Every day, technology is advancing and becoming increasingly sophisticated. With smart devices, you can do almost anything, from ordering groceries, making healthy dining reservations, or tracking your calorie intake.
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Although technology can certainly assist you in reaching your health and fitness objectives, many people may not be aware that it can also have an unintended impact.
In this article, we will examine technology-focused methods for achieving health and fitness goals that you should avoid, as well as those that you should adopt. Before moving forward, you should read this: What are the Negative Effects of Technology on Health?
Benefits of Using Technology to Stay Fit and Healthy
1. Use the Calorie Tracking App
MyFitnessPal and similar apps conveniently monitor all the meals, beverages, and snacks consumed throughout the day.
Weight loss is greatly influenced by calorie intake, and it may be beneficial to concentrate on dietary habits rather than physical activity. For instance, seemingly healthy ingredients such as olive oil or salad dressing may contain more calories than anticipated, which may surprise many.
Real-time access to this information, such as the quantity of water you drink, the foods you consume, or the amount of exercise you engage in, can inspire you to remain dedicated to your objectives.
Download: MyFitnessPal for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
2. Stay Updated via Youtube
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the availability of online classes and guided workout programs. With a limitless selection of fitness options online, it’s difficult to justify not exercising due to a lack of proper guidance.
Whether you’re uncomfortable with attending a gym or only have a brief 15-minute window during your lunch break, online resources can provide a solution.
If you’re stuck with a boring exercise regimen, consider exploring the wide variety of free online workout classes that can be enjoyed with your entire family. YouTube features extensive exercises, including yoga and fat-burning workouts that can be performed at home.
3. Put down your phone while eating
In today’s world, it’s become commonplace to eat while staring at a TV or smartphone screen mindlessly.
To reduce your food intake, avoiding screens while eating, whether alone or in the company of others, is recommended. You’re more likely to consume smaller portions by solely concentrating on your food.
In addition, putting away your phone during meals enables you to engage in pleasant conversations with friends and family, allowing you a more enjoyable experience.
Here is a guide that can help you: 13 Tips To Stop Getting Distracted By Your Phone
4. Join Online Health Trials
Opting to join online health competitions is an excellent method of maintaining motivation while striving to achieve your fitness objectives. A supportive community, such as an online group, can make the journey to your goals much more manageable.
There is a wide range of virtual challenges to choose from. For example, if you want to cultivate positivity and balance, why not try a 30-day yoga challenge? Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more enjoyable, consider the Run on the Edge: Run for a Year challenge, which involves running or walking 2023 miles in 2023.
Use technological alerts to stay fit and healthy.
1. Don’t Go To Extremes
In case you find yourself overly fixated, it is recommended that you take a break from using a calorie-counting or exercise-tracking app. Obsessing over numbers can be detrimental, leading to an unhealthy connection with food.
It’s crucial to remember that apps such as MyFitnessPal are simply technological tools, and it’s more beneficial to prioritize how you feel rather than relying solely on data.
While calorie-counting apps can have advantages and disadvantages, seeking alternative methods is essential if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Here is a must-read guide: Modern Technology Devices and Impact on Youth.
2. Don’t Spend Too Much Time Online
Technology has many positive aspects but can also have drawbacks regarding maintaining good health and fitness.
Excessive screen time can reduce the time to concentrate on your health objectives and exercise routines.
Limiting screen time is vital, as spending hours on social media can adversely affect your mental health. Instead of abandoning your goals, try putting down your phone and engaging in activities such as walking, practicing meditation, or meeting a friend for a bike ride.
There are plenty of free breaks reminder apps out there, like Focus Keeper, that you can download to ensure you’re not mentally and physically exhausting yourself.
If you are a parent, these tips will surely help you: 15 Tips to Keep Your Child Away From Mobile Phones
Download: Focus Keeper for Android | iOS (Free in-app purchases available)
3. Do Not FOMO
It’s essential to exercise caution when considering new diets or exercise regimens advertised on social media, as the individuals promoting them may lack proper qualifications.
With a wealth of online nutritional and fitness advice, it can be challenging to differentiate between trustworthy and unreliable sources.
Remember that simply having a significant social media following does not necessarily mean that an influencer’s eating habits or workout routines are appropriate for you.
Instead of relying on online influencers, seeking guidance from licensed dietitians and certified personal trainers is better.
Here is a guide you should read: How Technology Affects Mental Health.
4. Avoid Screentime Before Going to Sleep
It’s recommended that you avoid using your phone at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep. This is because using technology, such as social media, before bed can make it harder to fall asleep and result in less overall sleep.
Using devices like your phone, TV, or tablet before bed can prevent your brain from relaxing, and the blue light emitted by these devices can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle.
Experts agree that getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and fitness, as lack of sleep can lead to increased appetite and decreased energy for regular exercise.
Although using your phone before bed can have a negative impact on your sleep, there are some innovative ways to use your smartphone to aid in getting a good night’s rest. You can read all positives and negatives in this article: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Mobile Phones.
Use Technology to Improve your Health and Fitness, NOT HINDER IT
Although technology offers many helpful tools to enhance your health and fitness journey, it can also have a negative impact on your goals without you even realizing it.
Knowing what activities to avoid when using technology to stay fit and healthy is essential. However, utilizing technology to your advantage is equally important to accomplish your objectives.
So, while being mindful of what to steer clear of, don’t forget to leverage technology to help you achieve your goals.
