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The Y.M.C.A. is an authorized dealer of Polar and Exel products.
 
Call or see front desk for member pricing.
F.A.Q.
What is a Pedometer?
A pedometer is a simple device used to measure the number of steps you take in a day.
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How Does a Pedometer Work?
Basically, a pedometer counts your steps as you walk. Most pedometers have a tiny spring-set horizontal arm that moves up and down as you walk and measures the vertical movement of your hips. Electronic pedometers, however, can detect the impact of your foot hitting the ground. Essentially, a pedometer is a motion-sensitive electrical circuit that switches on and off, activating a digital counter. It tends to function best during vigorous walking, when the motion of the hips is more pronounced.
When positioned correctly, your pedometer records a step each time your hip moves up and down. Your pedometer also measures things you do throughout your day in addition to walking, e.g., bending to tie your shoes. (It is important to remember that it's all relative to how much you move). Every step will not be counted; sometimes wearing the pedometer in a different position will change how it counts. The idea is to become more active by taking more steps throughout the day. We have not found a pedometer that is 100% accurate.
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How Do I Wear It?
Attach the pedometer to your belt or waistband near the front of your hipbone.
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How Will I Benefit from Walking?
The benefits to increasing your physical activity are unlimited, if you have diabetes, your blood sugars will improve. If you have high blood pressure, it will go down. It will help you to prevent and lower high cholesterol, it will help you loose the body fat around your waist and increase your lean muscle mass. Your bones will become stronger as you get older and prevent fractures and broken bones. Increasing your activity will also reduce your stress levels. It will reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and death. Your quality of life will improve. To get the most health benefit from walking, walk regularly. Taking 10,000 steps a day may result in health benefits for healthy adults. (However, please note that this figure may not be appropriate for all groups, e.g., older adults, people living with chronic diseases, and children.)
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Walking has many benefits, including: helping to prevent heart disease and stroke by improving cholesterol levels, blood flow, and heart function; reducing blood pressure and preventing adult-onset diabetes by reducing body fat; helping to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis.
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How Do I Get Started and Progress Safely?
Wear the pedometer for three days and calculate your average daily count. Choose two workdays and one non-workday. Your daily step goal should be personally relevant; to improve your average daily count; sustainable for the long term; recorded to help keep you motivated to be active. Try to gradually increase your number of steps. For example, if you normally average 3,000 steps a day, then your initial goal might be to try to reach 4,000 or 5,000 steps a day. When you've mastered that, see whether you can work up to 7,000 and then eventually 10,000.
We are now becoming acquainted with how many steps different groups of people typically take. We can expect children to take 12,000 and 16,000 steps/day and healthy younger adults take 7,000-13,000 steps/day. Healthy older adults typically take 6,000-8,500 steps/day and those living with chronic illnesses or with disabilities take 3,500-5,500 steps/day.
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Will My Pedometer Work if I Run?
Yes, it works for running. Keep in mind that the pedometer does not measure intensity of activity, but steps are counted just the same.
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What about using elliptical trainers?
Placing the pedometer on your shoe when using stationary equipment will give you more steps.
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How Do I Care for My Pedometer?
Avoid dropping or crushing, as this could break. Avoid excessive moisture. Do not force the pedometer clip on to the belt this may break the clip. Change the battery when the digital display fades.
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What about Nordic Walking?
Nordic Walking uses specifically designed poles to engage the upper body during fitness walking. Nordic Walking was first used as a summer training method by cross-country skiers. It was then developed into a fitness program with specific training equipment.
Founded in Finland, Exel is the original creator of Nordic Walking, where this fun activity has become more than a trend, it's become a daily exercise routine. Why are over 8 million Europeans Nordic Walking? Because by simply adding Nordic Walking poles to a walk, you can burn up to 40% more calories by utilizing your whole body. And it's easy to Nordic Walk, no matter your age or fitness level.
You're still questioning the benefits? Let's look at the research*:
Would poles really change my workout?
Yes, because you can burn up to 40% more calories* in comparison to ordinary walking and get a full-body workout. You'll also increase your heart rate by 5-17 beats/minute.
Is it difficult to Nordic Walk?
No. Nordic Walking is very easy to learn and it's fun. You can learn on your own through our instructional DVD or you can take a class.
Is Nordic Walking an intense workout?
You'll actually have a lower perceived exertion, which means your body will be working harder but it won't feel like it. Plus, our poles are made of a lightweight carbon composite so you'll barely notice the weight.
Where can you Nordic Walk?
Anywhere, anytime of the year. From sidewalks, parks and trails to beaches and mountains, Exel Nordic Walking poles have interchangeable tips for varying terrain.
*According to the 2002 Cooper Institute Study on Nordic Walking.
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Product Listing and Descriptions
Nordic Walker Extreme
For aggressive and endurance athletes.
Nordic Walker SportPro
For athletic and ambitious walkers.
Nordic Walker Trainer
For avid Nordic Walking enthusiasts.
Nordic Walker Stride
For aspiring and occasional Nordic Walkers.
Nordic Walker Active
For newly introduced Nordic Walkers.
Nordic Walker Junior
For children 4'9" and under. Adjustable 70-100cm.
Top Polar History
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FInland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. The company is dedicated to improving people's health and well-being by providing leading technology and program solutions that deliver valuable feedback to help users gain a better understanding of their bodies and their overall fitness level. Today, Polar heart rate monitors are the number one choice among consumers worldwide, helping athletes and exercisers "listen" to their bodies and manage physical activity properly. Polar is also the worldwide leader in fitness assessment technology. Polar suites of fitness technology are used by fitness facilities, athletic teams, medical facilities and thousands of physical education programs around the country. For more information on Polar products and programs, visit www.polarusa.com.
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Product Listing and Descriptions
 F4 Blue Ice and F4 Black Thunder
The first women's specific unit from Polar, combining all the necessary heart rate features with a new, slim design. Available in two color options, the F4 includes the popular Zone Pointer feature that helps keep you in your target zone, and OwnCal® to track the calories you burn during your exercise. With stopwatch and convenient button free operation, the F4 is a valuable fitness tool.
|  F6 Pink Coral and F6 Black Coal
The optimal choice for group exercisers and active walking groups. Coded transmission prevents crosstalk with other monitors so you'll get a personalized workout, even in a class environment. More than just a stylish model with 4 color options, the F6 is an excellent exercise motivator. It includes all the features of the F4, plus guidance with OwnZone® to automatically establish your personal target heart rate zones and feedback with OwnCal® to track your calories and % of fat burned, making it a perfect exercise companion.
|  F11 Blue Glow and F11 Grey Pepper
A revolutionary heart rate monitor that creates a workout program to tell you how much, how hard and how long to exercise to reach your goals. The Keeps U Fit™ Workout Program guides you to achieve your personal goals. OwnIndex® will determine your fitness level, track your improvements, and provide motivation. The OwnCal® feature counts the calories and fat that you burn and the OwnZone® feature will automatically determine each day's target zone. The F11 also features the WearLink™ coded transmitter made from a soft, fabric material. The electrodes, which pick up the heart signals, are integrated right into the strap for added flexibility and comfort. The coded feature eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors. The F11 is the closest thing to having your own personal trainer.
|  Activity Watch
The stylish way to keep yourself on track towards 10,000 active steps without a transmitter belt! Using the latest in activity technology, an altimeter helps measure active steps and active time to provide an effective calorie count. The Activity Watch is the perfect companion for outdoor adventures such as hiking or jogging. If you find yourself too busy for exercise, just strap on the Activity Watch and leave the calculating to the watch. You might be surprised to find out how active you really are.
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