The first step in creating healthier habits is to know your baseline, where you are starting and what areas need the most improvement. “I need to eat healthier” is very vague and does not tell you what to do. When you do know which direction to go, it is important to know the first step and not bite off more than you can chew. Another important step to making a change in your behavior is to track your progress and recognize incremental improvements. If we do not allow ourselves to feel good about the small steps toward improvement that we make, the process can seem overwhelming, and we can be tempted to give up on our goals.
While there are many smartphone apps that can aid in tracking and even some that can make suggestions for improvements, perfect for busy days where taking the time to write down what you are doing and eating is likely to fall to the bottom of your to-do list. While you can start again the next day, many people stop using an app once they have missed a day or two. I am hopeful the new UP bracelet from Jawbone may make the entire process of creating healthier habits easier.
The Jawbone UP is a waterproof wristband, similar in size to a Livestrong band, with embedded sensors that connect to your smartphone to track behaviors such as eating, sleep, and physical activity. It is expected to be released by the end of this year. The free app will track your data and make suggestions for improvement. It sounds like suggestions will be made using the kaizen theory. It sounds really cool that you can input your daily diet by snapping photos of your food, but I wonder how much people will follow through with this. I am also interested to see just how the app works and if it includes push notifications.
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For the text-obsessed, there’s a new diet plan that keeps you accountable using text messages. This week, Self magazine launched Diet Tapper, a plan that texts you meal inspirations and other tips five times per day. The service costs $2.99 per month and also includes online access to an “exclusive new diet plan,” that apparently includes a library of meal and workout suggestions. Subscribers will also recipe a “Recipe of the Week” newsletter via email.
Self’s Diet Tapper page provides sample texts such as: “A protein-packed lunch for 450 cal. Protein eaters burn more fat. Think poultry, fish, legumes or lowfat dairy” and “Set your sights on 45 min of cardio. Get inspired with our favorite workouts.”
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Despite the fact that some studies have linked child weight gain to playing video games, there is a new technology on the block that might actually help you shed pounds.
The NewYu Connected Fitness Monitor is a wearable, connected fitness monitor that tracks all activities users engage in throughout the day, from running and biking to cooking, cleaning and shopping. The monitor syncs with an online dashboard where you can establish fitness goals, track progress, and share your results.
“The more accurate the tracking, the more likely users are to reach their goals,” said Van Krueger, President and CEO of Wellcore, NewYu’s parent company.
The San Jose-based company will introduce the new monitor at the 2011 IDEA World Fitness Convention in Los Angeles.
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The Pi Mobility PiCycle Sport Touring Bike
by Kelsey Murray
Long gone are the days when your bicycle was simply a way to get from point A to point B, or to get a little exercise in. There are many different styles of bikes: road, racing, mountain, commuter, and electric to name a few. Now, these many different styles of bikes are also getting a complete makeover. Check out some of the most creative – and functional – new bicycles to hit the road.
Pi Mobility PiCycle Sport Touring. This is an electric/manual model that has fantastic features, such as an anti-theft electronic feature to keep your bike from being stolen while you are not riding it. The design for this bike was originally created 20 years ago by an art student at Pasadena Art Center, Marcus Hays. This bike is great for recreational riders or those who commute to work. It ranges in price from $3,000 to $5,000.
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I grew up as the daughter of a runner. I’ve been familiar with the sport since I was tiny. However, I never expected satellites and cell phones to become common tools of the trade. My dad had to make sure his wrist watch was fastened and his running shoes were laced before he left for a run. I have to make sure I’ve acquired a satellite signal before I can leave the driveway.
So, I guess it’s safe to say that times have changed. I think they’ve changed for the better though.
With the introduction of smart phones and phone applications, today’s runner can be much more informed. We can literally see our progress, be able to confidently and wisely go for our first run, learn to run faster, and receive coaching all from our little handheld device. There are a plethora of running and fitness applications available. These are just some of the favorites among users.
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