In last week's post we described the impact of labor-saving devices (e.g., washing machine, elevator) on calories expended throughout the day. We suggested that new technologies are causing us to be less physically active and gain weight because calorie intake is often not adjusted to balance the sedentary behaviors. But, we also posed a question: can technology support or promote an active lifestyle?

We (and others) believe "yes." Here are some of the ways technology can provide or facilitate most of the types of support that someone trying to become or stay physically active needs. 

• Information Support - The World Wide Web provides a tremendous amount of information for people of all fitness levels - beginner to athlete. You can find everything from stretching and strength exercises to walking trails where you live/work to tips for finding the right footwear. Workout DVDs and downloadable Podcasts can also walk you through a cardiovascular or strength training segment.  
• Buddy Support - A buddy is someone who will be physically active with you, hold you accountable, and/or remind you to fit in your daily physical activity. Transportation and fitness centers make it possible to find fitness buddies if your neighbors are not on board. Virtual coaches can send you signals to be active through emails and text messages and hold you accountable by reviewing the physical activity logs you send them. Also, there are many web sites (like www.mypyramidtracker.gov) that allow you to track and monitor your own progress. 
• Listening Support - Whether it's a friend on the phone or a posting to your Face Book page, technology allows you to share your activity successes and struggles with friends and family members around the world. If the people surrounding you aren't supportive, you can easily tap into a "community" of people that are working toward a similar goal.
• Practical Support - Technologies like iPods, Dance Dance Revolution, and Nintendo Wii Sports make physical activity fun. Step counters and accelerometers (which measure intensity and distance) allow you to gauge your activity level at any time and set goals that can be easily tracked. Home and gym fitness equipment make it possible to stay active when weather's bad.

If you take time to think about it you'll realize that technology can, in many ways, reduce barriers to physical activity. As you work toward increasing your physical activity level we encourage you to not "say no!" to all technologies, but to think twice before choosing the "lazy way."