I would like to use Pedometers as a way to assess my High School
students in Phy. Ed, and measure their levels of physical activity. I am
not quite sure of the best way to do this, and was hoping you might have
some ideas.
First and foremost...Keep It Simple!
The best usage of pedometers is as a physical activity measurement device and (combined with record keeping) a behavior modification device. I would recommend using http://www.everystepcounts.com as a record keeping system for high school students.
Have the students wear the pedometer for a few days to determine their base line/current level of physical activity in steps per day. Develop with the class ten strategies that they can use to increase their level of physical activity or steps per day. Finally, put the strategies into practice to see if the students can learn some ways to modify their current behaviors to increase their number of daily steps.
You may also want to do a lesson with them on energy balance (that in order to maintain weight, calories in must equal calories out).
Teresa Vollenweider, President
NEW-LIFESTYLES, Inc.
Fitness & Pedometer Expert
