By Michael Dorausch, D.C.
One of the easiest and most important forms of exercise is walking. And like any other type of exercise, performance tends to improve when that performance can be measured. A number of chiropractors recommend activities such as walking after one receives an adjustment. Chiropractors like Dr. Steve Visentin of Colorado, have taken things a step further by recommending (and even giving away) digital pedometers, so people can measure their distances walked, and take a more active role in personal health improvement.
Research has suggested that people following a pedometer based walking program tend to increase the steps daily they take. This comes back to the principal that when you measure performance it tends to improve. In the times that I’ve worn a digital pedometer on my hip, I found myself looking for extra steps to take. Wearing a pedometer, I’m more aware that a ride on the escalator or elevator robs me of steps that can help beat my previous day totals, or at least my step walking averages. While benefits for any one individual can vary, I feel pedometers offer great potential in helping us maintain our healthy chiropractic lifestyles.
Not all digital pedometers are created equally. Most are fairly small and they come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. The most basic models measure steps only while some of the advanced models measure steps, calories, distance traveled and more. Some pedometer models are designed to wear on a belt or clip near the hip on one’s pants, but some of the advanced models are flexible enough to measure steps in all positions perpendicular to the ground, meaning you could place the pedometer in a pocket or still clip it to a belt.
For those serious about measuring their aerobic walking activities, I’d recommend a higher-end pedometer like the better rated Omron models (one shown in above image) or better rated Accusplit models. What’s great about pedometers is even the top models are not pricey, and the entry price models cost as little as a couple of dollars. While many of the models of pedometers make great fitness gifts, those priced in the $1 – $5 range put them in reach as nice gifts for clients (not limited to chiropractic offices). A free pedometer for patrons of one’s business suggests you want them to be healthy (at least that’s how I see it). I did some searches online and noticed there are several sources for bulk pedometer purchases and some companies even offer custom imprinting with your company logo or other information. A great opportunity for branding and reminding the people in your community that you care about their health.
I haven’t yet made use of a distance pedometer for running, as I’ve long preferred my Garmin GPS trainer, but those can cost a significant amount more. Some of the pedometer reviews I researched, did mention models that calculate calories burned from physical activity, accurate distances for walking and jogging, and step measurement up to 99,999 steps. That was mostly for the models in the $20 and over range, whereas the five dollar models (and those priced around that) tended to offer only step measurement. Most models I researched offered easy setup, features like automatic shut off, small size, and an easily readable LCD display.
Talk to your local chiropractor about walking before and/or after receiving your adjustments, and ask what suggestions they may have. Health-care providers like Denver chiropractor, Dr. Steve Visentin, have already moved forward in motivating patients to measure their steps along their path to health and wellness.
planetc1.com-news @ 11:20 am | Article ID: 1216750878
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