Gained weight? Not sleeping? No energy? This may be the reason…by Courtney Barber in LA

Hello Fitness Friends,

If you are reading this post then I know you are currently on Facebook, either accessing the website on your computer or through your phone. For a lot of you, this is not the first time you have logged onto Facebook today, nor will it be the last time either. While online, you might also check out a few of your friends profiles, a celebrity blog or two, your favourite online store, download some music from iTunes and check your email. At the same time, you might also be texting your friends, looking at some photos in your gallery and browsing the App store on your iPhone, while you watch some TV and download the next episode (so you don’t have to wait a week). Phew!

This might sound like a lot, but the funny thing is this is all completely normal technology use in 2012, especially with the introduction of laptops, smartphones and fast wireless internet.

I know a lot of people that run their lives in this fashion, opening 10 browser windows at a time so that they can peruse multiple sites in a few seconds, or press the refresh button countless times a day, to see if anyone has updated their Facebook profiles.

I see a lot of people at the gym slowly turning the peddles of the bike, too engrossed in their photo gallery to break a sweat.

I hear a lot of my clients say that they are so fatigued each morning and all throughout the day, usually because they were up all night playing games on the computer or watching TV.

While technology has given us so many great features, it is also important to step back and take note of the amount of time you are spending “wired” each day.

How many hours do you spend watching/downloading/uploading/posting/tweeting/viewing/sharing each day? (If your job requires you to do any of the above, then add those hours in too).

Imagine if you devoted 1 of those extra “tech” hours to exercise each day. Even if you already go to the gym, imagine adding an extra hour at the end of your day to walking, stretching, yoga/pilates, meditation etc.

Instead of coming home and jumping straight onto the computer or watching TV, have your gym attire ready and take some time for your health. You will find that you sleep better, have more energy and burn more calories.

Be well

Courtney