Increases in your level of fitness are a direct response to an increase in the efficiency of your metabolism and mechanics.  Exercise causes cells, related metabolic processes, and coordination (neuromechanics) become stronger as the combination of exercise sessions and recovery takes place. 

The technology around us can have both negative and positive effects on how fit one is or becomes. The great thing about technology is that it allows work to become more efficient. However, this generally means a lower need to move around, which is counterproductive to the goal of increased fitness levels. While technology helps to streamline work in our everyday lives, some of that same technology can provide benefits to fitness by guiding us to work harder (and smarter) and maximize the efficiency of our metabolic systems.  

Technology and Motivation with Music

Technology has allowed for use of music in a variety of situations.  Exercisers that enjoy working out with music report improved motivation and a positive perception of performance.  During 20-min of exercise, one study demonstrated that the use of music reduced peripheral, central, and overall ratings of perceived effort when compared with the no-music condition.  Many scientific studies show that music seems to benefit a variety exercises including swimming, cycling, walking, strength training and even karate. 

Technology and Adhering to Exercise

Technology that helps to guide, set goals, and motivate can have a significant impact on the process of improving fitness. Computer-based exercise tracking and feedback resulted in 46% less dropout during an exercise program in a group of 162 healthy individuals during general exercise sessions over an 8-month period.  Attendance and adherence was also improved in a similar fashion while using virtual reality with exercise involving bicycling. 

Technology and Exercising More

A significantly higher number of minutes were spent walking when internet-based (website and weekly emails) interventions were used in a 12-week exercise program.  Adding a virtual exercise buddy helps individuals to exercise for a longer duration than when exercising alone or with someone exercising alongside.  Studies show that use of pedometers increase the amount of daily activity by an average of 2000 steps.

Using technology (such as a mobile phone, email reminders, and the ability to share experiences and get feedback on a message board) with personalized goal setting and scheduling during a 9-week exercise trial resulted in an average increase of physical activity (over the control group) of 2 h 18 min per week. The test group also lost more percent body fat than the control group.