How can you convince your father, husband, brother, son or other beloved male to walk for fitness? It is often quite hard to drag our menfolk on a walk, but we know they need the exercise and walking can lead to improved health and longer lives. Here are some tips for giving a great father’s day gift this year; one that will last forever.

Gadgets

Men do love gadgets. Walking does not require any gadgets, but you can incorporate some gadgets into fitness walking that can make it a more fun and at the same time, a more serious activity. My favorites are an mp3 player, a stopwatch, a heart rate monitor, and a pedometer. Any of these would make a great gift for a beginning walker, too. Start with a pedometer and a notebook for Dad to record his daily steps.

Other gadgets that most walkers would appreciate include a scale or a body fat analyzer if they wish to monitor their weight. And, a digital camera is a great way to document outdoor walking scenery.

Things to wear

Wicking Clothes: I love my wicking clothes year-round. Wicking clothes contribute so much to comfort when walking. They “wick” sweat away from your body, which can cool you off in the summer and keep you warmer in the winter. It’s really amazing, but it does exactly that. The first wicking products I bought are wicking socks. I think everyone should have them! Shirts and shorts are also very nice to have and make a great gift.

Hats and visors: Hats and visors are great for blocking sun, increasing visibility and for die-hard walkers, they help one see in the rain by keeping the rain away from the eyes.

Sunscreen: A year-round essential. I am using spray-on sunscreen a lot this year because it is easy and cooling.

New walking shoes: Take Dad to a running shoe store and let him get professionally fitted for walking shoes. Then, buy him the shoes. Once he’s been properly fitted, he can find shoes at discount places for less money, but still know they are what he needs.

FREE subscription to “Steps” – the Walking Newsletter Ask Dad if he would like to receive free tips and ideas on walking for fitness delivered to his in-box weekly. If not, subscribe yourself. Often, we can best teach by doing. The newsletter will serve as a great information source for walking, as well as a weekly reminder to get out there and take some “steps” yourself. Sign up for the newsletter here

Two great Father’s Day gifts you can order now:

My favorite pedometer: Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer

My latest mp3 player: Rca S2001 Jet Series Sports Mp3 Player (1 Gb)