Four Ways to Get Physical—Digitally

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Four Ways to Get Physical—Digitally

From computer games to iPhones, there are cool new tech applications

you can use to get in shape.

By Tina Peng | NEWSWEEK

http://www.newsweek.com/id/164359

There's nothing like a little competition to get you motivated—even

if it's only with yourself. That's the principle behind a whole new

array of digital tools that help you get fit, keep fit, or track

exactly how you're doing—whether it's calorie intake or energy

output. The simplest tools, like a pedometer, are always popular. But

just tracking the number of steps might become passé if fitness

trends continue. Now there are ways to not only count the steps you

take daily or hourly, but to compare those numbers over time and

share them with others. And that's just the start. Here are some of

the best gadgets in a whole new wave of digital fitness products that

use computer games, iPods and social networking applications to help

you in your quest for a healthier physique:

1. Upping the Fun Factor. More fitnesscentric videogames are cropping

up in addition to blockbusters like Wii Fit and Dance Dance

Revolution. My Weight Loss Coach from Ubisoft, for the Nintendo DS,

allows users to plug a pedometer directly into the DS and upload

information about their weight to access daily fitness advice and

objectives, as well as diet tips and health-related trivia games.

2. Connectivity Counts. The FitBit, due out this holiday season, will

be able to measure daily exercise and sleep quality, then remotely

transmit the information to a computer so users can keep track of

their progress online. And there's a community aspect—users will be

able to share their information and goals with family and friends.

This, says the manufacturer, is the first generation of health

devices that are connected to the Internet in a meaningful way.

3. New Ways to Compete. Stationary-bicycle manufacturer Expresso

Fitness has sold about 4,000 bikes equipped with television screens

that allow users to ride challenges on different digital terrains and

chase a dragon through the sky. Users can also keep track of their

workouts on the Web, setting goals for themselves and gaining digital

awards for achieving certain distance milestones. Concept2, which

manufactures rowing machines, has a model that allows up to eight

users to wirelessly race each other.

4. Real-Time Tracking. Weight Watchers recently launched an

application that allows members to monitor their daily points

wherever they are using their BlackBerry or iPhone. However, Weight

Watchers Mobile and WeightWatchers.com, which tally everything from

your water intake to the points you earn by exercising, are meant as

supplements to the in-person Weight Watchers program. The company

says those who use all three ought to see the best results.