With the rising popularity of online fitness tools like MyFitnessPal and innovative devices such as the Fitbit, the opportunities for monitoring health and wellness goals seem endless.

Sometimes though, all you need is something simple to get started on the path to healthful living.

Staff at Vaughan Public Libraries recently participated in a month long walking challenge. Most participants tracked their steps with the help of the 99 pedometers available for loan at VPL. Pedometers can be borrowed for a three week period with the potential to renew up to ten times.

These easy-to-wear devices are worn vertically on the waistband or belt, halfway between your navel and hip. The pedometer can be reset to zero with one easy-to-use button.

The average North American walks 3,500 to 5,500 steps a day. Health professionals recommend we walk at least 10,000 steps daily in periods of 10 minutes or more to achieve health benefits.

10 minutes of walking = approximately 1,500 steps.

10,000 steps
> is equivalent to about 8 km
> burns 300 to 400 calories
> is considered as having an active lifestyle

You can do it!

Craving inspiration? Vaughan Public Libraries owns a vast collection of print books, ebooks and DVDs on the topic of fitness walking.