By Ryan Lawson, Exercise Specialist
Technology is a vital part of our everyday life. It seems like all our devices can be controlled with the simple touch of a button. Any information we need can be accessed through just a few clicks. Whether we’re working from home, socializing with friends or looking for entertainment, technology has the answer at our fingertips and the ability to simplify so much of our daily activities. The down side to all this is that we tend to become too reliant on technology and less likely to be as active as we should be.
In fact, there have been numerous studies that show children today are less active compared to children several years ago. Unfortunately, this lack of physical activity typically carries over into adulthood. As people become less and less active, it leads to an increased risk for chronic diseases. In addition to the prevalence of long-term health issues, there is also the psychological aspect to consider as well. Things such as being easily distracted, narcissism and even depression are more prevalent in people who mishandle technology.
However, there are some upsides. Technology can be used to properly educate and motivate us to improve our physical health. There are plenty of professional, research websites that provide us with healthy lifestyle guidelines and options, especially when it comes to diet and nutrition. Social media can be a great source of inspiration for healthy recipes as well as ideas for how to spice up your workout. There are also wearable devices that can track how much and far you’ve exercised or remind you to be active if you’ve been sitting around for a while.
There’s nothing wrong with technology, but like anything, it’s important to use it properly and in moderation. Do not rely on technology to the point in which it negatively affects your health. While technology will continue to advance and make aspects of our lives even easier, there is no amount of technology that can take care of your body and keep it functioning like good old-fashioned exercise.