Page 16 - Natural Health (February 2020)

BACK

TO BASICS

Revitalise your exercise routine by
stripping back your itness tech and

reassessing your goals

Do you know someone who won’t leave intake, and other data to help you complete and running. Not only does this give the
their house without their pedometer? your objectives, and suddenly, your opportunity to try new forms of exercise, it
It might seem as if the world has gone tech- humble exercise routine gets a lot more also keeps us motivated. I’m a big advocate
crazy, but there’s a lot to be said for complicated. But can ditching the modern of changing up your workout routine. No
leaving your phone at home before you head complexity of tech help us reconnect with week should be the same. And by leaving
to your next yoga class. “Tech is great at ourselves and improve our workout? We our phones at home, this presents the
outlining the basics, but its ability is minimal investigated what happens if you choose opportunity to focus on technique, provide
when compared to what a professional to go Fitbit-free... some much-needed thinking time and decide
standing in front of you can advise,” says what we want our goals to be (which will not
personal trainer Jason Briggs, (shoehero. CHANGE IT UP necessarily align with the objectives set by
com). “Practically speaking, you don’t need Staying mindful about how your tech our chosen tech).”
technology for any exercise or activity.” impacts your fitness can help you figure
While apps and smart watches can be out where you want to prioritise your TOUCH UP YOUR TECHNIQUE
helpful in analysing our performance and exercise gains and highlight the areas of Do you check your wrist to see how many
helping us ‘find our tribe’ as it were, experts improvement. “Integrating technology- steps you’ve clocked up while you’re
in the fitness industry worry that it might based tools into your workout can be a out on a walk? If so, you’d be better off
be replacing the instruction of a trainer, as great motivator and encourage novices checking your form. “People forget how
well as the valuable human interaction you and pros alike to reach new personal bests,” important technique is,” says Jason.
get from bonding during a team-sport, or says Jason. “However, it’s also worthwhile “A good technique can halve recovery
joining a walking club. Factor in optimising putting your tech aside at least once a time. When tech is used alongside a
aspects such as hydration, heart rate, calorie week, especially if you’re doing free-weights workout, it can be easy for it to become

16 NATURAL HEALTH