CHIP Tip No. 8: Take the Challenge
from CHIP facilitator and exercise specialist Michelle Williams

A pedometer is an excellent tool to use in maintaining or improving your fitness level. This small device, which clips to your waistband and counts your steps or calculates your mileage, can be purchased at most retail stores for between $5 and $35, depending on features and quality. A quality DigiWalker pedometer also can be purchased for $20 (plus $5 registration to earn incentives) as part of the Peoria Tri-County Moon Walk (for more details, visit www.moonwalk.palmpeoria.org).

To achieve good health, work toward taking 10,000 steps a day—roughly equal to five miles. A person who walks 10,000 steps a day will burn between 2,000 and 3,500 extra calories per week, which promotes a vastly better health profile and longer lifespan. If your goal is to lose weight, start slowly and gradually work yourself up to walking 12,000 to 15,000 steps a day.

Challenge yourself to set a goal this week