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I'll start it up this week. Makes me feel I'm participating in some way, even if not walking! 
Info for new challengers:
Just pledge how many steps you plan to take this week and report back here throughout the week with your numbers. The daily recommended number of steps is 10,000, but it doesn't matter if you aren't there yet. You will be!
Here's some info about pedometers from http://www.pedometers.org/Pedometer_Benefits.html
"What's a pedometer? It's a simple electronic device you wear on your waistband that counts steps. Technically, a pedometer calculates distance, as opposed to a step counter, which only counts steps. The pedometer still counts steps, and uses a user-input stride length to calculate the distance. Other pedometers show calories burned, elapsed exercise time, steps per minute, and on and on. All you really need is something that accurately counts steps. Other features can be nice, but many are not necessary.
Why is it important to count steps? It's a primary indication of the activity you are engaged in during the day. Studies have shown that you don't need to dedicate a specific time to exercise, per se, but smaller bouts of activity can have the same effect as one longer, extended period.
That means that making small changes in your daily routine can have tremendous effects on your health. Park farther from the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, pace while you're on the phone, walk with the dog instead of just letting her go, and go down the hall instead of sending an e-mail or picking up the phone.
By taking more steps-essentially increasing your daily activity and burning more calories-you are becoming more physically active. The American Medical Association says that by increasing your activity level, you will:
Increase stamina
Stimulate weight loss
Lower blood cholesterol
Lower blood pressure
Improve self image
Improve mood
Enhance quality of life"
Info for new challengers:
Just pledge how many steps you plan to take this week and report back here throughout the week with your numbers. The daily recommended number of steps is 10,000, but it doesn't matter if you aren't there yet. You will be!
Here's some info about pedometers from http://www.pedometers.org/Pedometer_Benefits.html
"What's a pedometer? It's a simple electronic device you wear on your waistband that counts steps. Technically, a pedometer calculates distance, as opposed to a step counter, which only counts steps. The pedometer still counts steps, and uses a user-input stride length to calculate the distance. Other pedometers show calories burned, elapsed exercise time, steps per minute, and on and on. All you really need is something that accurately counts steps. Other features can be nice, but many are not necessary.
Why is it important to count steps? It's a primary indication of the activity you are engaged in during the day. Studies have shown that you don't need to dedicate a specific time to exercise, per se, but smaller bouts of activity can have the same effect as one longer, extended period.
That means that making small changes in your daily routine can have tremendous effects on your health. Park farther from the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, pace while you're on the phone, walk with the dog instead of just letting her go, and go down the hall instead of sending an e-mail or picking up the phone.
By taking more steps-essentially increasing your daily activity and burning more calories-you are becoming more physically active. The American Medical Association says that by increasing your activity level, you will:
Increase stamina
Stimulate weight loss
Lower blood cholesterol
Lower blood pressure
Improve self image
Improve mood
Enhance quality of life"
Silly me. 
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