Cool Technology for Fitness

We live in an era of cool technology, from ipods and portable DVD players to a Blackberry and Tevo. But, can technology help us in the fight against childhood obesity?

Maybe!

There are a number of DVDs that promote children moving. Some of these are dance type shows which have the children mimic the dance steps or follow the lighted steps on a pad. While they are fun and do promote movement, they miss the mark when it comes to actually developing the physical skills that are necessary for children to get off the sidelines and get in the game.

There are also a number of devices that can be used, specifically a pedometer and a heart rate monitor. These may or may not be appropriate depending upon the age of the child.

A pedometer is not a complicated piece of equipment but it can be a fun and useful tool. Pedometer mechanics measure the physics of body motion. As you walk, your legs fight the pull of gravity and cause the body's core to accelerate and decelerate vertically. The foot strike causes a sharp change in motion. In a suspended lever arm pedometer, a lever is suspended by a spring. When your foot strikes, the arm continues downward due to inertia, closes a circuit, and counts a step. The quality of these moving parts in the pedometer affects accuracy, reliability, and the overall life (durability).

You can use this technology, along with a game, to make walking a family fun time. Give everyone a pedometer and then count steps for a week. Perhaps the person who wins gets to have their favorite dinner (as long as it is healthy), choose a movie to watch or a special activity. Using this technology will benefit everyone in the family.

The other cool technology is the heart rate monitor. This is generally used by those trying to achieve a good 'heart workout'. While it is most often used by adults, it may be a tool for older children. By using the heart rate monitor, children can see their heart rate accelerate as their activity intensifies.

Technology is beneficial. But, when it comes to physical activity here is some sound advice. You really need very few things to have fun and get good physical activity for children. A simple ball, a jump rope, a bike. These are the things that children have used for years. Guess what? They are still among the best things to get your child moving and active.

Return to Previous Page