With Spring just around the corner this is agood time start thinking about getting outside and really starting a new fitness program.  You no longer have to go to the gym to exercise or stay on paths that have been plowed of snow when you walk or jog.  You can get out and explore new ways to stay fit, as well as find new places to go for a work out.  It’s also a good time to try something new – a new waysto record your workouts or to track your progress.  Here are some new gadgets that may spice up your workouts and add more fun to your fitness.

Pedometers

A pedometer senses your body motion and counts your footsteps. This count is converted into distance by knowing the length of your usual stride. Wearing a pedometer and recording your daily steps and distance is a great motivating tool. You can wear a pedometer all day, every day and record total steps. Or you can wear it just when you go out for a walking workout.  Pedometers can be found in most local sports stores, or on line a several websites.

Heart Rate Monitors

A heart rate monitor is a wonderful piece of fitness equipment that is used to track and monitor your heart rate in real time. Several heart rate monitors also have neat features, like determining time specific heart rate zones, averaging your heart rate over a workout period, and calculating your calories burned as well as detailed logging that can be downloaded in to virtually any home computer.  Monitors can also be found at your local sports stores or on line.

Computer mapping

The internet carries maps that allow you to draw out your walking,  biking, or running path on a google map to get your miles, calories, etc.  Here are a couple of sites that might work for you:  

www.gmap-pedometer.com or www.mapmyrun.com.

Pocket cameras or cell phones

Take your cell phone or a small camera when you explore a new trail.  Take pictures of the trail as you bike, walk or run, and share them with friends on your blog or website. This not only makes your workout more interesting, but also helps others find new places for their own fitness fun.

From heart disease and stroke prevention to better mental health and a longer life, the benefits of walking have been documented for decades. Walking can be a key component of any weight loss effort, and is low impact, making it easier on your joints than other exercises. And the best part is, almost everyone can do it. You don’t need an expensive membership or mountains of fitness equipment, just a little motivation and a comfortable pair of shoes.  See About Walking to learn the whys and how tos of walking.

This website is designed to encourage you to get in step with millions of other folks who are walking their way to health and fitness.  These pages hold information about the benefits of walking, the best ways to get started and to continue in your efforts to increase your active life style, and to help you to find places where you will be most comfortable when you walk.  Click on the Walk Tracker to log the miles you walk and to watch your miles increase as you become more fit.  If you’re looking for good places to walk safely and comfortably click on the Maps page for trail information and descriptions.  In Back to School you’ll find tips on Pedestrian Safety, Walk to School Day, Walking School Busses and Safe Routes to School - all designed to help young people to enjoy walking.