Forum Discussion

BlackWidow's avatar
BlackWidow
Member
5 years ago

Gadgetry confusion ... advice needed

Being in my late 60s and a bit overweight I am trying to get a bit fitter.  I would like to know how many steps I do when I go for a walk and how hard my heart is working when I ride my old bike.

I went to the shops to get some sort of gadget but am now too confused.  I think they see my white hair and think I can be conned into buying the most expensive item.  As I do not have a modern phone, nor do I need one, they say nothing will work without a smart one.  As we could never have children I have no-one to help me work this out.

I know some of you lovely ladies are really into getting fit so perhaps you can give me an idea of something which will do what I need.  I don’t want to wear it all the time, not do I need to know how badly I sleep as I know that.  :) 

Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks so much.  Anne


exercise
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    5 years ago
    You can check your own heart rate. You just need a watch with a second hand. Count and time for 15 seconds and x 4 or count and time for 30 and x 2. You'll just need to stop briefly. Chemist sometimes sell pedometers that are inexpensive. I do have a clip on fitbit. 10 minutes walk can be around 1800 steps. It all depends on your stride. 
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    5 years ago
    If all else fails, you could try timing 500 steps (you’d have to
    count them). Then you can calculate
    know how many steps you have walked in multiples of minutes. For example, I walk about 900 steps in 10 minutes (as @Mira says, I try and walk fairly briskly on my short legs rather than stroll). For me, 5500 steps is about 3 kms. I tried too to buy a simple pedometer - either you and I are the only demand for them or everyone is much more keen to push the more expensive models! Luckily I do have a smart phone, which does the job simply and well. Best wishes.  
  • Mira's avatar
    Mira
    Member
    5 years ago
    You can get a reasonably cheap pedometer that clips to your belt if you want to count steps.   My best heart rate monitor was a $20 one from Aldi that I got years ago.  If you want to track or count something you could count minutes or distance (ie I made it to the tree on X street).

     My best advice.  When you walk, walk with intention.  That is, don't just stroll casually make sure you step it out and swing your arms a bit.  Don't worry about your heartrate just do your best and keep moving, puffing slightly is a good thing. Numbers can be motivating for a while, but they also do your head in when your gadget stops.

    Don't forget to check with your doctor before taking on any new exercise program/workouts.  (I work for an online fitness company and we remind everyone of this).
  • CRM's avatar
    CRM
    Member
    5 years ago
    Garmin was probably the one starting with G. 
  • BlackWidow's avatar
    BlackWidow
    Member
    5 years ago
    Thank you @Giovanna_BCNA and @Tinks.  Yes, I went in and asked for a 'pedometer' but they all said the ones they have are pedometers anyway.  I also want to check my heart rate when I ride around the lake and I think that is where the problem is.  I am not very computer-literate which is why I don't have one so don't buy except at the shops.  I know I am old-fashioned but I am happy this way.  My friend has loaned me her laptop for a few days and she is trying to teach me to use places to search but I think I might be a bit thick.   :)
  • Tinks's avatar
    Tinks
    Member
    5 years ago
    You can look for a simple pedometer, that counts your steps for you and gives you a readout. You clip it on you, put it in a pocket or wear it on a lanyard. Or there are types that look like a wristband you wear like a watch. Try Amazon best sellers under “pedometers” that gives an idea of what is available and pricing, with reviews- you want one that does not need a smartphone. Should not be expensive. About 30 dollars. Hope this helps! Tinks xx
  • Giovanna_BCNA's avatar
    Giovanna_BCNA
    Member
    5 years ago
    Hello @BlackWidow you could look at getting a pedometer to document how many steps you take?  
  • BlackWidow's avatar
    BlackWidow
    Member
    5 years ago
    Hi @Sister
    Thank you.  The terminology is helpful.  I do not have a computer either but use the library ones when they are open or at the home of my friend and you are 100% correct, I do not want or need that sort of thing.  I need basic. I will keep asking at the various stores ... stay tuned.  Fitbit is the name they had, also one starting with G.
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    5 years ago
    I'm not too up on what's available now but unless things have changed, you may not need a phone for a smart watch (fitbit or the like).  The question to ask is whether the gadget can be synced to whatever computer you have.  It's not as immediate as having it sync to your phone but it doesn't sound like that's what you're needing.