A recent study conducted by the
American Council
on Exercise
(ACE) in Wisconsin compared the
steps
of people in 10 different occupations.
People from each
occupation wore pedometers
(a device to measure steps)
for three days.
The results? Workers who sat at a desk for most of the
day, such as teachers and secretaries, got very little
physical exercise. Mail carriers, as one might guess,
got the most exercise of those studied – almost 19,000
steps per day. Waiters and waitresses took about 10,000
steps per day.
Nearly 70 percent of the U.S. population is not getting
enough exercise. And that’s not just working
adults, either.
n are not getting the physical exercise
they need,”
said Todd Galati,
an ACE trainer.
“Kids need to move – whether inside or outside.
Get up and move! Pick an activity that you enjoy,
such as skateboarding, basketball, dancing, playing
catch with a friend, or running with your dog. Pick
something and do it!” Galati said.
An exercise program suggested by ACE encourages
folks to get at least 10,000 steps in every day. Does
that sound impossible? It is very possible if you make
some easy changes to your lifestyle.
Let’s talk
• Why are people walking so little?
• Why does it matter how many steps people take?
• How many steps do you think you take in a day?
Hey, try this!
Count how many steps are from your front door to various
locations, such as the mailbox, your
friend’s house, or
around the block.
Record these numbers in a book you’ve
made in the shape of your feet. Keep up with
how many
steps you take in a day.
If it’s not 10,000 steps, what steps
can you take to move more often?
Illustrated by Ivan Mader
Take these steps to take more steps
Americans aren’t walking enough.
Use these tips and get moving!
► When you talk on the phone, get up and walk around
or climb up and down stairs. Don’t just sit and talk.
► Use stairs instead of elevators.
► Encourage your parents to park farther from the
building when shopping and walk those extra steps.
► Don’t use the drive-thru window; park and walk in.
► When you get home, take the long way to get in the door.
Try walking around the house before going inside.
“Step it up at work”
See the full study on steps taken in different occupations.
http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/10kStudy2007.pdf
Find a pedometer starting at $10.
http://www.thepedometercompany.com/
Who do you think takes more steps