Can Apple iPod Do Something Healthy?

So really, how many of  us think  Nike shoes are cute, very cool and help us to get fit?  Or do you think that Nike is just a  brand of shoe with styles to match your skinny jeans or basketball shorts?

Well, I am sure you answered yes to all of the above, but… they are more than just a shoe or brand, they now have a motivational program called, Nike Plus!! This program joined together with our favorite  music empire Apple iPod and are starting a new, self-motivating way to live a happier, healthier lifestyle.  The program, is of course still trying to get you to buy their shoes, clothing and accessories, but the website’s main goal is to set an fitness challenges against people all around the world (yes- not just the U.S., the world).

How it works: You take your iPod, plug it into any compatible workout machine (ie.- treadmill or bike) and your workout data gets saved to the website automatically through your iPod.  When you plug your iPod into any computer, your results get downloaded right on to the Nike Plus website.

Let me guess, you’re a runner, and of course you probably run with some type of music player. Well, with a Nike plus shoe and the Apple iPod accessory, you now have your own personal motivator. This little gadget, ummm animated character,  is there for you when you’re about to make a eating mistake like eating hot dogs, cheeseburgers or donuts. As soon as you plug your iPod into the computer, it comes up on your ipod. Even one of our teachers at Howard Middle school,  Ms. Sfalanga a reading teacher, follows the advice given by the Nike Plus website and personal motivator. Here are some of Ms. Sfalanga’s comments regarding her motivator,”I like it because it’s easy to be good when you’re at the gym or on running days.  It is when I am at work, or sitting on the couch at home, that I tend to eat too much of the wrong foods.  When I look up at my computer and see her dancing, it reiterates all of the hard work I have put into being healthy.  Plus, she has super-cute Nike clothes, and I can dress her up.  She holds me accountable.”  This statement was spoken from a real person, a teacher who has to ward off temptations.

Nike Plus also hosts running events, so yes, perhaps  Nike wants you to buy their shoes, but they are also supporting your health and fitness in the meantime. One mile at a time, Nike is helping to fight off obesity around the world with their motivational program. Obesity can cause many things to happen to your body, such as a stroke. Although obesity is very hard to shake once it occurs, you can help your friends and family by suggesting a friendly trip to the  park or something creative that will keep them moving. Introduce them to the Nike Plus motivator for encouragement!

 Nike plus can be low budget way to get in shape as it is primarily free. Times are tough right now and not everyone has money to burn, which makes this a very enticing offer. However, if you want to be able to track exactly how far you have run or walked when not using one of the workout machines in a gym, you will need to buy the Nike Plus set.The Nike and iPod consist of a small accelerometer attached to or made into your shoe (Nike’s). The accelerometer communicates with the Nike Plus Sports Band and transfers this information to the receiver plugged into your iPod. It isn’t necessary to buy this entire set if you are just looking for the motivator portion that pops up on your iPod and computer. 

Overall, the new advanced Nike Plus equipment is proof that we are improving in technology and progressing in ways to get ourselves and our peers in shape. Nike is helping us to enjoy these concepts and the best thing about it…it’s FREE! So no more excuses, you won’t want your little animated cheerleeder to show up sad on Monday because you took the weekend off from your workouts!

By Fitzroya N.