Researchers concerned that 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity conducted a study that revealed a worrying picture about what our health and physical appearance could be like in the near future.

In this sense, they presented Sam, a projection of the average sedentary individual for the year 2050, highlighting the harmful effects of an inactive lifestyle.

Sam shows symptoms such as digital eye strain and premature aging, resulting from excessive technology use and a lack of physical activity.

Data on physical inactivity

According to this research, more than 30% of adults and 80% of adolescents do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity.

This lack of exercise is linked to various long-term health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Immersed in this reality, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set goals to reduce physical inactivity by 10% by 2025 and 15% by 2030. Without these changes, it is estimated that global costs to public health systems could reach $300 billion between 2020 and 2030. To create Sam as a warning sign of what could happen, its creators at the health app WeWard told Newsweek that they used a combination of their own data on average daily walking habits in 30 countries. The role of governments: Leaders of initiatives like WeWard emphasize the importance of policies to encourage physical activity. The creation of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and the promotion of digital tools that encourage healthy habits are suggested. “There is much that can be done in the political sphere to help increase physical activity in communities,” said Yves Benchimol, executive director of WeWard.

How is physical activity measured?

Physical activity is commonly measured in metabolic equivalents (METs), which represent the amount of energy consumed during an activity compared to a resting state. For example, an activity with a value of 5 METs means that five times more energy is burned than at rest.

Exercise intensity can also be measured by monitoring heart rate, where specific zones for moderate or vigorous activity are established based on a percentage of maximum heart rate.

Recommended levels of physical activity for adults are at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or a combination of both. In addition, muscle-strengthening exercises are recommended two or more days per week.

For children and adolescents, at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day is recommended, including activities that strengthen muscles and bones at least three days a week.

How can I monitor my activity?

There are various technologies currently used to monitor physical activity and motivate exercise, combining wearable sensors, mobile applications, augmented and virtual reality, and other innovations in the sports field.

Wearable Technologies and IoT Sensors

Wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers monitor key metrics in real time, such as heart rate, steps, sleep quality, stress levels, and biomechanical parameters, helping to personalize workouts and prevent injuries.

These sensors connect to applications via the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing access to detailed analysis and providing motivation through progress charts, goals, and social comparison.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR overlays digital information onto the real environment, offering visual instructions during exercise or virtual challenges, which increases motivation and makes training more entertaining. VR, on the other hand, allows users to immerse themselves in virtual environments to practice sports or perform indoor workouts, and is also useful in physical rehabilitation and mental training.

Mobile Applications and Online Platforms

Free and paid applications help define specific goals, record progress, and offer recommendations, promoting greater continuity and commitment to the activity. Furthermore, these platforms can offer remote coaching, helping to enhance the benefits of exercise with digital support.

Additional Technologies

The use of GPS,Motion sensors and biomechanical analysis systems allow for the analysis of movement patterns, optimization of technique, and reduction of injury risks. These systems are used in both elite sports and personal training, contributing to greater motivation and goal achievement. Thus, technologies for monitoring and motivating exercise include wearables (such as smartwatches and fitness trackers), mobile applications, augmented and virtual reality, and biomechanical analysis systems, which together promote personalized training, motivate through visualization and comparison, and aid in injury prevention and rehabilitation. You may also be interested in: