Technology Increasing Exercise

The effect of technology on body image is not always a bad thing. In some ways, technology has been extremely useful with aiding users in weight loss and actually increasing exercise. Take Nintendo’s video game console Wii, for example. Wii is motion activated and requires users to move a remote control or their feet on a mat to make their character move on the screen. This idea has made it possible for games like Wii Fit, Dance Dance Revolution, and EA Sports to exist. The best thing about these games is that they require the user to be active while playing them. Wii Fit tests users on strength, yoga, aerobics, and balance. Dance Dance Revolution works cardio by allowing users to choose a song and mimic the dance moves seen on screen. Games like these are becoming widely recognized as legitimate forms of exercise that can be utilized by the entire family and are conveniently located in most houses. Another great thing about using video games for exercise is that they are sneakily disguised as fun. Gamers hardly even notice the 360 calories they’ve burned in the last hour because they’re too busy slaying dragons in Dragon Blade. And waking up with a sore arm in the morning may leave gamers puzzled until they remember the sixteen matches of Wii Tennis they played the night before.

Besides Wii, there are many exercise apps available to consumers. Nike has created Nike+, a running app that features a GPS, pedometer, pace tracker and personal cheering section. There are countless yoga, weight lifting, and cardio apps on the market. There are even apps as specific as Rowing Log Pro, which allows users to track their rowing workouts and distances.

The large number of apps available can be overwhelming, but it’s nice to know there are healthy choices to be made within technology today. Consoles like Wii and apps like Nike+ are making it easier than ever to achieve a healthy lifestyle in a world full of GameBoy addicted adolecents.