National Walking Month: How technology can boost your progress

With lockdown measures still in full effect, many of us have taken the opportunity to leave the house for the prescribed dose of exercise – and a long walk seems to be a preferred activity!

Pair that with the fact that it is now National Walking Month and it seems the perfect time to better manage our walking habits, patterns and frequency. So, take a look at our list of the must-have walking tools:

Fitbits

Fitbits have been on the market for a long while now – in fact, you might not realise that they entered the fitness scene in 2009! However, these devices have gone from strength to strength over the years and now have a model perfectly suited for any requirement.

If you’re searching for a gadget that fulfils the basics – step tracking, heart rate monitor and sleep analysis; to name a few – then the Fitbit Inspire could be the perfect model for you. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, then perhaps the Fitbit Iconic is the perfect match. This is the brand’s most expensive Fitbit but it does warrant the cost. As well as all of the existing features of a standard fitbit, the Iconic model takes on the role of a modern smartwatch – rivalling the likes of the Apple Watch.

Step Tracking Apps

Fitbits, or any kind of fitness tracker, can be a big expense. So, it’s understandable that you may not want to jump into a purchase just yet.

Luckily, however, there is an abundance of step tracking apps – available on either the Google Play Store or the Apple Store – that come with absolutely no price tag. Why not check out: Stepz, Step Counter, or Pacer Pedometer.

These apps will help get you started with your walking journey, offering support and progress tips along the way!

Charity Miles

Whilst not the only one of its kind, Charity Miles brilliantly merges your walking, or running, habits with socially conscious goals. So, if you’re looking to get into walking, or any kind of physical activity, but don’t particularly enjoy it yet, then this could be the ideal motivation!

Each time you take part in a logged workout, you will start raising funds for your charity – and the app offers you plenty to choose from.

AlpineQuest

Perhaps you’ve been walking for quite a while now, in which case you might want a platform that can offer a bit more of a challenge – and we’ve got just the thing!

AlpineQuest is a fantastic app that guides you through your route as you explore more challenging, off-road environments. However, if you’re going to tackle these routes, then you might want to ensure you have a phone insurance policy in place beforehand.

However, this application is unfortunately exclusive to Android users – so, if you’re using an iPhone then you’ll need an alternative. ViewRanger could be the perfect fit!

1 Second Everyday

This might seem like an odd suggestion, but stay with us.

Your walks will take you to some beautiful places and, if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to capture it. Whereas having photos scattered throughout your camera roll will often mean you never look through your snaps, having an app that compiles your content into one concise item means that you never misplace your adventures.

1 Second Everyday is a great way of compiling short snapshots of your life into a neat video diary to look back on.