Technology is changing the way we remain in shape..

That's an interesting and thought-provoking question. For me, technology is definitely a help in remaining fit. I have lost over 40 lbs since 2014 and have maintained for about a year. I've recaptured my early college figure! whoo-hoo! :-)

Fitness apps (Nike Running, myfitnesspal, Fitbit) and various wearable devices (Nike Fuel Band, Fitbit One & Charge HR, Garmin multisport watch, etc.) have been the cornerstone for my transformation back to the old me of my youth. They give me the real-time feedback and motivation to move more and manage the thermodynamic equation (calories in < calories out). I can totally understand that technology usage is not everyone's cup of tea, nor is it the only path to success. I am a "compulsive" measurer and tracker...I was born that way. It's how my mind works which is probably why I studied Chemical Engineering in college and work in Research & Development. I love analyzing data and implementing effective action plans to achieve deliverables and goals. It's what I do in my work time and my play time.

My 2016 goal is to lose another 10-15 vanity lbs. I am an amateur competitive ballroom dancer. Those skimpy ballroom gowns don't leave much to the imagination and I want to look my best. My technology tools are even more critical now. My 2016 competition season has begun so I have to train hard and fuel properly to support that. Eating for performance doesn't allow for a large calorie deficit. My fitness tracking gadgets are even more critical at this stage of fitness journey. I don't have much margin for error.

Technology is changing the way we track our fitness goals. The way we do it is the same as ever; move more. All those devices can provide reminders and history, but none of them will do the work for you. Additionally, the technology is sorely lacking in accuracy and most of them, although it's not noted, are in beta.

All the data in the world will never replace getting off the couch, or pushing yourself away from the table.

It certainly helps. The step and activity trackers make it easier & more fun. Food logging is sooooo much easier. I first counted calories in 1975. There were no nutrition labels on food products, no electronic databases, the printed databases were very limited and never brand-specific, no restaraunt calories, etc. so much easier now.

47Jacqueline wrote: »

Technology is changing the way we track our fitness goals. The way we do it is the same as ever; move more. All those devices can provide reminders and history, but none of them will do the work for you. Additionally, the technology is sorely lacking in accuracy and most of them, although it's not noted, are in beta.

All the data in the world will never replace getting off the couch, or pushing yourself away from the table.

Exactly!!

I agree with FrancI27 that overall technology has probably led us to be less physically active..one just needs to look at children today. We use to gather to play baseball, football, ride bikes...just don't see that type of thing today, unless organized. As far as technological devices helping with fitness..without question. Tests can be done at home, with far more accuracy, blood pressure, sugar levels etc. Also we have internet tools, such as this site, where one can readily have access to information, calculators, and such that give us an advantage on monitoring our fitness and eating habits. I think one aspect that might be negative related to new fitness devices, is that I can see some people always being "on"...kinda like with cell phones...always looking at device and always fretting about the numbers. Overall though, if used with common sense, I think technology is great.

Tech is just changing the way we track things.

Also, tech can make people more sedentary...kids playing video games instead of playing outside, processes that used to require manual labor now just require a push of a button, etc.

I can say this, a fitness tracker would not be helping me to stay on the couch. I am most def moving around more since I have one. I make stupid goals for myself daily with my tracker. I did not exercise one minute before MFP or my tracker.

So wearable devices, fitness and food apps def help with loosing weight, maintaining weight and with exercising. In some cases of people with OCD, this may complicate things a bit, but for the mass majority it helps.

I think the tools that we have at our disposal are just that. And the technology, hardware, software is only as good as the data behind it. So if the data is lacking, the technology can be simply useless crap. But we have learn to use the tools and even input our data when necessary or rely on other peoples data or who writes all this code that goes into our apps, computer hardware and software.

With that said, tech can be a blessing and a curse. If you use it and you get what you need from it.. that's a plus.

What is the saying, "there's an app for that"!

I find MFP and my Fitbit Charge HR incredibly useful tools. I don't think I could have lost the weight without the one, and maintaining would be hugely more difficult without the other. But like some of the other posters, I'm a compulsive tracker, and these gadgets feed into that. I really enjoy logging my daily calories, and don't see any reason to stop doing it now that I'm at goal weight -- just like I can't imagine not doing crossword puzzles. And now, with the Fitbit and its synched Aria scale, I find that I can zhuzh my weight up or down a pound or two without huge effort, just by adjusting portion sizes over a few days, and moving a bit more. When I was fat, I didn't feel in control of what I ate, and had no idea what the calorie consequences of my eating habits were. With these widgets that has all changed, and I find it very empowering: not only do I have a better idea of what I'm eating, I also have control -- or FEEL like I have control -- over my diet choices.

Technology facilitates information delivery. If you are information literate and want to improve yourself (physically or otherwise), there's never been a better, easier time to do that than right now.