If I could name one thing that could fire up your progress in your wellness universe, it would be to discover the Support (whatever form that takes) and the Consistency (okay, two things!) that are provided in numerous on line apps. I encourage you to at least sample a few of these them.
I’m a personal trainer, and I agree with many of you that nothing will ever beat face-to-face interactions with wellness instructors and gurus. But I have come to accept that tech has come a long way in the development and improvement of apps beyond just counting steps. By the way, the latest info from health experts recommends a minimum 7,000 steps a day for longevity … rather than the rigid and sometimes unattainable 10,000 steps! The new guideline is very doable. And my 92-year-old mother regularly checks her iPad for emails and news, proving that technological solutions are here to stay for the vast majority of us. The challenge is how best to make it work for you without becoming a slave to your devices!
I believe that the isolation and other challenges brought on by the Covid pandemic account for the proliferation of wellness web sites. On a personal note, since the the beginning of Covid, some of my personal training business has gone on line forever. Happily, a group grew organically from this reality, and we cheerfully meet Monday/Wednesday /Friday at 7:30 am. That’s dedication, folks. This group—men and women—calls itself The Tribe. Using weights and fitness toys, Ann, Sarah, Tom, Toan, Marie, Martha, and Lynda meet me in the comfort of their living rooms and work out. We now have four states represented in this group. How cool is that! Here’s The Tribe:
There are many options out there:
You can now find apps to give you a “virtual coach” (“Future” is one example); other on line communities such as Nike Training Club share and compare your efforts with others, (Nike Training Club); an app that stays with you as you progress through your understanding of the mechanisms of losing weight, like the popular Noom.
Both the Apple Watch and Fitbit track exercise, sleep levels (e.g. are you really resting and recuperating when you’re asleep?), and will even tell you when to stand up when you’ve been sitting to long. How many of us could benefit from that feature? The latest version of the Apple Watch will even give you a blood pressure reading. And for those motivated by accomplishment, current iPhones have an app called Fitness that allows you to close an exercise circle each day and track your patterns over time.
Using social media (FaceBook, Instagram, for example) is a way to connect with on line fitness groups. Or just message someone you know with similar goals to increase accountability for yourself. The power of peer pressure!
Denise’s
2 Cents:
Use whatever means works best for you; try several for the best fit. And know that as an alternative, or in addition, it’s always nice to join with a real live pal and compare notes. Below is a list of Web sites to consider, depending on your needs and/or interest:
Best overall and for tracking calories—myFitnessPal
Best for weight loss—noom
Best on a tight budget—Nike Training Club
Best for cardio—Strava
Best for weigh training—Jetfit
Best all around—Future
Best yoga—Alo Moves
Best for beginners—Sworkit
Best live classes—Peloton (if you’re fortunate enough to own one)
Best for relaxing—Calm (you’re not alone)
I’ll leave you with this: if tech assistance is still not your work-out “go to,” you are not alone by any means. Old School works fine. Just ask around for face-to-face options in your area. Who and where are your people?