6 Digital Habits to Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals
Technology plays a major part in our lives, helping to make many elements of our daily activities run much more efficiently than was previously the case. Health and fitness are one of the key areas where technology has had a massive impact by transforming how people achieve their personal goals.
From using the internet to search for ways to improve your brain health with the right supplements to wearable devices and more, digital tech plays a crucial role in the fitness sector.
With that in mind, read on as we take a closer look at some of the digital habits you can implement to help you reach your fitness goals.
Fitness Apps
One of the easiest ways to use digital technology to support your fitness activities is to download apps to your mobile phone.
There are loads of different apps to choose from that offer a vast array of information about exercise, nutrition, and more.
One of the best activity apps is Strava, which takes a social community-based approach to help people achieve their fitness goals.
You can use Strava to ask for advice or compete against friends and family, all without paying the annoying monthly subscriptions associated with other fitness apps.
Gamification in Step Counting
Several research studies have shown that gamification in step counting helps to motivate people to move their bodies more each day.
By using fitness trackers such as smart watches, people can engage in fun competitions with friends and family to help keep themselves more active.
People who participate in this type of gamification have been found to have significantly greater step counts over a sustained period than those who attempt to get fit on their own.
One study found that people who achieved increased step counts continued at the same activity levels after the end of the monitored period.
Improving & Monitoring Sleep
There are numerous digital technologies on the market that help people to monitor and improve the quality of sleep they get each night.
One of the most exciting recent developments in this area was the results of a collaborative study between Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and digital therapeutics company Big Health.
Combining a digital therapy for insomnia, with improved access to psychological therapies (IAPT) care had a positive impact on the mental health of people experiencing sleep problems.
Embracing this type of digital technology is an excellent way for people to ensure they get the requisite amount of sleep to boost their overall health and well-being.
Music & Podcasts
While this digital habit is not exactly a new idea, it is important to remember just how powerful music can be in supporting your fitness activities.
Listening to music has been proven to be a mood-enhancer, thus giving people the extra motivation they need to power through tough workouts.
If the prospect of pounding music in your eardrums leaves you feeling cold, listening to podcasts or audiobooks can be a great way to pass the time while working out.
Many long-distance runners find that using this type of longer-form material is the perfect way to ensure they keep powering on until the end of the episode or chapter.
Home Training Equipment
Sales of home training equipment have gone through the roof in recent years and the trend looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Products such as Tempo Studio and Hydrow Rower expertly combine digital tech with fitness equipment to deliver top-class home workouts.
Peloton is another brand that has become synonymous with home training in recent years and their latest product is proving to be a massive hit.
The Peloton Bike+ boasts a vast array of innovative features including the ability to switch between cycling and floor-based workouts, making it ideal for people who want balanced workouts.
Virtual Personal Coaching
While the community nature of products such as Peloton has widespread appeal, many people prefer a more personalized approach to their fitness activities.
Online digital personal training platforms give users easy access to one-on-one coaches, who can offer advice and fitness programs tailored to their individual needs.
Other platforms such as Skype and WhatsApp allow for even greater personal interaction with online trainers, further boosting your chances of achieving your fitness goals.
Many traditional fitness facilities now offer these types of services as part of hybrid membership packages as they strive to move with the times.
The Final Word
We have highlighted how digital tech can help you reach your fitness goals, but it is also important not to allow it to become too consuming.
Taking a break from digital by switching off your devices and living in the moment can be hugely beneficial to your overall well-being.
In simple terms, remember that digital tech is there to support your fitness regime, not control it. A walk in the park with your mobile switched off can be just as beneficial as an app-based workout!
This article has been published in accordance with Socialnomics’ disclosure policy.
