Warm weather brings more opportunity to be outside and take advantage of walking, jogging and other wonderful sport activities. Or, perhaps you like the comfort of your own living room floor to explore meeting your fitness goals. Either way, there is a mixture of wonderful gizmos and gadgets to help you reach your goals. Here are a few available at The Savvy Gal Store …
- Research shows walking more than 10,000 steps daily produces lower levels of body fat than those who are less active. Pedometers, which are attached to the waistband or belt, are helpful devices in tracking the number of steps made, the distance walked or run, as well as calories burned. Walking is a great way to stay active and strong, as it can prevent falls, raise mobility, increase bone strength and improve energy and cardiovascular endurance.
- BOSU stands for “Both Sides Utilized” or, more commonly, “Both Sides Up.” The BOSU Ball is basically a stability or balance ball cut in half, so it has a stable side (a platform that can be used in step aerobics among other things) and an unstable side (a balance ball that can be used for core training among other things). The essence of BOSU is to improve balance and it creates challenge within workout routines: Yoga, strength training, fitness training — even simply standing on the BOSU ball with the ball side up is sufficient to challenge your core as you strive to maintain balance with your body shifting in and out of equilibrium.
- A Heart Rate Monitor is great for monitoring your heart rate during interval training. A simple rule of thumb to follow for your absolute maximum heart rate (an area you probably shouldn’t get to very often) is to subtract your age from 220. (For example, if you’re 40, then your heart rate should not exceed 180 beats per minute (bpm) and in fact should probably stay closer to 170 bpm unless you’re in exceptional cardiovascular health.)
- Jumping rope is one of the most effective cardiovascular exercises — and it’s easy to do at home or when traveling. A digital jumping rope can track your progress with a counter built in to track repetitions, elapsed time and calories burned. It’s perfect for some quick cardio exercise!
- Pop a DVD in the player and utilize that living room carpet (or grab a new mat) to do spot toning and strengthening of muscles. If your preference is yoga, go for it! Because yoga unifies the mind and body, providing an all-encompassing feeling of rejuvenation. It makes you aware of your body, its flexibility, posture and patterns of movement, among other benefits. If you’re a Pilates gal, you like building your core strength, as Pilates focuses on the abdomen, lower back and glutes or the “powerhouse” (as it’s called).
- And when all is said and done (meaning the workout is finally over) — relax with a little massage! The Body Back Buddy massager has an open shape and design, which allows you to reach all muscles groups of the body: back, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, legs, hips and feet. You can vary the amount of pressure applied and the angle at which it is directed, and you, yourself, can relax your own muscles. Aaah …
Good luck and be sure to visit The Savvy Gal Store for additional fitness options. Have fun!