Bea Loozer
Goalies are finding ways to get more fit. Sometimes it involves becoming more active in the pool or in HOA activities. Still others are looking to technology to help them with the daily challenge. Let’s listen to what I’m hearing from members.
* Use a Pedometer. I call mine “Pedow” – however you spell it. This is the low-cost, low-tech approach. However, it’s considerably more capable than the one I got free from McDonald’s over two decades ago. It tells me how many steps I’ve taken since the beginning of the day. It reveals some other info, like how many miles I’ve walked, based on the number of steps and the length of my stride. I confess that I try to cheat my Pedow. I know that it uses my muscle movements to know I’ve taken a step, so I’ve been known to stand at the counter and move my leg to get credit for undeserved steps. Alas, it’s smarter than I am.
* Use a Smart Tracker, Such as a Fit Bit. There are many brands and models, so you need to put thought into which features are important to help you reach your goals; how much you want to pay for a slim, stylish device and how smart you want it to be. And then there are the accessories to consider. But it seems to me that one of the features that has a big payoff for our members is its ability to record your scores online and to make that data available to other members. I’m told that the word “compete” means to establish superiority over others who are trying to do the same. Okay, but I’ve seen our members get motivated to walk a little farther because another member has 10,500 steps, while she has a mere 10,400. Who does it hurt? Nobody, right? That online competition is especially helpful to those who live elsewhere during the summer, like Trudy, who can stay in touch with her “competitors.”
* Use a Smart Watch. The final device is worn on the wrist, so the user doesn’t have to remember to put it in her pocket. These have lots of capability but are pricey, so there is less interest from our members.
Among our members, Judy and Jan use a pedometer. Dimple, Carol, Debbie, Jeanne, Sue and Trudy use a tracker. And I believe Debbie uses a smart watch. Janice and others use some device as well. And I must say that all these devices work better than counting each step. Just find what works for you. Most members don’t use an electronic device, but it’s nice to have that option.
Join us for support, motivation, shared wisdom and some good laughs. Weigh-in is Saturday from 7:00-7:40 a.m. in Room A-8, near the Cottonwood library. The meeting starts after weigh-in. Contact Rita at 895-2559 for more information.