Fitness Tools to Move in the Right Direction

Written by Branda Polk

As we commit to get in better shape and make progress on our wellness journey sometimes we need a little external motivation to get us going or keep us going. I have discovered three very useful, fun and inexpensive fitness gadgets that have really given my fitness walking program a boost.

The first fitness tool is a heart rate monitor.

 

Studies have proven that your heart rate while exercising directly correlates to the amount of calories you burn and the amount of cardio-respiratory fitness benefits you receive from the activity. The harder you work, the higher your heart rate and the more calories you use. A heart rate monitor is a fast and easy way to see your heart rate without stopping to take your pulse.

I discovered that my heart rate stayed in my training range when I took a kick-boxing aerobic class. But, on the days that I walked around my neighborhood, I had to walk faster than I thought to get my heart rate to the same level. A heart rate monitor will keep you in your fat-burning target heart rate zone and let you know when you have sufficiently cooled down as well. It’s really a great tool to keep you making progress as you train for better health.

You discover amazing things about your body with a heart rate monitor. Wear it around during the day and see what your resting heart rate is while sitting at the computer and then see how it changes as you walk a flight of stairs.

Heart rate monitors vary in price, are very easy to use and are EKG accurate. Most sports equipment stores sell a wide range of models priced from $50 to $140 depending on the different functions the monitor performs. The most basic model works great for general fitness purposes.

The second fitness tool is a pedometer.

A pedometer counts your steps as you walk or run. Obesity research related the reduced number of steps we take each day to a rise in obesity. Most Americans take less than 3000 steps a day. Research proves that if Americans would just take more steps during the day they would lose or maintain their weight. The ideal goal is 10,000 steps a day. The steps can be from walking around the house, climbing stairs, shopping, walking the dog, power walking in the neighborhood or on a treadmill. As you walk more you burn more calories. Some studies suggestion that walking 10,000 steps a day will burn an additional 300 calories. Do this every day without changing your eating plan and lose one pound a week!

Pedometers are very inexpensive - from $10 - $35 – and can be purchased at sports and outdoors stores or on the internet. Usually price does matter for quality and accuracy. The cheapest model may not be your best option.

The third fitness tool to keep you motivated is a small, portable radio and headphones.

Music will motivate you to keep going when you want to quit. Listen to your favorite music on a small radio that attaches to your waistband or in a small waist pouch. Keep the volume at a level that allows you to hear what is going on around you, especially if you are walking outside.

Well, are you ready to hit the road with some walking for your fitness? I’m plugged in and ready to go with you. "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Branda Polk, B.S. Exercise Science, is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, conference speaker and health writer in Lebanon, Tennessee. Sign up for Branda's newsletter, Wellness Connection, to receive encouragement and coaching in the areas of nutrition, exercise, and stress relief. Follow Branda on Twitter.

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