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 both a great sports chronometer an excellent exercise heart rate monitor. But wait, there's more, you can use the TrainingPeaks web site to track your exercise data and to get customized training programs. I found the watch easy to use, perhaps because I am familiar with Timex sports watches. If your walking man has aging eyes, he will also appreciate the large number display and the night light.
2. Nike+ FuelBand
Wendy Bumgardner © 2012
It all counts when you wear the Fuelband. Walking, running, shooting hoops. Wear this accelerometer bracelet and it logs your physical activity. You can view the results on your smart phone with an app and Bluetooth, and/or plug it into a USB port. On the Fuelband itself, you see steps, distance, calories burned and your progress towards your daily goal. Get to your goal and you get fireworks. It's the most motivating pedometer I've ever worn.
3. iPod nano
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Apple continues to toy with the nano. It makes a great audio fitness partner, while it also has a built-in accelerometer pedometer as of the 5th generation version, plus FM radio. It has a built-in link to the Nike+ web site to track your walks and workouts. As of the 7th generation, it no longer needs the Nike + iPod Sport Kit footpod sensor but relies instead on the accelerometer. The 7th generation iPod nano also includes Bluetooth so walking men can use wireless earphones or pair it with a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor. It's a great multi-functional fitness gift.
4. Kelty Oriole Lumbar Pack
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Don't let the K.I.D.S. acronym fool you, this is a lumbar pack for the man who wants to carry more than the bare essentials on his walks. It's a water-resistant pack with two water bottle holders, which come in handy on a long walk or when you are making him do all of the heavy lifting. The large capacity of the pack gives you options for how much stuff you want to take on a day hike.
5. Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS
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If your walking man also is interested in geocaching, a handheld GPS unit is just the right gift. While many smart phones have GPS included, it doesn't work where you don't have cell phone reception. I discovered this to my dismay on many gorgeous walks, as suddenly I was without reception and without a map. This separate GPS unit communicates directly with the satellites and can come in handy to find your way.
6. Omron HJ-321 Tri-Axis Pedometer
Wendy Bumgardner ©
This powerful pedometer comes at a bargain price. It's accurate no matter how you wear it - in a pocket, on your waistband, in your pack. That gives the walking man options, especially if he wears a beefy belt that makes it tough to clip a pedometer to. It has a sleek, flat design. The Omron HJ-321 starts counting steps at midnight and resets itself automatically at the end of the day, with a 7-day memory. Besides counting steps, it estimates your calories burned, distance, aerobic steps, and steps per minute.
7. Smartwool Hiker Socks
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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?
8. Exerstrider OS2 Walking Poles
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Whether he wants to have better stability on the trail or get a better walking workout on pavement, these walking poles can give him a boost. The OS2 from Exerstrider are beefy trekking poles with ergonomic handles. But you can also use them with the exerstriding fitness walking technique to get an upper body workout. He wants strong shoulders and pecs, right?
9. Smooth 5.65 Treadmill
Smooth Fitness
It isn't always easy to get outside or get to the gym for a walk or workout. Having a sturdy home treadmill can keep a man active in all weather. This treadmill comes at a bargain price -- often on sale for under $1000. But it has a hefty 2.75-horsepower motor. Smooth offers a great warranty - lifetime on the motor and frame, five years for parts and two years for in-home repairs. They also offer home delivery and set-up.
10. "BoomerWalk"
© Wendy Bumgardner 2009
Brent Bohlen is on a mission to get the baby boomer generation on their feet. Ditch the running and start racewalking, which he says results in fewer injuries. Men will appreciate the opportunity to win races, and as they hone their technique they will soon be passing joggers, too.
