A new survey has pointed to a rise in the use of technology for people exercising in South Africa.<\/p>\n
According to pharmaceutical company, Pharma Dynamics, more than half of South Africans who exercise regularly say they have embraced technology with 5 in 10 using some type of tech-gadget during their workout.<\/p>\n
Four in 10 respondents said they use a smartphone or tablet during their workout and nearly 47% admitted that they would probably work out more if they had access to their personal content while exercising.<\/p>\n
Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson of Pharma Dynamics said: \u201cTechnology can be a powerful tool in promoting physical activity and changing exercise behaviour. For years, pedometers, accelerometers and heart rate monitors have been used as motivational tools.<\/p>\n
“Newer technologies such as global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), interactive video games, GoPro cameras and persuasive technologies are also becoming very popular. Equally, Internet-based physical activity interventions and mobile applications can be used to promote and change exercise behaviour,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor most participants, this was as simple as placing a smartphone or tablet on an exercise machine to play music or videos, while 13% use equipment that connects to their devices, as well as built-in computer or video screens.<\/p>\n
The majority, (86%) also said having access to technology during their workout makes it easier to achieve their fitness and\/or weight loss goals, Pharma Dynamics said.<\/p>\n
The national survey was conducted among men and women between the ages of 24 and 57<\/p>\n
Additional findings:<\/p>\n
Technology gadgets which exercises currently use to enhance their workout include (participants could select all applicable gadgets):<\/p>\n
Types of content most exercisers preferred having access to during a workout are as follows:<\/p>\n
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