Exercise used to mean simply throwing on a pair of tennis shoes and going for a run or playing a pick-up game of basketball. But in this century, exercise has become yet another part of our daily routine integrated with technology.

Exercise and Gadgets

Today, we have gadgets that measure heart rates, the number of steps taken and many other aspects of a workout experience.

The Nike+ line of products has pioneered the integration of digital technology into exercise. The Nike+ shoes enable users to log their running time, distance pace and calories burned through a wireless connection to their iPod Nano.

Lind predicts that gadgets like the Nike+ line will become more popular.

“I think it’s something that will help people optimize their workout,” Lind said. “Eventually, some of those gadgets will stick around and show their worth.”

Exercise and Entertainment

A quick look around the Lied Center is all you need to see just how pervasive technology has become in the exercising world. People run on treadmills with iPods strapped to their arms and earbuds securely in place. Big screen TVs mounted on the walls, each tuned to a different channel, represent a variety of tastes in television programming.

Erik Lind, graduate assistant in kinesiology, said entertainment media such as these can make workouts more enjoyable.

But does this enjoyment come at a cost? Does entertainment distract people from working out as intensely as they should?

“The research is really inconclusive,” Lind said.

Maranda Bissell, senior in kinesiology and health and the president of the Kinesiology and Health Club, said sometimes entertainment can be a distraction to exercisers.

“They focus more on that than their fatigue,” she said.

Lind is currently working on a research project that is looking at how using entertainment devices impacts a person’s workout routine. He will be measuring the intensity of a workout session both when the test subjects are exposed to an entertainment stimulus and when they are not.

Exercise and the Internet

Google “exercise,” and you’ll get 231 million hits. But not every one of these sites will be helpful.

“I think it’s the same as anything you look for on the Internet. You have to take it with a grain of salt,” Lind said.

While there is reliable information about exercise on the Internet, it is best to talk with an expert. As with any topic on the Internet, anybody can post information – whether it is accurate or not.

“A personal trainer can be the ideal person to show you exercises and how to do them,” Lind said.

Bissell said some people would rather work out in their home, but there can be drawbacks.

“But their disadvantage is people may not be doing it right and run the risk of injury,” said Bissell.

Web sites

www.mapmyrun.com

This site allows you to map out your running route, figure out how many calories you burn and the distances you run. The Web site is run through the company MapMyFitness. The site also has blogs and forums for discussion.

www.nikeplus.com

The brain child of Nike Corp., the Web site does more than just promote the brand. Members of the site can access the forum-like content of the Web site. You can read stories from fellow Nike Plus members, coaches and athletes.

www.fitnessmagazine.com

By creating a free membership profile on Fitness Magazine’s Web site, you can download exercise videos and work out right at home. You can download workout routine videos, as well as Pilates and yoga videos.