Step To It
By Katrina Stansfield

Walking is often under rated as a fitness activity but it burns a lot of calories and is a great way to keep fit. Health experts recommend we walk at least 10,000 steps a day to keep us fit and healthy. A pedometer will help you keep track of the number of steps you take in a day and ensure you reach the target.

A pedometer is a small device that clips to your belt and counts the number of steps you walk.

Pedometers can be relatively inexpensive, whilst keeping track of your steps many people find they're a great way of motivating yourself to do more. Most can also store the average length of your steps and use this to calculate the distance you travel when out walking. You'll have to take a little time to set up the pedometer to suit your walking style. Pedometers are available to purchase from most outdoor shops, sports shops, pharmacies and health stores.

How can you increase your daily step count?

There are many ways to increase the amount of walking you do as part of your daily routine just by making a few simple changes.

Here are some suggestions:

• Try to do some walking on most days of the week. If you're not used to walking start with a 10 minute walk and gradually increase the time you spend walking to reduce risk of injury.
• Walk rather than take the car for those shorter journeys. This will also save money
  on fuel, benefit the environment and have beneficial effects on your overall health.
• If you travel by bus, get off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way.
• If you drive to work, park further away and walk the rest of the way in.
• Use the stairs instead of taking the lift.
• Use your lunch break to take a walk.
• Rather than e-mail a colleague deliver the message in person.
• Take a stroll in the park and enjoy the fresh air and being outdoors.
• Try and enlist a friend to join you - you can both have fun together and help each
  other stay motivated. Why not set up a walking group?
• Gardening is a great form of exercise.

By using a pedometer you can get a good idea of how many steps you normally take. You can then start to set targets to increase your steps and reach the recommended level of physical activity.