Heidi Avrov

When it comes to being healthy and physically active, technology usually gets a bad reputation. It is, in fact, true that students are spending more time than ever on social media and electronic devices. This sedentary lifestyle has lead to an overall lack of fitness and health across our nation. However, when used appropriately and in the correct context, technology can be an extremely helpful resource for students and educators in a physical education setting.

 Many assessments in gym class are designed to compare students to the overall “average” fitness level  The focus is usually on the students who do the best or are the most athletic, leaving others to feel unmotivated and inferior  With the following pieces of equipment and technology, the focus will shift; Rather than comparing students to one another or expecting them to be at a desirable level, the aim will be personal improvement

 This wrist watch can monitor students’ heart rate and also the amount of calories they burn  Students should be evaluated in the beginning of the year to determine their resting heart rate  This can then be used to determine their target heart rate based off of whether they want to primarily burn fat or train their cardiovascular system Walmart - $42.99  Rate-Monitor/ Rate-Monitor/

 Students can wear this wrist watch to keep track of how many steps they take, the distance they travel, and how many calories they burn  It also monitors how long and how well you sleep  Great way to keep track of goals and desirable calorie expenditure

 Can be purchased at Best Buy with the choice of 3 different colors $ sleep-tracker-wristband- slate/ p?id= &skuId=

 This piece of equipment can be used when students cannot run outside  It can also be used as an alternative for students who really don’t feel comfortable participating in a certain activity  Rather than students just sitting down or not participating, they can go on this machine or use the dumbbells that come with this specific model

 Walmart - $ Dumbbell-Set-with-Carry-Case-Value-Bundle/

 On students can find a plethora of resources including informational videos, recipes and weight management planswww.choosemyplate.gov  SuperTracker is an online tool that tracks what you are currently eating and gives you a personalized plan for what and how much you should be eating  Free of Charge!!

 Omron Portable Body Fat Analyzer can tell students their BMI and body fat percentage  Students can set goals on how much body fat they would like to lose and monitor their progress throughout the school year  Walmart -$ did= &wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3= &wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6= &veh=sem

Health and Physical Education class should be all about personal growth and development. When students are expected to be at a predetermined fitness level, it can become a nerve racking experience, especially for those who are out of shape. By incorporating these pieces of technology, students can see what level they are currently at and devise plans to improve everyday. Students should not be expected to all perform at the same level, as each person is completely different. These tools can help better personalize each student’s physical and health education class and monitor their progress!