Rockhampton’s libraries have become a hub for the loan of pedometers.

The joint initiative between CQU-based 10,000 Steps and Rockhampton City Council, invited citizens to slip on walking shoes, slap on a hat (and sunscreen!) and pop a step counting pedometer on their hips.

"The aim was to provide individuals with the means to work out their current levels of activity, and to improve on these levels, even if they could not afford to go out and purchase a step counting pedometer themselves, " 10,000 Steps Project Officer Emma Larsen said. She added that the loan scheme had been extremely successful with 143 pedometers loaned out in the initial three-month period.

The library is a wonderful place to source videos, books and magazines on physical activity, as well as free access to the Internet, can also assist individuals in staying motivated. A further 20 pedometers have been provided to the libraries by 10,000 Steps to keep up with demand. Kits, which include a step counting pedometer, a personal logbook to keep and literature about the program are available for an extended loan period of three weeks. For further information about the 10,000 Step project and objectives, log on at www.10000steps.org.au For further information contact Emma Larsen (10,000 Steps) 4930 6410 Photo: The heart foundation library display, associated with the pedometer loan scheme.