Technology Works: Final Project

Finishing up my summer college class, I had to start thinking about doing my final project. The involved the use of technology and the internet, and the way that it shaped our identity. It was really an open ended project, but yet I struggled with trying to figure out what question I wanted to ask and research. Then it dawned on me.

 

I had created the blog for this very class that I am talking about. I have really grown to like blogging, and the people that have supported me through my journey of weight loss. I then began to formulate a whole new question. Is technology shaping the way that people are losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

I did a bunch of research, did some interviews, and found out some pretty cool things about technology in the fitness world. Now technology can mean the all the equipment that you use at the gym, but I focused more on the apps, online resources, trackers, and even blogs.

I knew with my own experience the important role that technology has played in my weight loss journey, but I wanted to know if it was just me, or if people were also having success like I have. I am an avid fit bit user and My Fitness Pal user.  These have helped me loose the weight, and also now keep it off. Then I got thinking that I use Pinterest to find new ways to work out or recipes, YouTube to find work out videos when I am in a pinch at school. Look at all the ways that technology can shape a person’s fitness!

In my research I was able to do some interviews and really look at different articles to try and answer my question. Both of my interviews had great success using Weight Watchers online and its app, and also someone who has used My Fitness Pal successfully. Combined they have lost over 100 pounds. Both of them felt that technology has given them that boost that they needed, because they are able to access it at anytime, anywhere, and at their convenience.

One of the major things that I took from the class this class is how connected we are now more than ever. This applies to why technology is working so well in the fitness world. We are using this tool, because we have a constant support system out there, we can connect to it whenever we want, and we see the cold hard facts right away.

Julian Michaels said in an article that I read that the Biggest loser is now using technology to boost the weight loss of the contestants. When the show first came out they were taking 100 pounds of the contestants in 14 weeks. Now with the help of trackers and other technology, people are dropping 100 pounds in 6 weeks!

I feel that the answer to my question for my project was answered. Yes, technology is aiding and essentially shaping the way that people are losing weight. Jillian Michaels said that technology got us into this mess, and it is going to help us get out of it. I would agree with this,  but then I began to formulate another thought. Technology is helping people lose weight and maintain, but it is not the technology that is doing it. It is the person using the technology that decides whether the tool is going to be useful or not. If we want it to be, then we are connected instantly to our support systems, able to track our food on a whim, or even look up a new fitness routine. If we don’t, then that fitness tracker around our wrist just becomes a new piece of jewelry.

I for one am happy that technology has made its way into my fitness routine and into my life in general. It has connected me to the people that are reading this blog, people with the same story as me to tell, and has given me some really great tools that have gotten me to such an amazing place. Technology has defiantly shaped my identity in the 21^st century literally and figuratively.

Thought that I would share my findings with everyone! I hope to be able to continue blogging, and using technology to get me through my journey!!