Staying Fit the Right-Left-Right Way

• Distance and Speed Estimators (calculated by programming average stride length, or with a GPS system, the latter of which is more accurate)
• Calorie Expenditure Estimators (calculated by programming weight)
• Stopwatches
• Heart Rate monitor*
• Steps per Minute
• Computer compatibility, which allows the user to upload data from the pedometer and graph stepping progress.
• Flip Case (to prevent accidental button pressing)
• One of the most important features a pedometer can boast, however, is comfort. It should not be bulky and should include a safety strap, so you don't drop it down the toilet. The best place to wear a pedometer is at the waist, aligned with the knee.

Wearing a pedometer is a great way to keep track of your daily activity, motivating you to get on your feet on days when you haven't been so active. You don't have to set aside lots of extra time to work walking into your busy schedule. Here are some ways to add more steps each day:

• Avoid rock-star parking spaces. You can add hundreds of steps each day by parking farther from (rather than closer to) entrances.
• Play Tag. Playing with kids is sure to increase your daily step count, and it's fun too.
• Shun the elevator. Take the stairs. These more challenging steps will help to build muscle too.
• Move your feet, not your fingers. Walk to the accounting office instead of calling or e-mailing to ask a question.
• Pace. Whether you're waiting for the bus, or on a layover at the airport, use the opportunity to get in some extra steps.
• Clean your house. Been putting off emptying out the hall closet? Cleaning is a great way to increase your daily stepping totals.
• Enjoy the weather. Although most of the leaves are on the ground and the summer nights are behind us, don't spend the winter hibernating. Invest in a fleece scarf and a good pair of earmuffs and get outside for some fresh crisp air.

If you're the competitive type, you may become a pedometer-addict, constantly trying to squeeze in a few extra steps, so consider yourself warned. But there's only one consequence of this addiction-- a slimmer, trimmer, fitter you.

*(During pregnancy, you should not rely on heart rate to judge how hard you're working. You should be using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale, also called the Modified Borg Scale.)

About The Author

Liza Barnes Liza received her bachelor's degree in health promotion and education from the University of Cincinnati and is pursuing a master's degree in nurse midwifery. She is the proud mother of one daughter.