Want to establish a good physical activity routine? The wide range of technology options on the market could give you a boost! Here are four uses of technology that can increase your motivation, help you stay fit, and thrill your inner geek.
1. Track your physical activity
Many connected objects let you track your physical activity: smart watches, accelerometers, pedometers, activity bracelets, connected rings, etc. These objects estimate the number of calories burned, calculate the number of steps taken, and monitor your heart rate, for example. This last piece of data allows you to train at the right intensity to obtain optimum benefits. And you can monitor your efforts in real time! Connected objects are generally easy to use and integrate into everyday life. They are a good gateway to health technologies.
2. Train at home
Want to get fit, but not in front of dozens of strangers at the gym? Home workouts are becoming increasingly popular. Hundreds of videos in various disciplines are uploaded to YouTube every day. One such example is the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie’s YouTube channel, where you can find professional yoga, cardio, and strength training sessions for children and adults.
If you’re a Helix TV subscriber, try the Fiit app, directly integrated into your TV. The Fiit app offers hundreds of 10- to 60-minute workouts and structured workout programs offered by top trainers, grouped by theme (cardio, high-intensity interval training, Pilates, or yoga), and level of difficulty. The platform is available by subscription, but you can take advantage of a free trial period.
No more excuses: it's time to get off the couch and move!
3. Analyze data to improve performance
You don’t need a coach (most of the time) when you have the right tools to analyze your performance! A host of apps that you can download to your mobile device lets you set goals and create alerts. They help you establish and maintain your training program, plan your outings, and improve your fitness. Some apps even rely on artificial intelligence to make recommendations.
One of the most recent analysis advances is the smart fitness mirror. With a screen that lets you follow a dance, boxing, fitness, or other class, smart mirrors can also analyze your movements and give you real-time feedback. But these devices don’t come cheap; retail prices start at around $2,000.
4. Stay active while having fun
Not ready to switch from video games to physical activity? Then why not combine the two? Fitness gamification is a growing trend supported by the emergence of increasingly engaging and entertaining content.
A few years ago, Wii Fit got the ball rolling by introducing children and adults to exercise on a scale connected to the console.Other classics include Ring Fit Adventure on the Nintendo Switch console. This benchmark game continues to be refreshed with new online collaborative quests where players progress through a virtual adventure by completing fitness challenges.
Another classic—Just Dance— is also reinventing itself and can now be played without a console. It features playlists showcasing emerging artists from social media like TikTok, online competitions, and movement tracking through connected watches.
As for virtual reality, it’s dominating trends. Games like Beat Saber, fitXR, and Supernatural deliver immersive VR workouts. Choose your environments (from lush jungles to futuristic landscapes) and get real-time workout recommendations tailored to your performance, all customizable thanks to artificial intelligence.
The company Aviron produces home fitness equipment, including rowers, a bike, and a treadmill, that let you play arcade-type video games while you train.
If you don’t have a virtual reality headset or a connected bike (which are quite expensive), and want to make your walks more exciting, you can still have fun with games on your mobile phone. Immersive apps like the game Zombies, Run! encourage you to maintain a good running pace… so you don’t get caught by zombies.
In the same spirit, the Marvel Move app lets you train alongside your favourite superheroes. Lastly, Pokémon Go remains a fan fave, mixing real-life exploration and physical activity as players seek to capture creatures in a virtual world. To each their own motivator!
The important thing is to get moving
While technology often encourages sedentary habits because it relieves us of many physical tasks, it is also an incredible health tool when used properly. Take the time to explore the connected objects, apps, online courses, and games at your disposal. You will certainly find an option that you like and that will motivate you to stay active.
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Updated 04-02-2025
Version 6.0
