People often focus on how technology has made society more sedentary, but there’s no reason you can’t use it to get motivated and active. If you’re going to hit the gym for a workout, you should try to maximize your efforts by using technology to take your workout up a notch. Check out these five ways to integrate technology into your fitness routine, and you might find yourself heading to the gym on a more frequent basis.
1. Stream Some Heart-Pounding Tunes
Listening to music while you exercise isn’t just fun, it’s actually a good idea. Several scientific studies have found that working out to music recorded at around 125-140 beats per minute can actually keep you moving longer. It might also help ensure that you don’t slow down over time, which can become tempting for those trying to increase the amount of time they spend in the gym. Try looking through your preferred streaming app for high-energy workout playlists, and you might be surprised how much harder you hit your next session.
2. Book Time Online
Clients who sign up for a nationwide fitness club service can check the availability of different gym resources online. That means you won’t have to waste a trip just to find out that the place is too crowded to actually get a workout in. If your gym has an app, then make sure to download it and sync up your account. You could also bookmark your gym’s website with a mobile device browser and check back regularly to see when your favorite classes start. Booking a personal trainer online is much easier than trying to do so over the phone or in person.
3. Keep Up With Your Schedule
Even if you have an appointment with a trainer or physical therapist, it’s easy to get distracted by everything else going on in your life. Many people find it hard to get motivated about exercise, and they might eventually start to avoid it if they don’t get regular reminders. Set an alert on your phone or tablet that will go off when it’s time to get to the gym. In most cases, you won’t even have to download any extra software since most devices come with the ability to set alarms. If your phone has a calendar app, then you should also make sure to add some gym time to it as well so you don’t forget.
4. Try Out Fitness Wearables
Though many people originally saw them as gimmicks, fitness trackers actually do have some legitimate uses. Beyond merely tracking the number of steps you take on a daily basis, they can give you feedback on your pulse and oxygen intake. That’s important information for serious athletes who are actually training for a competition. They’re also useful for those who are working on getting into shape, since they can help users keep tabs on how they’re progressing.
No matter what way you decide to integrate technology into your workout, make sure that you don’t let it become a distraction. Use your device wisely, and you should find yourself exceeding your own fitness goals time and time again.
