As we learned from the survey conducted for our latest infographic, technology is becoming an essential part of fitness, finding its way into workout routines, weight loss programs, and all sorts of healthy pursuits. Here are some ways technology is making a splash in fitness apps and gadgets:
Apps
GymPact: By trying to solve the common problem of neglecting a gym membership, this clever app uses monetary incentives to encourage you to exercise. At the beginning of each week you make a “pact” of how many days you plan to work out and how much you’re willing to pay if you don’t make it to the gym. Users then check-in to the gym on their iPhone, so that their workout is confirmed with GymPact. Every week, the money paid by those who didn’t work out is divided amongst those who did. The more days you exercise, the more money you make.
RunKeeper: This app created by the Pebble smart watch company allows you to map your workouts, and track variables including your speed, calories burned, and how long it took. The RunKeeper website keeps track of your workout history, and you can also share progress with friends on social networking sites.
Lose It: This weight loss app makes it simple to count calories and reach your goal. Users enter their target weight and the time they’d like to reach it, and Lose It tells them how many calories they are allotted per day. Then, users input everything they eat into their food diary, and Lose It keeps track of the calories using its extensive library of food. If your meal isn’t listed in their database, you can input a recipe to get a calorie count for it. And it works! The average Lose It user loses 12.3 pounds, and 86% of the app’s active users have lost weight.
Gadgets
FitBit Ultra: Tracking your fitness throughout the day, the FitBit Ultra clips on to your waist and becomes your handy fitness sidekick. It tracks how many steps you take, the distance you traveled, and how many calories you’ve burned. The gadget syncs with your computer using WiFi to keep track of your progress, and tells you how many hours you were very active, fairly active, and sedentary each day. You can even use it to see how well you’re sleeping.
WiFi scale: Who would have thought scales could be so high tech? When you step on this WiFi scale, it automatically measures your lean and fat mass. The device then sends the data to your smartphone, computer, or tablet and provides you with a range of data on your weight. You can also track your weight over time. The scale also allows for up to 8 users, and even enables you to track your children’s health.
Wii Fit: As a video game, Wii Fit seeks to make working out fun. Using a foot bad and arm sensor that connects to your TV, it offers five different types of exercise to get you fit: yoga, strength, aerobics, balance, and training plus. A new feature even allows you to create personalized workout routines. The best part? Wii Fit is designed for all ages, with both kid and adult-friendly fitness features.
What’s your favorite fitness technology?
