Support: a Key To Wellness
If I had to name one thing that can enhance progress and motivation in your pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, it is Support—actual, virtual, or both.
From my vantage point as a personal trainer, I’m aware of many good on- line options readily available to you that offer instruction and encouragement for your efforts. While I strongly agree that nothing ever beats face-to-face interactions, the growing high-tech world of apps has come a long way from just tracking heart rate and counting steps. You should explore some of them for your information. Then you might settle on a couple to support your exercise regimen. If you have a smart phone or computer, access to these apps is just a few clicks away. Even my 92-year-old mother looks at an iPad for emails (and probably for other things she’s not telling me about!). So it’s easy.
Without a doubt, technology is here to stay. Believe it and embrace it! The trick, really, is to find how best to make it work without you becoming a slave to your devices.
Some options off the top of my head for you to consider:
You can now find apps that provide you with a “virtual coach.” One called “Future” is an example. Others offer a virtual “community” of followers to join to share and compare results. Nike Training Club is one such “community.” Another one will guide and stay with you as you progress through your weight loss journey. Noom is a popular one.
They are an investment, but both the Apple Watch and Fitbit watches track exercise, sleep levels (are you really resting and recuperating when you sleep?), and tell you when to stand up and move if you’ve been sitting too long! The latest version of the Apple Watch will even give you a blood pressure reading. And for those of you motivated by accomplishment, several other apps prompt you to close an “exercise circle” each day, and will track exercise patterns over time. The latest operating system upgrade for iPhones includes an app called “Fitness” with all kinds of data for you to consider.
Denise’s
2 Cents:
Below are some suggestions/recommendations of useful apps for a variety of needs. Try out a few of these apps (several are free), then download one or two that best suit your needs.
• Best overall and for tracking calories—myFitnessPal
• Best for weight loss—Noom
• Best budget—Nike Training Club
• Best cardio—Strava
• Best weight training—Jetfit
• Best all around—Future
• Best yoga—Alo Moves
• Best beginners—Sworkit
• Best live classes—Peloton
* Best for relaxation—Calm
Try to faithfully use whatever app is working for you. It could be just the kind of support you need. And speaking of support, it’s always nice to persuade a pal to join the same apps as you, so that you can compare notes and keep each other motivated.
By the way, one last thing: the latest info from a number of health sources says you need to take at least 7,000 steps a day for longevity (and who doesn’t want to live a long and healthy life!). Cheers!