Exercise: Pedometer helps you slim down

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MunichSmall program - big effect: People who wear a pedometer live healthier lives. According to an American study, the wearers of these small devices move more, so sit less and even lose a few pounds as a result.

For their study, the research team led by Jeanne Johnston from Indiana University's Public Health Department evaluated the data of 26 people between the ages of 40 and 66. All of them wore a pedometer over a period of twelve weeks and also received an E twice a week - E-mail with nutrition and fitness tips, encouraging participants to take action even when they are not actually moving - for example at work in the office or at home.

One kilo less per week with the counter

The first successes came quickly: the participants spent significantly less time sitting. But not only that, the pounds dropped too. On average, the subjects lost almost one and a half kilos during the study period.

"It's a very simple method that reaches a lot of people and costs little," explains Johnston. The small pedometers are not only cheap, they are also very small and light. That is why they can easily be stowed in the backpack, handbag or trouser pocket.

Sitting increases the risk of chronic illnesses

"Even if someone does 30 minutes of exercise a day, the fact that most of them do little more than that is very bad for their health," said Johnston. Studies show that sitting too much increases the risk of chronic diseases. For example, just four hours a day spent on the buttocks increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity.

The problem is that sitting too much cannot be compensated for by exercising a few minutes a day. And that's precisely why the small step counters are a good addition to the normal sports program, according to the researchers. (jb)

Source: Johnston J. et al. Pedometer program helps motivate participants to sit less, move more Indiana University research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine meeting. 05/30/2013

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