I always learn so much from Taylor. In preparation for her talk at the National Lipid Association meeting in San Antonio, she reviewed the latest research on wearable step tracking technology (also known as pedometers, fit bits, etc.).
It turns out the most accurate ones are the ones that are closest to your hips. However, if you do have a wrist one, keep using it. At the end of the day, the main idea behind pedometers is to get you moving. The key to success is to make sure you use the same one consistently.
Using a pedometer will give you a good idea of your baseline step number. The next step (pun intended!) is to make a goal to increase the number of steps from your baseline. You might make a goal of an extra 100 or 1000 steps every day until you reach your long-term goal. Research from the Centers for Disease Control recommends 10,000 steps per day. Remember, just wearing the device won't work for health goals. You need to use that information and apply it in a way that will improve your health and help you reach your goal. Goals may include general fitness, weight loss, or health maintenance.
With the weather warming up, enjoy getting your steps outdoors. Explore our local parks and hiking trails. Wisconsin has some wonderful places to discover!