Your Computer Thinks You're Lazy

from the get-off-the-couch dept

Anyone that watches late night television is constantly reminded of America’s growing beltline. To combat our obesity epidemic, infomercials abound with the latest exercise gizmos that promise to make us all fitter. But, most of these gadgets end up gathering dust in the corner since they don’t do anything to motivate us to actually use them. So, need help getting off that couch? Have your computer call you. Stanford researchers have found that an automated computer message reminding people to get out and exercise is nearly as effective as a human counselor. People who were called by the computer exercised an average of 157 minutes per week, as compared to 118 minutes for the people who weren’t called. Not bad — if only someone could figure out how to actually get the computer to do the exercising, that would truly be the killer app.

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Comments on “Your Computer Thinks You're Lazy”

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16 Comments
dualboot says:

lol!

I don’t think it’s for the people who disable it… I think it’s for those who lose track of time, and forget to exercise. I have a gadget in my google desktop (laundry timer)which is the only reason I ever remember to switch my laundry to the dryer… maybe it’s for people like me. Often I get to Monday and realize that I didn’t exercise all week, and vow to exercise 3 times the next week… then it’s next Monday and I realize that I forgot to exercise all week again… maybe the kick in the *** would make me remember. I’ll have to see if they make a gadget for that.

Gary says:

Computers forcing you to exercise

Maybe if they have Windows Vista and don’t register it. The lock down features I’m sure would get them off their butts. Maybe Microsoft should reconsider getting rid of that feature with the release of SP1 for Vista. As a Computer Tech I spend alot of time in front of the computer and have never had a problem with my weight. I’m 5’11” and 140lbs. People just lay off the junk food and eat in accordance with your daily actvity. The more you eat the more active you should be and vice versa. If you feel hunger drink some water to fill your self up. Plain and simple. I spend on average 12 hours a day in front of a pc.

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