Resolutions are hard to keep (I didn't maintain any of mine from last year) and living a healthy lifestyle is even harder. With the demands of work, raising a family, and other obstacles we are met with, it's just too much of a hassle for most people to count calories, make healthy food choices, and get to the gym a couple of times a week.
Luckily, we are in a golden age for technology. Companies big and small are creating devices and services to help simplify our everyday lives, and that includes numerous technologies that can help you achieve your health goals.
From various apps to wearable devices, here are some of the best tools to help you lose weight:
Apps
We use smartphone applications to connect with friends and family, meet new people, and even order food. It would only be natural that we also use these devices to help us stay in shape. There are numerous cross-platform applications that can turn any smartphone or tablet into the perfect personal trainer and help you shed those extra pounds. There's an old saying: perfect abs aren't made in the gym, but are cooked up in the kitchen. Lifting weights and cardio are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but eating right is just as, if not more, beneficial as working out.Calorie tracking
There are hundreds of fitness apps out there, but one of my favorites for keeping track of the foods I eat is MyFitnessPal, an app that simplifies the process of counting calories. MyFitnessPal is free and available on all major mobile platforms: iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone.
Calorie counting has never been so easy. Food can be entered in manually, chosen from a user-generated catalog of more than 1 million items, or even scanned with your smartphone's camera. Reminders can also be set to ensure that you never miss logging a meal.
Running partners
Each app also has unique features that may appeal to you. RunKeeper allows you to set workout reminders, Runtastic has a "Story Mode" feature to make runs more entertaining, and Endomondo hosts numerous challenges that puts you head-to-head (virtually) against other members of the app's growing community.
RunKeeper, Runtastic, and Endomondo are available in free and paid versions on Android and iOS; all three also offer monthly/yearly subscriptions for premium features. Other running apps you may want to check out include Nike+ Running and MapMyRun, both of which are available for free on Android and iOS.
Fitness games
What better way to stay in shape than to play a game? Apps like Zombies, Run! and Fitocracy offer a fun and entertaining way to stay active. The Zombies, Run! app is one of the most unique fitness apps available today. Not only are you told a story while running, you are living it. Along with tracking your distance, time, and pace, the app includes numerous "missions" for runners to complete, such as picking up virtual supplies. The app takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, which means you will sometimes hear and be chased by zombies, and the game doesn't end once your workout does. The virtual supplies you picked up on your run can be used to help strengthen your base and community to survive the hordes of zombies.
Zombies, Run! makes running and working out more enjoyable than ever before. For a limited time, the app can be had for $3.99 (it usually costs $7.99) on Android and iOS. You may think it's pricey, but nearly a million people have already joined in on the fun.
The company's extensive database also explains how to do a vast amount of workouts, which makes Fitocracy more appealing to first time gym-goers. Fitocracy can be accessed on the Web and from the company's free Android and iOS apps.
Wearables
Wearable devices are slated to become the next big thing in tech, and we here at CNET have embraced the future. Numerous devices have come our way, many of which are aimed at fitness and helping you live a healthier lifestyle.Activity trackers
In the month of December, the Fitbit Force, the Jawbone Up24, and the Nike FuelBand SE were ranked in the CNET 100, a one-of-its-kind leaderboard that tracks tech's hottest products, with the Force and the Up24 making the top 40. Fitness trackers are becoming smarter, more accurate, and easier to use.
The Force also supports a limited number of Android devices, such as the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S III, Note 2, Moto X, and Nexus 5, among others. Force, Up24, or FuelBand owners who don't have a compatible device can view their data, achievements, and goals on the Web.
Fitness watches
For more hard-core runners, I recommend checking out either the Adidas MiCoach Smart Run or a Garmin Forerunner. These watches deliver serious amounts of information for serious athletes. Thanks to an array of sensors, including GPS, the Smart Run and watches in Garmin's Forerunner series display distance, pace, time, and calories burned.
Smart scales
You've heard of smartphones, smartwatches, and maybe even smart socks, but did you know there are also smart scales? That's right, a scale that is smart. What does this mean? These scales, depending on the specific product, can calculate your body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and weight. Two products to consider are the Withings Smart Body Analyzer and the Fitbit Aria, both of which have their own benefits.
The Smart Body Analyzer is available for $150, while the Aria can be had for $129, both a relatively steep price to pay for a scale...no matter how smart it is.
The Internet
The last and most effective tool that can help you lose weight is arguably the most important piece of technology from the 20th century. It's the Internet, the single greatest resource for discovering new information and connecting with others.
This post was written by: Author Name
Your description comes here!
Get Free Email Updates to your Inbox!
