Exercise timers are great for ensuring you are spending the correct amount of time on a stretch or exercise. It is one less thing for you to think about. You can concentrate on your form and also how it feels. How long is a minute? Well it depends what you are doing! A plank or a stretch. A simple way to help you gather information and build experience when you exercise
FitBit – Fitness Tracker
My Fitbit has a countdown timer I find useful. You can select the countdown in minutes and seconds. I use it for impromptu stretches or breathing. It’s great for 2 minutes of breathing or just quiet time. I typically use this more at home than in the gym.GymBoss
If I’m in the gym I usually use my Fitbit to track my sessions, so I use my GymBoss for timings. I have had a GymBoss since 2014, it can clip onto your clothes but I bought a strap for my wrist and I find that works better for me. You can set up a circuit with workout and rest times. I mainly use it for stretching after my workout so it’s set to stretch and transition time. It is fairly robust and has lasted a long time.Seconds App
This is a paid app that I bought for my phone. You can set up wee routine and circuits really easily. I have created about 10 routines. You can set the option for it to speak, which is useful heads up to what is coming next. It has an option to split the time if you were doing it on both sides. It has more functionality than I useSummary
I use all of the above timers in different ways depending if I am at the gym, working out at home or on holiday. When you are starting to exercise again after the menopause, timers are a great tool to useSamantha Valand is a Pilates teacher, Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer. Who helps over fifties women fall in love with exercising again after the menopause. You can find some inspiration over on the blog If you are interested how coaching can help you can start here. Samantha has a free monthly newsletter to help you live healthy ever after.
