Use Technology to Start the New Year on a Fit Note

Perhaps you had a sleek new electronic device on your holiday wish list, and you have just what you need for a healthy start in 2014. Technology updates make our lives easier in all kinds of ways, and they can help us stick to our New Year fitness resolutions too. Whether you are new to the idea of an exercise program or a seasoned athlete, there are a number of ways for you to use technology to plan your fitness routine, chart your progress, or simply keep yourself motivated as you exercise.

Schedule your workouts

You are already using computer programs and apps to plan your week. Don’t forget to schedule time for exercise. A variety of programs and websites can help you to plan your workouts in advance, and chart your fitness progress over time.

Music is a great motivator

An mp3 player is a terrific way to enhance motivation during your exercise program. Listening to music while you exercise helps you to focus and to fend off boredom. You can also use your mp3 player to catch up on the news, watch your favorite television program, or catch a newly released movie while you work out.

Track your progress

Digital distance trackers, like pedometers, will help you monitor how many steps you take in a day, and how many you need to take to reach your goals. According to research in healthy adults, here are some guidelines to help you set your objectives:

• Under 5,000 steps per day: this reflects a sedentary lifestyle
• 5,000 to 7,500 steps per day: typical of a “low active” lifestyle
• 7,500 to 10,000 steps per day: the goal for a “somewhat active” lifestyle
• More than 12,000 steps per day: you have a “highly active” lifestyle

Whether you are planning, listening, or tracking your workouts with the assistance of an electronic device, the technology in your hand can help you into a healthier new year.

Summit Orthopedics supports healthy communities

Community health flourishes when specialized orthopedic care is conveniently available close to home. Summit Orthopedics is proud of our fellowship-trained subspecialty teams offering the full spectrum of orthopedic expertise in bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint conditions—in addition to our wellness, prevention, and rehabilitation services. We have the expertise to proactively improve fitness, evaluate discomfort, and deliver personalized treatment to quickly and safely return you to the lifestyle you love.

Start your journey to a healthier, more active self. Visit our Facebook page to learn about our wellness services and schedule a free wellness consultation online. Find your orthopedic expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

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