The new year is here, which means many people are already diving into their resolutions.

Technology has played a huge role in the development of both physical and mental health for those seeking to change their lifestyles.

Here are three ways technology is affecting people towards more sustainable fitness results:

Social Media

Whether at home or on the road, the social media content we consume daily tends to follow us no matter where we go.

What type of content we consume can be the difference from those meeting their personalized fitness and health goals.

Some of the most influential fitness enthusiasts document their work ethic daily via Instagram such as former NFL player James Harrison, CrossFit trainer Elisabeth Akinwale,  or even healthy meal preparation from Kevin Curry,  founder of FitMenCook.

With free access to endless amounts of content aimed to inspire and help motivate those seeking help along their journey, it’s safe to say you become what you consume.

Wearable Technology

Wearable technology has become a top fitness trend heading into 2019 and is now known as a reliable resource in aiding better results when it comes to physical health.

Some of these items range from the Fitbit Ionic Smart Fitness Watch, which allows you to check your heart rate while active and asleep, to the Apple Watch, which announced updated fitness features earlier in 2018. 

In addition, the Fitbit has a built-in GPS to track your daily steps whether jogging or walking while storing your favorite music.

Another example is the Training Mask 3.0 which channels breathing to target respiratory muscles—making you stronger, aiding in weight loss and increasing workout stamina compared to traditional cardiovascular workout methods.

Wearable technology has now given people the advantage of tracking their activities, diet, and resourceful equipment for better results.

Innovative Machinery

Despite many people using their local gym or community track, innovative technology in exercise machinery now allows users the ability to get a satisfying workout right in the comfort of your home.

The Peloton Bike is a great example of the evolution in recent technology providing everything right in arms reach.

The bike provides a personalized private indoor cycling studio experience which also streams daily live classes from Peloton’s New York City studio directly into the machine with 24-hour access.

Overall, commitment and work ethic is essential for anyone beginning their fitness journey. As technology continues to evolve whether through social media, smart watches or advanced cycle bikes, it all plays a huge role in fueling those to reach their fitness needs long-term.

Just over 13 percent of African Americans over the age of 20 have been diagnosed with diabetes and Africans Americans are more at risk for heart related diseases.

Exercise and a more healthy lifestyle can help protect the Black community from these diseases and technology could be a new weapon in the fight to make that happen.