Give him a gift that will help him keep moving. The list naturally includes gadgets to track his walking workouts and keep him on course. He also wants comfortable walking clothing. Here is a list approved by gear advisor Richard Bumgardner for the holidays, birthday, anniversary, or Father's Day.
1. Timex Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor
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The Timex Ironman Race Trainer is an exercise heart rate monitor and full featured Ironman sports watch. Coupled with the TrainingPeaks web site to download and view your data and get training programs, this is a system that anyone can use for race training, or simply tracking diet and exercise. You can view your heart rate with the time of day and while using the chronograph and timer. I found it easy to move between functions with the Race Trainer. It has a large number display and a night light.
2. Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Personal Trainer
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The Forerunner uses a GPS to get true distance and speed, and a chest strap heart rate monitor. Garmin improved on the Forerunner 201 by adding a heart rate monitor and upgrading the software into a Training Center, and upgraded mapping abilities - you can now download and overlay your workout to a map. The GPS works only outdoors, and the 205 and 305 models promise better performance than the 201 in areas with lots of trees or tall buildings or in gullies.
3. iPod nano 5th Generation with Pedometer and FM Radio
Wendy Bumgardner © 2009
While you can still use the Nike + iPod Sport Kit sensor with the new iPod nano, you may be more than satisfied with the built-in pedometer function that requires no shoe sensor and uploads to the web. This iPod stores oodles of video and music and has a built-in FM radio. It's a great multi-functional fitness gift.
4. Kelty Oriole Lumbar Pack
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A lumbar pack for the dad who wants to carry a few things along on his walk. This well-designed lumbar pack is weather resistant. Two bottle holders. It has a large central storage compartment for carrying all of your essentials.
5. Thomas Brothers Street Maps
Every map buff wants the latest annual update of street maps for his city. Thomas Brothers map books are great for planning walking routes or figuring out how to get to local parks and walking events. I never leave home without one.6. Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS
Since men won't ask for directions, a handheld GPS unit will tell them where they are according to 12 satellites. This waterproof, lightweight unit is a good entry-level GPS for walkers and hikers. It is user-friendly with only 5 buttons.7. Omron HJ-112 Pedometer
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This advanced design lets you wear it on your belt or carry it in your pocket, clip it anywhere it is perpendicular to the ground. The Omron HJ-112 counts steps, calculated distance and calories burned. It also tracks aerobic steps separately when walking or jogging more than 60 steps per minute or more than 10 minutes continuously. The Omron HJ-112 has a 7-day memory, a feature I prize greatly. Top rated for accuracy by a consumer magazine.
8. Walking Hats
A cap with a walking slogan will keep sun and rain off his head and inspire him to go walking.9. Smartwool Adrenaline Socks
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Smartwool socks are machine-washable and machine-dryable, won't shrink, and are practically itch-free. These are designed for walkers, runners, and hikers. They provide superior natural moisture control and temperature control. What could be a better stocking-stuffer than socks?
