By: Eric Hess

Whether this is your first of fourth year off at college, getting into a regular workout routine can be difficult. Other than utilizing our vast amounts of group fitness classes and gyms, there are many things you can do in order to help you reach your fitness goals. Technology can be one of the biggest ways to help and here’s how:

1. Wallpapers
You’d be surprised how much a simple motivational wallpaper on your phone or computer can help. You are about to hop on your computer to watch Netflix and boom, you see your motivational background. Maybe some feelings of guilt start to set in?! Before you know it, you’ll be at the gym and doing something good for your body and mind.

2. Schedule
Using your calendar app on your phone, tablet, or computer will also remind you to workout and make it feel like you have an obligation. You will probably be more likely to stick with it…your body with thank you later!

3. Make a Workout Plan
Using your notepad app that comes with your phone or other note apps like ‘Evernote’, type your workout before you go so you won’t undercut your time in the gym. You will also give yourself an obligation to make it to the gym once again. Before you know it, your workouts will become routine and it will feel wrong if you miss them.

4. Track Progress
There are plenty of apps that track the distance, speed, and route you walked, ran or biked. The app I use is called ‘MapMyRun’. It allows you to add friends and compete against them, see where they have ran, and keep track of all of your workouts while giving you an update every mile on your run telling you your total time and mile pace. The app helps me push myself while on my runs and also push to see if I can beat my last run. I love seeing progress.

5. Music
I’m sure that most of us use our phone or iPod when we exercise to listen to music. Treat yourself to some new music! Find the right music that pumps you up and get the best workout possible.

Now there are many other ways to use technology to help you achieve fitness goals. You just have to find the ones that work for you. Check out the health & fitness sections of your app stores for more app ideas as well. There is an app for nearly everything, so if you can’t find an app for what you are looking for, you may have your next million-dollar idea.

-Yesterday you said tomorrow

Eric Hess