pocket or even attached to your bag, and since there are no moving parts, there’s no annoying clicking (NAPSA)—There’s an easy way to shape up that’s accessible, affordable and can accommodate even the busiest of schedules—it’s walking. No wonderit’s the No. 1 sound. Trusted for its accuracy, this line of pedometers lets you track steps taken, calories burned and distance walked. Coupled with a seven-day memory,it provides what you need to chart fitness activity for adults. And with the simple addition of a few fitness goals and a pedometer, you have everything you need to elevate your walk to a workout. progress, compare to your goals Walk It Out Manypeople don’t realize the and manage your shape-up strategy. Free Downloadable Tip Sheet Braganza’s other get-fit tips walking they already do each day is a positive step to help them get fit. In fact, studies at the Stanford School of Medicine have uncov- ered a long list of benefits from walking, including reduced body fat, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure as well as increased flex- When it comes to keeping fit, take 10,000 steps a day, the equivalent of about five miles, which can be achieved by walking 30 to 60 minutes at one time or in multiple 10-minute increments over the course of the day. Walking is also a key compo- for measuring progress, Stanford School of Medicine research also ibility and mental well-being. It’s widely recommended that adults nent to many fitness plans, including that of trainer-to-thestars Ramona Braganza, who’s helped shape some of the hottest bodies in Hollywood, from Jessica Alba to Halle Berry. “For me, being fit is a lifestyle. I’'d be bored just going to the gym every day. That’s why I always recom- mend walking to my clients as a great form of exercise,” Braganza said. “Adding a few easy things into your daily routine can help you makesure that every step counts.” A Passion for Pedometers One of Braganza’s favorite fitness tools is a pedometer, which walking is more than a step in the right direction. can keep track of the steps youre taking and give you a benchmark include: Warm Up First. Before you walk, perform some dynamic stretching exercises (arm circles, hip circles and leg lifts) to get your blood flowing and reduce the risk of injury. Always wear comfortable shoes, preferably ones with arch support. Mix It Up. Add variety to shows using a pedometer can increase physical activity by about 2,000 steps—or an extra mile— each day, proving it’s also a great your walking program, especially you to go further. Further Your Finish Line ing up hills is also great for a motivational tool that can push “T arm all of my clients with a pedometer to ensure they’restill held accountable, even when I’m not there,” Braganza said. “It’s like having a personal trainer in their pocket that keeps pushing them to go further.” Braganza recommends the GOsmart Pocket Pedometer from Omron, which features smart sensor technology, making it one of the most accurate pedometers available. Using smart sensors, it can count steps whether it’s clipped at your hip, buried in your if your personal fitness goal includes weight loss. Try alternat- ing intervals of fast walking with intervals at a slower pace. Walkchallenge. e Add Cardio. Include some upper body exercises as you walk, such as arm reaches overhead or to the sides, to add another dimension to your walk and increase calorie burn. Hold small water bottles while you do the exercises for added resistance. Learn More Visit www.gosmartpedometers. com to downloadall of Braganza’s tips or learn more about pocket pedometers, including models that let you download your data directly to your PC.
