I just began a program in Rhode Island called Shape Up RI. One requirement of this program is to wear a pedometer daily for 12 weeks. Included is a chart telling you how active you are based on your steps. Here is the chart from shapeupri.org:

Under 5,000 = Sedentary
5,000-7,499 = Low Active
7,500-9,999 = Somewhat Active
10,000-12,500 = Active
Over 12,500 = Highly Active

I have to admit that when I started counting my steps on Monday, I was really afraid that I would be sedentary. I know, it is crazy. I have five kids 9 and under!! Of course, I am not sedentary. But I was still afraid. I set my goal at just 3,000 steps per day because I just knew I was sedentary.

The whole first day, I was constantly checking my pedometer, curious how many I would get that day and trying to guess what the total of the day would be.

Well, I went beyond 3,000, onto 5,000. Yes! Lightly active!!! Then I surprised myself even more and got up to 7,700 that first day!!! Yay!!!! Not sedentary! Nowhere near it.

Because I found myself walking more during the day, even dancing (which counts by the way…I checked) around with the kids, I thought maybe I had cheated that first day, so I took it a little easier on Tuesday. I only got up to 7,500, but hey!!! Not sedentary still!!

Yesterday the weather got up around 60. Since we are supposed to exercise regularly with Shape Up RI, we decided to take a family walk. I hit 12,000 steps that day. We walked again today, and I am between 11,000 and 12,000 so far!

I am SO excited! Not only am I not sedentary, but I am actually somewhere between “somewhat active” and “active!!” Yes, this surprises me even though I am the mom of 5! And I am excited. Maybe I will become “highly active” before the 12 weeks are over. Maybe….. :-/

I wonder if this is a good time to point out that I am not sure I trust the pedometer by itself in deciding how active a person is. Nah! 😀