Tools should be used for educational purposes, not lifelong crutches.

Before I tell you about the five pieces of technology and tools, I believe you should invest in supporting your health journey. First, let me tell you how I feel about technology and, more importantly, my belief that tools should be used for educational purposes, not lifelong crutches. 

Love it or hate it?

Technology, love it or hate it? Either way, the fact is that the rapid and constant advancement in technology and the development of tools now enable pretty much everyone to do anything quicker, better, fast, and make things more accessible than at any other time in the evolution of humans.

People say technology will change the world. No, technology has already changed the world, and in the main, it and our society are better for it. Everyone will know someone alive today because of its advancements. Be it a safer car, a better-equipped surgeon or a watch that has alerted someone to an imminent heart attack.

However, to balance out the view, not all of it has aided us for the better. In some instances, it has made us lazier, use our brains less and can lead us to make poorer daily choices, leading to more people potentially becoming unhealthier.

Fan of technology

I am a fan of technology & tools and am an early adopter of them. Therefore, I believe technology & tools can and should play an essential role in your journey to health. However, I recommend you keep the total number of them to a minimum and limit their use to a short, defined period. This is because they should be educational tools, not life-long crutches. Ultimately, the aim is to educate ourselves to use our bodies, minds and (sub)conscious decisions in the long run, making it manageable, effortless and sustainable.

A final thing on the period. If you have read my blog on the Time Equation, where I talk about results, you'll know everyone's journey will be completely different. Although this may be approximately three months and up to six months for the majority, it could be shorter or longer for you. So while you will want to reduce and stop using them when you reach your healthy disposition, if your journey is going to take longer, you should also do the following after three months.

• During a maintenance week

• Work out your calories with the calorie builder

• Then stop using all tools for an entire week

• Only use My Fitness Pal 'retrospectively.'

• Log your food at the end of a full day as opposed to the day before

• See how far off you are and where you need to learn more to improve

Remember this should become a way of life and something you naturally do daily. So use them consciously, think about the information it gives you, and do not blindly follow them.

I have no affiliation with any of the companies or brands I mention, nor do I receive any commission or free access to them
There are many alternatives to each; the below are just the ones I like and have usedDISCLAIMER

A smartwatch is a tool and piece of technology that I am a big fan of

Finally, a smartwatch is a tool and piece of technology that I am a big fan of, used 100% of the time and should be a vital piece of your arsenal. The advancement of technology in this area alone has been and will continue to be outstanding. Also, the competitive nature of this field is fierce, helping to drive down the cost significantly, enabling you to pick up one for a very reasonable price.

I use a Garmin, mainly because I am a cyclist; they cornered that market a long time ago and, due to their technological advancements and range of devices, have been loyal since.

The accuracy of specific metrics across smartwatches is a hot topic, with many studies disputing the data. My view: After years of continuous use and cross-referencing data points with alternative sources from the medical field. The readings are very accurate. Of course, there are certain events and situations where it is incorrect, but it is an excellent tool in the main. I use the following data points to make informed decisions about my training schedule and lifestyle:

• Heart Rate: actual, average, resting, variable, history

• Sleep: actual, average, score, history, type

• Fitness: recovery time, training load, V02 max, FTP

• Lifestyle: body battery, oxygen levels, steps, stairs