Weight Loss Motivation Using A Pedometer
How much do we weigh….how much weight do we need to lose? Our society is all about numbers. Seeing things in black and white gives us something to gage our success/failure. A recent study done by Stanford University, shows using a pedometer will make people walk more. People increase their steps by about 2,000 steps per day according to Dr Dena Bravata, a research scientist at Stanford. In turn, more exercise will lead to increased weight loss.
The American Medical Association did an analysis of 26 studies concluding that using a pedometer is a motivator in increasing physical acivity. They found the more sedetary a person is, the more effective a pedometer is in motivating her/him.
My favorite pedometer is the Omron JH-112. I’ve been using this one for about couple of years. It has a 7 day memory and is easy to use. They are reasonable priced and can be purchased at most local retail stores.
Many things can help motivate you on your weight loss journey. A pedometer is just one of them. Give it a try. (Remember to keep track of your steps in a journal so you can measue your weight loss success.)
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I agree with the research- at least in my personal experience. That accountability fact is a real motivator. Great post.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I also use the Omron HJ112. I would never be without mine. The most accurate I have ever seen. I have been using mine for two years. I post my steps on AOM and since I started logging my steps in Feb. 2006 I am around 7 million.
January 7th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Have to agree with this research. People trying to lose weight will need to set daily goals for them self, and I think a pedometer is a great way of staying focused on the job that needs to be done. Great article all in all.
January 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I need a pedpmeter
January 9th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I was surfing the web doing some research and came across this post and ended up wasting massive amounts of time delving into motivation, what is it, why is it different for different people, etc, etc …
I’m still not sure what to make of it yet, but I just wanted to thank you for starting me on this journey to discover the root of motivation in people.
So Thanks.
Joe
January 11th, 2008 at 4:23 am
Sure, being conscious of your behavior helps a lot at leveraging your current habits.
It’s like when you’ll get a friend to go with you to the gym and you’ll notice yourself being more prepared to go there.
Jose Armando
January 11th, 2008 at 11:29 am
funny jack, I think it is important that your gym friend is just as committed as you. Otherwise, when they end up being a no-show, it can be a let down and can dampen your motivation.
January 12th, 2008 at 3:20 am
Sure, Chris, however my experience with this is that it’s always better to take a chance and do it with someone else.
I believe that you choose to do this with your friend, you are at the same time committing to him/her that you will stick to it.
Surely there are dozens of other psychological factors that help you stick to your goals and just keep on following your plans, but I think that this one is one of the most influential.
Good luck