Track your steps at National Walk @ Lunch Day--and every day.

Tennis shoes, water bottle, climate-appropriate clothing--what else do you need to walk your way to a more healthful lifestyle? Maybe a way to keep track of the steps you’ve taken.
If you’re going to participate in National Walk @ Lunch Day, which takes place on April 25 at noon, or if you have already started a fitness walking routine, tracking your exercise progress can help you stick to an exercise routine and show you how much you’ve accomplished.

One way to track your steps is by wearing a pedometer all day--or just during your fitness walks. You can then record the number of steps you’ve taken and monitor your progress. Go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/Insurance%20pdfs/InsuranceUpdate/Workplace-Wellness-Walking-Log.pdf to download a Microsoft Word file that contains a weekly tracking chart for your miles walked, time, and number of steps.

For the more technologically savvy, there is another option. Websites like Map My Walk ( www.mapmywalk.com ) can help you create a walking path using Google Maps, track your completed walks, and share your fitness successes with friends online. And yes, there’s an app for that--iPhone, Blackberry, and Android users can download a Map My Walk application for use on their smart phones. The app will record the walking route using GPS technology when the smart phone is brought along for the journey.

National Walk @ Lunch is a week away! For the third consecutive year, Brethren Insurance Services is partnering with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to host National Walk @ Lunch Day on April 25 at noon, a coordinated walk at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and at participating Brethren-affiliated workplaces across the nation.

If you want to help your church, organization, or retirement community join in National Walk @ Lunch Day, send a message to insurance@cobbt.org for informational materials and guidance about hosting a walk.

If you live near the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., join Brethren Insurance Services at its walking event on April 25 at noon at 1505 Dundee Ave. Suggested walking maps, healthful snacks, and water will be provided (bring your water bottle).

-- Brian Solem is publications coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source:4/19/2012 Newsline