Manpo-kei, a creative, scientifically based practical guide to increasing physical activity using pedometers, is not only easy and fun to read, it is very informative. With obesity and physical inactivity levels on the rise, finding unique ways to get people moving for a lifetime is critical. Dr. Catrine Tudor-Locke, a renowned researcher at Arizona State University and lifestyle physical activity advocate, has done just that in this inspired book.
Manpo-kei provides knowledge, tools, and strategies to make informed, personal choices about physical activity using pedometers as a guide. More specifically, Dr. Tudor-Locke presents background as to why inactivity is such a widespread problem, discusses pedometer selection and use (including a shopping checklist for purchasing a pedometer), and offers a user-friendly, theoretically based approach to goal setting and tracking step counts for the lifetime. She provides activity and tracking calendars, as well worksheets where readers are encouraged to answer questions pertaining to their personal activity behaviors and are asked to reexamine their step goals and experiences to make necessary adjustments to maintain activity. In addition, Dr. Tudor-Locke dispels the myth that 10,000 steps per day is for everyone. Step goals are personal and should reflect beginning step counts as well as personal health and/or fitness goals. Her "More Than Before" concept toward goal setting considers the importance of individualized step goals that will elicit benefits as well as sustainability.
What I like best about this book is the approach. The underlying theme about being more physically active by making informed choices, setting personal pedometer step goals, and tracking progress is discussed in entertaining and simple terms. The fact that the material is based on Dr. Tudor-Locke's personal experiences, professional knowledge, and her own research findings demonstrates the credibility, relevance, and effectiveness of the outlined techniques. Readers, and hopeful new pedometer users, can easily relate the information in Manpo-kei to their personal lives in a way that will provide the impetus to adopt a naturally physically active lifestyle over the long term. It is without hesitation that I recommend this book to those who want to learn more about an exciting and practical new approach to human movement.
