exercise Archives

Fitness trackers to track your steps that aren’t tied to Big Tech

A pedometer suits you if you want something basic that counts steps. They’re versatile, so you can clip them to your belt or waistband instead of wearing them on your wrist. All pedometers do is count your steps, differentiating them from fitness trackers, which can monitor sleep, count calories and more.

Some fitness trackers can even tell when you’re stressed! A pedometer is perfect if you don’t need all the extra features of fitness trackers. Here are our top three picks.

1. You just can’t beat this price

This small yet mighty tool can help everyone, from children to seniors. It has a large digital display, so you don’t have to worry about squinting at a screen while walking or jogging. It comes with a removable clip along with a lanyard.

Plus, it accurately tracks your steps as you embark on your daily trek. It’s also simple to use. You don’t have to worry about app connectivity, Bluetooth dropping out or any other high-tech headaches.

NESKLA’s 3D pedometer for walking has a reset button to restart your step counter. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry. You could even clip it on your pants or belt if you needed.

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Combine that with its long battery life and you’re getting a ton of bang for your buck.

2. One of the best affordable pedometers comes from 3DFitBud

Simple and easy to use, this 3D pedometer is ready straight out of the package. It comes in eight colors, so you can customize it to match your workout gear. It also comes with a clip and lanyard for your convenience.

The 3DFitBud prioritizes simplicity while counting steps. Use it to view progress as you run towards your fitness goals. With its 3D Tri-Axis Sensor technology, it’s highly accurate. Even when you wear it in different positions, it keeps track of your movements.

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Rock your resolutions

💡 Don’t go it alone. Sometimes, a simple tool can take your goals from “impossible” to “no biggie.”

Save money: A smart light switch (33% off, $30) cuts your electric bill by letting you turn off lights from your phone. It works with Alexa and Google Home, too.
Get better sleep: A white noise machine (47% off) blocks out all the little creaks and noises so you can sleep easier. Plus, this one’s under $20 right now.
Lose weight: A mini pedal exerciser lets you stay active while sitting at your desk or vegging out on your couch. Or try a $100 walking treadmill when you’re watching TV or working.
Drink more water: Get a smart water bottle that reminds you to take a slug of the mug. It glows when you should take a sip!
Exercise your brain: Start every day with a new brainbuster with this ”Jeopardy!” day-to-day calendar (50% off, $9).
Get creative: This $8 embroidery kit is great for beginners. Already know how? Try a woodcarving kit!
Pray more: I like this book that gives daily devotionals. If you scroll down, there are several more to choose from you might like.

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Fitbit helps convict husband of murder

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I’ve got a surprising story of how an exercise tracker put a man in jail. Here’s how Fitbit tracked down a killer, in 60 seconds.

Here VR for convicted criminals: Prisoners in solitary confinement are getting VR goggles so they can pretend to be walking in Paris or on a beach in Thailand. The goal? Handle life. Case in point: Someone bumped into Daniel in VR. Instead of lashing out, he was guided through a breathing exercise to handle conflict.

5 minutes

That’s all the exercise older adults need to boost brainpower. New research says huffing and puffing for minutes a day (think brisk walks, pool laps or scrubbing a tub like it owes you money) can significantly improve memory, focus and multitasking. TL;DR: You don’t need CrossFit, start with crossing the room.

1 hour

The weekly amount of weight training needed to gain muscle. One study found just two 30-minute sessions a week helped participants get noticeably stronger and more jacked (paywall link), no five-day grind or bro science required. One set per exercise. Nine moves. That’s it. I hear you: “Instead of calling my bathroom the John, I call it the Jim. That way I can tell people I go to the Jim every morning.”

4 mph

The walking speed you should aim for during exercise. Scientists say it can help lower your risk of heart rhythm problems that lead to heart attacks and strokes down the line. And no, it’s not that fast. The average person walks around 3.5 mph. We’re talking a brisk little stride, not a power walk to catch a flight.

Forever young: Tech CEOs like Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman and Peter Thiel are sinking cash into life extension. The $25 billion industry is all about trying to reverse aging by reprogramming cells and manipulating genes. They’ve got a long way to go; life-extending pills aren’t expected to be here until at least 2060. Until then, diet and exercise!

37% of Gen Z

Plan to skip the gym and use Ozempic instead to lose weight in the coming year. This is so sad. They think the medication is more effective than diet and exercise, but there are scary potential side effects, like nausea, stomach pain and even vision loss.

13% less risk

Of mild cognitive decline by doing just one exercise session a week. Scientists say 30 minutes is enough to keep your mind sharp as you age. How ‘bout an indoor bike or treadmill if you don’t want to (or can’t) leave the house? It’ll be a new year for a new you!

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Get off your butt

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This just in: Scientists just found the exact amount of time you have to exercise in a day to make up for time spent in front of a screen. Spoiler alert: You’re not going to like it!

My prediction came true

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Two years ago, I predicted that cutting the cable would become nothing more than an exercise in futility; that streaming was becoming just as expensive — maybe even more so. That day is here.