Websites That Help You Get Fit the High Tech Way
By Jessy Troy
A year ago I bought a premium gym membership, complete with childcare, so that I could get fit. The gym is close by, my kids love going to the daycare while I work out and they are open evenings. There is literally no reason for me to not go at least three times a week. For awhile I was enjoying it, but as will inevitably happen, apathy kicked in and I stopped going. I have not been in four months and while I am wanting to get back into it, I am having a seriously hard time mustering the motivation to do what I know I should.
While the best thing for me to do is to actually force myself to go, I have decided to be half as proactive and look for ways that the Internet can motivate me to get back into exercise. That’s right, I have reached whole new levels of Internet addiction and laziness. I thought I would share the fruits of that labor – and by labor I mean gentle mouse clicking – with all of the lovely and equally inactive people of the web.
These are my favorite websites that present ways to get fit in a technologically savvy way.
This isn’t just for reading. There is an entire interactive site from Fitness Magazine that allows you to learn about the latest in fitness news, speak to other readers for motivation, and even a featured section where you can create your own workout video. This is great if you want something you can do at home that has been customized for both your enjoyment and benefit. It is also easy to use, so if you aren’t that familiar with the workings of video creation, you can be happy knowing that it is pretty much a hover-and-click operation.
Comprehensive and innovative, SparkPeople is a free site that allows you to read health articles, join fitness groups, log your calories, plan a diet, get recipes and find workouts. They have ten minute workout videos that are easy for those among us who would prefer something quick, but still effective. They really get the heart rate going, work up a sweat and can be done at any level.
Think of the Wii Fit, but for the computer. While not motion sensitive, this game attempts to give you the same results in a similar way by having an avatar do movements you have to mimic. It is actually a really enjoyable way to workout, and as you go along you will see how many calories you are burning. It is also fully customizable, and you can do either feet or arms or both. A great little website for work, if you want to get a workout in on your breaks.
Very similar to SparkPeople, Gyminee is an interactive site with recipes, nutritional logs, message boards, health articles and workout videos. It is easy to use and based very much on social participation. You can find people in and out of your local area with similar goals\ and work together to achieve them. Many people find this to be a great motivator.
Give It a Try!
I know it seems like I am just preacher, but I am going to be practicing what I preach, as well. It is important to stay active and fit and I will be choosing one of these sites tonight to get started on my own road to health. All I need is a little motivation, and I think I have found it. Join me?
Author Information
Jessy Troy started two new blogs on fitness: Smith Machines and Find a Gym; please check them both out today!
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