When I worked at home, I could slip in a little fitness whenever I wanted, my day was pretty flexible, but ever since returning to office life, it’s been harder trying to fit fitness into my day. Harder but not impossible, especially with the addition of technology. I, like 52 percent of wearable owners (MaRS Market Insights), find technology helps to keep me motivated around my healthy endeavours.
It must work, because according to an article in the Journal of Medical Research:
“Exercise app users are more likely to exercise during their leisure time, compared to those who do not use exercise apps, essentially fulfilling the role that many of these apps were designed to accomplish.”
But where to start? The market is full of devices and apps that promise a better guidance on your fitness goals. If anyone knows technology and how to make it fit into my lifestyle, it’s the folks at TELUS. I mean, their new concept store is a prime example of how you can expect more from the brand. Set up a one-on-one session at your local store and you’re bound to come away inspired to start a new routine.
Making Fitness Part of Your Routine
Here’s what’s worked for me:
Before You Start Your Day
I’m not a morning person but instead of hitting the snooze button I grab my Galaxy 6 smartphone and head for the bike, the recumbent bike that is. All it takes is 20-minutes (the amount of time I grab for a little extra sleep). I’ll usually pull up an acoustic playlist on Spotify through my phone which I can then control with an app on my Moto 360.
From my watch I can see the song playing, skip to the next one, pause the song, all without having to juggle with my phone screen. Add to that my Jaybird X-2 Sport Wireless BUDS from TELUS and I can adjust the volume right from my ear buds. No matter how tired I am dragging myself upstairs, thinking that a little more sleep would be better than heading up to bike, I always feel more energized afterward.
Stand-Up. So now my work routine involves taking transit, every day, twice a day. Whether the subway or streetcar is full or not, I choose to stand for my ride. There has been a lot of talk about the benefits of standing more during the day. Unlike some professions, I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a desk so this is an easy way to add some healthier movement.
Head Out for a Walk. It’s easy for me to stay sitting at my desk all day, focused on the task I need to get done. Now I set an alarm on my Moto360 to to remind me it’s time to head out. It sounds so simple but it works to get me outside and walking.
Pair that with my Jaybird X-2 Wireless buds and my Galaxy 6 smartphone and I can play a podcast while I walk and explore the neighbourhood. My current favourite podcast is the creative storytelling at Welcome to Night Vale. The wireless ear buds mean I can start the podcast on my phone and never have to worry about dangling wires getting in the way.
Drink More Water
When I wake-up the first thing I do is drink a glass of water and as funny as it may sound, I can actually feel the water moving through my body. I make it a habit to bring a water bottle to the office with the intention of drinking but I often forget. But with the Water Drink Reminder app, I receive notes on my watch to take a drink. It’s true this can be bothersome, like your mom nagging about homework, but it has worked. I may not drink every time I get a warning but I find with the reminder I’m drinking more.
Breathe
A healthier lifestyle isn’t all about movement. Sometimes it’s about breathing. When I read fellow Telus Advocate Dai Manuel’s post on health and fitness apps I discovered Calm. When I’m feeling frazzled I can start a 3-minute guided meditation on my phone that I can control and track on my watch. I’ve only just started using it but it’s been great on helping me become more centered when I feel like I’m being pulled in multiple directions. Another great mindfulness app that looks good is thinkFull, out for iOS devices (waiting for the Android version). It’s from TELUS in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Mind Your Mind.
It’s amazing to think that with the use of my smartphone, wireless headphones, smart watch and a handful of apps I’m able to work in some healthier habits around my less flexible schedule. So much easier than trying to go to the gym. Still not feeling inspired? Checkout Ben’s fitness story. It’s amazing how something as simple as walking can make a big difference.
Get ready to #TakeTheLeap by setting up a free on-on-one session http://www.telus.com/betteryou and find out the best technology to fit your lifestyle.
Just like Ben’s story, all it takes is the desire to make a change and to push you forward the folks at TELUS are offering one (1) EverythingMom reader a chance to win a Fitbit Charger HR. For a chance to win simply fill out the form below letting me know how you incorporate movement into your everyday routine.
As a TELUS advocate and member of Team TELUS I’ll be sharing similar posts like this but as always the thoughts and opinions are my own. One Fitbit Charger HR is available to be won. Contest closes February 26, 2016 and is open to Canadian residents only. Please see full contest rules.
I go for walks!