After all the holiday feasting, now is a good time to walk off some of those calories. But before you head out, clip a pedometer onto your waistband to count your steps - new research shows it’ll boost your workout.
A report from Stanford University School of Medicine finds pedometers can help you exercise more, lose weight, and lower your blood pressure.
Researchers analyzed 26 studies that looked at using pedometers to motivate people to exercise. 2,767 people took part in the studies – most were female, overweight, and relatively inactive before they started their walking program.
Results show those who used pedometers increased their physical activity by just over 2,000 steps - the equivalent of about a mile of walking a day.
Researchers say setting a goal of a certain number of steps was key to increasing physical activity. Even if participants didn’t actually reach their goal, it seemed to help them stay motivated.
The study authors note their research had some limitations – only 15-percent of participants were male and the mean study duration was only 18 weeks – so more research is definitely needed. But they still hope the findings will encourage physicians to recommend pedometers to their sedentary patients… and get them moving.
The study is published in the November 21 issue of JAMA.
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