BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Video game bikes, audio and video workout podcasts and global positioning systems are adding a high-tech edge to U.S. exercisers who grew up on video games.
The fitness industry has ramped up its integration of technology and fitness as a way to both attract customers and clients and then to keep them, according to Bryan Stednitz of Indiana University's Bloomington's Division of Recreational sports.
Technology is partly to blame for society becoming less active, so now manufacturers and fitness clubs are turning the tables on technology. For example:
-- Online services, such as fitnessinhometraining.com exist to supplement weekly sessions with a personal trainer or serve as a substitute for them, often catering to the needs of clients who travel a lot. Some online services, such as exerciseradio.com offer free streaming workout music, workout podcasts and other exercise tips.
-- Pedometers, GPS mapping systems and heart-rate monitors help people keep track of their workouts and note progress.
-- Higher-end treadmills and elliptical machines incorporate LCD screens for television and other broadcasts. Some equipment, such as video game bikes, morph fitness with video games by allowing the user to manipulate the activity in the video game through their activity on the exercise bike.
