The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an individualized 10,000 step a day pedometer-based intervention on sedentary adults. Fifty one (9 male, 42 female) sedentary faculty and staff from a southeastern US university, with a mean age of 47 ± 11 years volunteered for this twelve week (2 week baseline & 10 week intervention) study. Informed consent was obtained from each subject according to university guidelines. The study consisted of an orientation session on the correct use/placement of pedometers, followed by 2 weeks of baseline data to determine the current average step totals. The subjects were asked to wear the pedometers throughout the day and to record the total before going to bed and then reset the pedometer for the next day. An individualized program was then developed for each participant to start increasing steps per day to eventually reach 10,000 steps per day by the end of the 10 week program. Body mass index (BMI) and 12 minute walk/run data were collected at the end of the baseline and at the end of weeks 6 and 10 during the intervention to determine the effectiveness of the program on these fitness variables. Thirty seven of the initial 51 subjects remained in the study through 8 weeks (73%), while 28 completed the full 12 week study for a completion rate of 55%. Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the average number of daily steps taken and in the 12 minute walk/run, but no difference in BMI data. Since the study was only 10 weeks of intervention, due to confounding factors, and intensity of walking was not controlled it was anticipated that BMI may not be significantly decreased. The results of this study clearly show that a pedometer-based study can be effective in increasing activity and cardiovascular fitness.Keyword(s): exercise/fitness/physical activity, obesity issues