Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 2812 13 www.htcinc.net | Winter 2017 Winter 2017 | www.htcinc.net When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, you’d be hard-pressed to find a goal more common than “get in shape.” Diving into a new year typically brings out our desire for change, and with good reason — it’s a fresh start, a clean slate, a chance to prove something to ourselves. Luckily, technologies exist that make staying motivated easier than ever. Meshing fitness with technology introduces convenience, ease and consistency to our hectic day-to-day schedules. Here are some ways you can stay on track to a healthier and happier you in 2017: Workouts worth measuring Beyond providing cutting-edge gear for tech lovers, wearable technology has revolutionized the way we monitor our well-being. Devices such as Fitbit® offer hassle-free fitness tracking on everything from steps taken and distances logged to calories burned and sleep patterns. Not only do fitness trackers offer mindless accountability and accurate statistics, they serve as a wellness motivator — a sidekick cheerleader encouraging you to keep it up. Most devices offer a goal-oriented tracking option, and the precisely charted progress offers that unmistakable satisfaction of being able to say, “Look how far I went today!” There’s an app (or 10) for that Working out with a pal can make exercising more fun, but it’s not always feasible. However, a similar sense of accountability and incentive is still achievable through mobile apps that offer connectivity and updates between friends. Download apps such as Runkeeper, Fitocracy and Endomondo, or use Fitbit’s interactive online component, and help keep each other on track! While you can’t outrun what you put into your body, apps can also help you maintain healthy eating habits. All of your exercise will be for naught if your diet is overrun with saturated fats and excessive amounts of processed sugar. It helps to keep a nutrition log, and technology has made the ole pen-and-paper chart nearly obsolete thanks to calorie- tracking apps like MyFitnessPal and SparkPeople. And, you can help yourself by becoming as health- literate as possible with nutrition label decoders such as Fooducate. Make technology work for you, on your time Face it: It’s easy to push your health to the back burner. Consider incorporating technology to help maximize precious time and keep health top of mind in your daily routine. Your elliptical or treadmill time may already be enjoyable (is that an oxymoron?), but it may also be the perfect chance for “you time.” Use your iPad to catch up on daily news while you walk in place; use the calorie-crushing time to brainstorm meal- plan ideas and voice dictate them onto a to-do list (check out the apps Evernote and OneNote for this); or simply stream your favorite music and feel the burn fade away (Spotify Running can customize a playlist that matches your individual tempo). You can also use this time to score great deals on healthy foods with apps like Thrive Market, or to broaden your mind with an audiobook. And, don’t forget about the importance of mental health — download brainteaser apps like Fit Brains Trainer for that long wait at the DMV, or consider a daily commitment to a meditation app such as Headspace, Meditation Studio or Deep Sleep with Andrew Johnson. Think outside the treadmill As with anything, healthy living can quickly become monotonous by doing the same thing every single day. Don’t be afraid to change up your routine! Stream a yoga class. Cook something new. Blast your music and have your own dance party. Explore the farmer’s market for fresh vegetables. Putter around the garden. The key to sticking to your resolution of a healthier life is to do a little something every day. It doesn’t have to be fancy, so don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself — just start by starting. And remember, it’s healthy to unplug on occasion. As wonderful as technology is for implementing and improving a healthy lifestyle, sometimes, you just need to put down the devices and take in a deep breath. Health is all about balance, after all. Connecting to a Healthier Life: How to Fuse Fitness and Technology