BARBARA, arts, educational & cultural consultant: It’s the process of working out ... the let’s get physical factor that makes the difference.

If you can work out without using gadgets, that’s fine. But, if you feel you need a gadget or two, that’s fine. Just shop around before you buy. Gadgets can be costly and useless. Besides, you’ve got to be sure they fit into your lifestyle. If you won’t use it, don’t choose it.

Heather and Yvette, have the discipline and the fortitude to work out no matter what. Then, there are people like Ellen and I, who need a lot more help. We need the support of membership in a group, a gym or a club. But, when working out on your own, gadgets can provide some of the motivation it takes to help keep you going.

Katrina Watson, assistant store manager at Modell’s - Cheltenham in Wyncote, was very helpful when I asked her to talk about a few of the hottest gadgets. Watson said, “A lot of women are power walking and walking in groups. By using a pedometer, they time their miles per day and keep track of their calories burned, distance, steps and time. Pedometers are available in manual and electronic styles.”

Watson recommends a basic pedometer for beginners and a more sophisticated one for serious walkers.

Another hot item, according to Watson, is the solar suit and solar belt by Bollinger.

“Lots of people claim to work out in the suit and belt. This makes them lose excess water. The suit comes in different sizes, and some people come back to purchase smaller suits as they reduce in size.”

Watson suggests you make sure you buy one that is large enough to let you move freely.

Finally, she says, more and more women are taking boxing lessons and are coming in for boxing gloves. Who knew!

So what’s my take on the idea of gadgets? For some of us, gadgets are necessary. I broke down and purchased some new gadgets - a pedometer, a solar suit and a solar belt plus some new sneakers and a cute pair of walking pants. They’ll help me with stamina for my walking plan. So, I got some good information from Katrina, and I spent a little cash on gadgets.

Posted May 14, 2003 03:24 AM