| If you really want to track the progress of your | | | | some have more features they all do essentially |
| fitness program then you need to record your | | | | the same thing…count your steps and |
| activities in a daily walking log. I have been doing | | | | calculate distance and calories burned. Once you |
| this for many years and it helps a lot to be able | | | | set them for your particular stride length |
| to look back and see the improvements in your | | | | they’ll do the math so you can sight-see |
| abilities. I also find it useful to check how I am | | | | and chat with a walking buddy at the same time. |
| doing compared to my goals. | | | | You’ll be surprised just how far |
| If you are planning on participating in any walking | | | | you’ve walked in a day when you check |
| races, especially the longer distances like a | | | | the distance. Pedometers are easy to use and by |
| marathon, then a logbook is essential for planning | | | | keeping a logbook of your daily totals you’ll |
| and following a training schedule. This will help to | | | | be motivated to do more steps daily and weekly. |
| make sure you are properly prepared on race | | | | Before long you’ll be taking the stairs and |
| day. | | | | walking to the shops instead of using the elevator |
| What to Record: | | | | or car. Tracking your distance and calories burned |
| For walking the basic measurement is how long | | | | in your logbook will keep you walking day after |
| you walked. You should also note the distance if | | | | day and soon you’ll see the results looking |
| you know it. If you use a pedometer then you | | | | back at you in the mirror. |
| can record the number of steps. I am always | | | | Logbook Sources: |
| amazed at how many paces we do take in the | | | | You can record your walk details online or using a |
| course of a one hour walk. | | | | regular logbook. |
| You can also note the route you walked, the | | | | Here are several resources you can check out:: |
| weather, companions, and anything else you feel | | | | Fitness Journal: This is a comprehensive online |
| is important. Your walking log can become your | | | | fitness log. They require you to join and pay a |
| daily fitness diary. | | | | monthly fee. |
| A walking log is also a good place to record your | | | | “MyWalks” is a free online log. You |
| weight. Usually a weekly notation is enough. Try | | | | just have to register and then you can keep |
| and record your weight at the same time, for | | | | track of your walks on their web page. You can |
| example every Saturday morning, to avoid daily | | | | choose to either keep your logged walks private |
| fluctuations. | | | | so that only you can see them, or make them |
| A Pedometer really helps: | | | | public and let everyone see them. The web |
| Why use a pedometer when you just want to go | | | | address is |
| out for a walk around the block? If you are | | | | “Walking with Attitude” has a 12 |
| curious about far it was or how many calories | | | | week walking log you can download for free at [ |
| you burned on those walks then a pedometer is a | | | | My own favorite is a 53-week walking logbook |
| great help. | | | | from Personal They will produce a custom |
| If you are serious about losing weight or just | | | | logbook with your name (and your photo if you |
| getting into better shape try using a pedometer. | | | | wish) on the cover. Another good feature is that |
| They don’t cost much and there are | | | | the logbook is dated and can start any month of |
| several different brands to choose from. While | | | | the year. |