Step into Action

Welcome to the team! The Wheat Foods Council is proud to partner with seeMOMMYrun to create a “Mom, the Everyday Athlete” nationwide run/walk on Saturday, May 19, 2007. The event enables moms at any fitness level to unite, improve their health and set a world record for the most steps taken by moms in one day.

Determining your current activity level is easier than you think. Take a minute to consider your typical week and answer these five simple questions.

1. How would you describe a typical workday, whether you spend that at home with the kids or at the office?
   
   • I sit most of the time and am not very active.
   • I am on my feet most of the time, but don’t engage in much activity.
   • I am on my feet and active most of the time.
     
     
2. How would you describe your weekly exercise routine?
   • I do not exercise regularly during the week.
   • I work out two or three times a week.
   • I work out four or more times a week.
     
     
3. Which of the following best describes the way you add activity to your day?
   • I do not attempt to add activity to my day.
   • I take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from my destination or to a coworker’s desk instead of sending e-mail.
   • I take the dog for a walk, go for a bike ride with the kids or use a portion of my lunch break to take a quick walk.
     
     
4. Which of the following best describes your approach toward exercise or physical activity?
   • I avoid physical activity or exercise.
   • I try to fit exercise and physical activity into my week.
   • I make exercise and physical activity a priority throughout the week.
     
     
5. How much time do you devote to exercise or more vigorous physical activity on a weekly basis?
   • Less than one hour each week.
   • Between one and two hours each week.
   • Three or more hours each week.

Which answers did you choose more often A, B or C? Use the following chart to determine your physical activity.

If you answered mostly:	Your activity level is:
A	Sedentary - A sedentary lifestyle is defined as being physically inactive at work and at home and not participating in exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week.
B	Moderately Active - Being moderately active means participating in light aerobic activity at least three times a week, walking to/from the bus stop, carrying light loads and otherwise keeping your body moving throughout the day.
C	Highly Active - In order to achieve an active lifestyle, adults should do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Children should participate in at least 1 hour or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week.

Now that you know your current activity level, you can determine a goal and identify ways to achieve it.

You can also determine your current activity level by using a pedometer for just three days, here’s how:

• Wear the pedometer for three days while maintaining your normal daily routine
• Use the provided step tracker and record the number of steps taken for each of the three days
• Calculate your average number of daily steps by adding the total steps from each day and dividing by three. Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3 / 3 days = average steps per day.