Technology Helps Consumers Lose Weight, Keep Resolutions

If your New Year's resolution is to lose weight and get fit, you might want to invest in fitness technology. According to a new study by the Consumer Electronics Association, fitness technologies are a key tool that helps users stay motivated and keep their resolutions to get fit.

According to CEA’s research study entitled Getting Fit With Consumer Electronics, 54 percent of consumers cite lack of motivation as the main reason not to exercise. In addition, the study found that 76 percent exercise alone without the direction from exercise professionals, and 74 percent of consumers exercise at home.

Fitness technologies can help users gauge their fitness level, monitor calorie intake, and track progress on fitness goals. These technologies are also useful for setting realistic, achievable goals and tracking the amount of daily physical activity.

“Fitness technologies can play a significant role in motivating consumers,” said Rhonda Daniel, manager of market research at CEA. “Compared to consumers who are not using fitness technologies, consumers who use these devices view exercise more positively, and are more likely to enjoy exercising and to view it as important to their health.”

“The demand for fitness technologies is wide-ranging, and a variety of technologies are available – from standalone devices such as digital weight scales, pedometers and fitness companions, to software programs and applications, to peripherals and games for gaming systems,” said Daniel. “Additionally, many devices consumers already own, such as smartphones and MP3 players, are now equipped with components and capabilities that can be used for fitness, including GPS, pedometers and accelerometers.

CEA’s Getting Fit With Consumer Electronics Internet survey was administered online to a national sample of 1,303 U.S. adults between July 26 and August 5, 2010.