Apps, Tech Gadgets and Getting Healthier are Personal

Spring is in the air, the sun is shining more, beach season is getting closer and many people are realizing that their New Year’s resolution to get in shape has gotten slightly off track. How can apps, tech gadgets and fitness professionals work together to help people get back on track?

As with any program created for a client, the first priority has to be finding out what fits each client’s lifestyle best. A good fit is key to change, and what works for one person might be a complete bust for another. It’s important for fitness professionals to remember their number one goal: helping the client improve his or her health. In other words, if a client prefers counting points over counting calories, then counting points is likely to be more successful, so focusing on counting calories is not a good plan.

In today’s gadget-centered world, there’s an app for almost everything and everyone. For those who might not have a smartphone, or don’t feel savvy enough with their phone to use an app, there’s a variety of gadgets that will track steps, count calories, check your heartbeat, etc., by just clipping it to your clothes or wearing it on your wrist.

While some fitness experts shy away from apps — believing the tried-and-true methods of health and fitness are the best — potential clients don’t necessarily subscribe to the same beliefs. It’s important to remember the ultimate goal is to help the client lead a healthier and more active life. If an app or gadget creates a motivation for the client, then fitness trainers need to jump on board and provide encouragement. Where’s the harm?

Apps and gadgets can also give clients the daily encouragement they need to keep moving and stay focused on their goals. People cannot always afford to go to a fitness trainer five to seven days a week, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t stay active.

After a tough workout there’s nothing better than seeing the dots on a fitness tracker make a complete circle and start flashing in victory, or hearing an app say “keep moving – you have almost achieved your goal so keep it up,” or “you did a great job.” Most apps are designed to provide this type of encouragement to users, and even though it is not a human, it can still serve as what the client needs to stay on track.

Apps and gadgets are not likely to replace fitness trainers, but they can be a great complement to them and, more importantly, if clients are going to use them anyway, it makes sense for personal trainers to embrace them, or maybe even make some of their own.

Dr. Pamela J. Wojnar is a full-time faculty member in the Sports Management program at APU. Her teaching and research interests include areas such as sports administration, leadership, event management, and coaching. Wojnar has worked in higher education for over 20 years, holding such positions as athletic director, assistant athletic director, sports information director, head women’s basketball coach, assistant women’s volleyball coach and compliance officer. For more information visit www.apus.edu.