Unplugged!

With advances in science and technology, we are constantly discovering new ways to improve our physical practice.

Technology has allowed us to stand on a vibrating mattress to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. 

Through science we can induce similar physiological responses to hiking by hooking up to a biofeedback headset.

A continuous glucose monitor gives us immediate feedback based on our responses to different foods.

An apple watches will give us a gauge of our heartrate, calories burned and the intensity of a workout, all through a screen on our wrists. 

However, our continued use may come at a cost. While all these devices are incredible tools, they may also inhibit us from a deeper understanding of ourselves. 

When we become dependent on our Fitbit’s or too reliant on our calorie counting apps; we are outsourcing our most valuable data collector – our intuition.

It is through our intuition that we are able to connect to our body; our greatest teacher (this practice deserves a whole series of posts itself).However, as with any endeavour of mastery, we may need tools, assistance and guidance to achieve this. 

This is where technology may be of benefit; a stepping stone which guides us to a deeper understanding of ourselves. 

So how do we ensure that technology is working for us, rather than against us?

Firstly, we must recognise it for what it is – a tool which provides us with insights for understanding ourselves.

Then we must reflect on our use of technology – are we really utilising it as a tool, or is it stripping us of our intuition?

For technology and science will continue to advance, but so must our intuition and connection to our self.

– Serge Houhlias –

https://houhligan.wordpress.com/ 

P.S. For those interested in this topic, check out the book: Unplugged: Evolve from Technology to Upgrade Your Fitness, Performance, & Consciousness by Brian MacKenzie, Dr. Andy Galpin, and Phil White.

It’s written by guys who understand the functional fitness space in a practical and applicable way: the data is digestible and the science is not overwhelming.