the next time you take a walk during your lunch break, you can multiply that number by the length of your walk to get your total number of steps. Just don't forget to add that to the steps it takes throughout the day to get you to the office coffee pot!
How many calories does walking burn?
This number again changes based on your gender, height, and weight, but you can expect to burn upwards of 100 calories per hour. On average this means you can expect to burn 88.9 calories per mile and 5.95 calories per minute. This number will increase if you're walking uphill or carrying any extra weight.
What other health benefits does walking provide?
Studies have shown that walking can decrease weight, improve resting heart rate, decrease blood pressure, and can increase good cholesterol.