50 ways to an easier life with Windows Vista – get fitter

Be inspired and stay motivated to fight the flab with Windows Vista. There’s plenty of ways you can keep fit, even if your office-bound the majority of your life. Here’s a few of them.

32. Walk the walk

Pick up a cheap step counter from Boots (such as the Target Fitness Pedomini for £2.99) then download MikkoStep. Enter the steps your pedometer records to calculate the distance you walk everyday in metres.

33. Diet power

For $49.95 (£25) the Diet Power desktop app tracks your calorie intake, analyses recipes, sets diet goals, provides nutritional and dieting advice and puts you in touch with other users.

34. CPU cycle

The Geek-a-Cycle is a combination computer desk and exercise bike. Marketed by US company Slimgeek, it costs $399.95 (£200) before shipping.

35. Log your exercise

Keeping track of your exercise efforts encourages you to keep going. Start a simple spreadsheet in Excel – or use a template from Microsoft Office Online.

36. Dance revolution

Step one: acquire a USB dance mat. Futuremax in the Netherlands ships PC compatible models to the UK. Step two: get the software. Futuremax also stocks dance game In The Groove, or you can download the open source Stepmania. Step three: boogie the calories away.

37. Keep a diary

How can blogging improve your life? Well, the old adage “a problem shared is a problem halved” comes into play here. Using your blog like an online diary is free group therapy. Brain specialists Fernette and Brock Eide say blogging combines the analytic aspects of working on your own with the social benefits of working with others. You can start your own blog at many sites, but try LiveJournal or Windows Live Spaces for a real community feel.

38. Play games

DirectX 10 graphics make Windows Vista an ideal gaming platform. You’re sure to find something to set your thumbs twitching at Microsoft Games.

Read the concluding part of this weeks’ guide tomorrow!

Nick Clayton contributes to Windows Vista: The Official Magazine and is a freelance journalist.