Use Your Watch to Walk Better

Check Your Heart Rate

The basic chronometer and two fingers is a low tech way to check your heart rate. As a baseline reference point, it is first important to know your resting heart rate. As your level of conditioning improves, you will notice a drop in this number so it's good to look at occasionally to chart your progress towards better health.

How to Find Your Resting Heart Rate

Before you go to bed, lay your watch next to you within easy reach from where you're sleeping. When you wake up, the first thing you should do is reach for your watch. Take your pulse by holding your pointer and middle fingers on your neck next to your throat. Hold your watch in the other hand so you can read it. Count the number of heart beats that happen in 15 seconds and then multiply that number by four to get beats per minute. Jot it down in your running or walking log. Those of you who are starting off in the lower end of the fitness spectrum will get to enjoy the largest drop in this number as you workout more frequently, so you have a lot to look forward to.

Once you know your resting heart rate it is good to take your heart rate during your workouts. At various times, stop and do the same thing as above. Count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply by four. If you have heart issues, it is good to know your goals for the percentage of your maximum heart rate during work outs.

On-the-Hour Beeper

Danny and I always have our on-the-hour-beeper on. It reminds you stop and check in with posture, body sensing and yourself throughout the day. If you know you slouch at the desk, it can be reminder to sit up. Use it to drink water. Take a two-minute computer break. Do whatever is going to help you most.

Of course our watch does the basics, too. It can tell the time and date, and light up in the dark. It also has three alarms to wake you up or to set as reminders for appointments. The watch even has two time zones to set the clock to if you're traveling.