I love my pedometer.  It counts and keeps track of every step I take. Pedometers were originally used by sports and fitness enthusiasts, but are becoming popular as an everyday exercise measurer and motivator.  In clinical studies pedometers have been proven to increase physical activity, reduce blood pressure levels and improve Body Mass Index. A total of 10,000 steps per day, equivalent to 5 miles is the recommended benchmark for an active lifestyle. People also set time goals with a pedometer, for example 1000 steps in 10 minutes counts as moderate exercise.

So I have been thinking  …… a pedometer reminds me of a good coach. Here are a few ways a coach and a pedometer are alike:

• Both were originally used in sports
• Both encourage personal improvement
• Both raise awareness of imbalances in life
• Both build responsibility
• Both help set growth goals
• Both build self-esteem and confidence
• Both do not tell people what to do or how to do something
• Both monitor progress
• Both help create a vision for the future
• And last but not least, if you get one, pick a good one!