HAPPY BELATED NEW YEAR!

So, lets kick off 2008 by talking about New Year's Resolutions.

I don't know about the rest of you, but once again - Exercise - heads the list of yours truly.

However, this year I've decided to approach my perennial exercise dilemma from a completely different perspective. And I'd like to focus on one particular form of exercise that really works. Furthermore, its free and readily available to almost everyone.

It's walking!

Everyone probably already knows that there's a slew of medical research to support the fact that walking has a direct correlation with improved health.

But what you might not be aware of is the fact that the simple incorporation of a $20 fitness gadget into your daily stroll will probably inspire you to walk further _ based on information compiled from multiple medical research studies. This fitness wonder gadget is the humble pedometer. And, those who did lowered their blood pressure and lost pounds, analysis's found.

Pedometers, more commonly known as step counters, are small gadgets that, in most cases, are smaller than a cell phone. When clipped to our belt or waistband, they count the steps we take during the day. Pedometers are cheap with prices ranging from $5 to $60, with simple yet reliable models costing around $20.

Furthermore, the success of your "New Years Walking Resolution" depends heavily on setting a personal goal then keeping a diary of the number of steps you've walked at the end of the day.

In a recent report co-authored by Dr. Dena Bravata of Stanford University and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Bravata found that keeping a step diary was the key to success. Those that didn't showed no significant increase in walking. Furthermore, pedometer users who didn't have a step goal also failed to increase their physical activity.

While keeping a daily step diary might sound like a real pain to most, you can now rejoice because I'm going to tell you about a really fun and very helpful website that should resolve your record-keeping issues and inspire you to achieve success. It's http://americaonthemove.org - "a national movement that encourages everyone to take steps towards a healthier way of life."

America On the Move Foundation (AOM) is a national non-profit organization. Our mission is to improve health and quality of life by promoting healthful eating and active living among individuals, families, communities and society.

The AOM website provides the tools and the inspiration needed to support our fitness walking goals for 2008.

AOM has a store on their site with special offers on pedometer products. But if you don't find anything there to your liking, try:

http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/index.html

This site has a larger selection of pedometers along with lots of other related medical and fitness products.

And then there's About.com at http://walking.about.com/od/measure/tp/pedometer.htm with its list of the top 10 pedometers.

So my first Tip Of The Week for 2008, is both KISS (keep it simple, stupid!) and fairly straightforward.

Lets review:

· Set an attainable goal that takes into consideration your current physical condition · Get and use a pedometer · Cut down on your calories · Get up off your butt and walk --daily! and · Join AOM and keep that diary

It really is just that simple.