Introduction
On your mark, get set, go! These three phrases embody the Olympic spirit. As the Olympic Games in Paris approach this summer, these words may soon become routine for many. The Olympic games highlight humanity's rich history, and its ability to pass the torch from era to era seamlessly. Historians trace the games back to 776 BC when they began as part of a religious festival in honor of Zeus, with athletes competing every four years. While much has changed, the essence of this beautiful event remains, and very soon Los Angeles is set to host the games in 2028.
The Olympics can bring even the unlikeliest countries into the spotlight. It can allow an Olympian to transcend the sport itself. Look no further than the politician and Zimbabwe's current Minister of Sport, Arts, and Recreation, Kirsty Coventry, who in her heyday brought home nearly all of Zimbabwe's Olympic medals to date.
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| Serial Olympic Medalist, Kirsty Coventry |
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| List Of Medals Attained By Zimbabwe At Olympic Games |
Problem
Whether you're a fan of the Olympics, Greek mythology, or even just dark horse success stories, one cannot deny the importance of fitness and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The United States has one of the highest obesity rates in the world with an obesity rate of 42%. It's no surprise that many have found a solution in weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Zepbound. Drugs that have gained popularity, especially among celebrities. But are these drugs effective? Perhaps. Are they safe? Maybe. What are the long-term effects? Well, perhaps that might be a question for another day. What is certain, though, is the timeless efficacy of a fitness routine and dietary measures.
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| World Obesity according to WHO 2022 |
Usually, once a programmer identifies the problem, their next step is to provide a set of steps to solve the problem. This is known as an algorithm. Building an algorithm is simply like creating a recipe. When asked how to create the perfect soccer team world renowned soccer coach Jose Mourinho once stated, "You cannot make a good omelet with bad eggs." It's imperative to leverage the best tools for your fitness algorithm.
Recommended Fitness Trackers
1. Budget Option: Fitbit Inspire Fitness Activity Tracker
• Lightweight device
• 10-day battery life
• Monitors heart rate, steps, and distance
• Ability to extract CSV data
2. Higher End Option: Garmin Forerunner
• 2-week battery life
• 20 hours without charge
• Built-in GPS
Visualization Tool Options
1. Microsoft Excel
• Accessible and easy to use
2. Power BI
• More technical, but powerful for detailed visualizations
3. Tableau Desktop
• High-end option for creating interactive dashboards
Once you have your fitness tracker and visualization tool you are ready to let your recipe cook. The world is now your oyster. You now have your algorithm.
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| Fitbit Inspire |
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| Garmin Forerunner |
Run Your Fitness Algorithm
Once an algorithm is put together it can be put to use. This is the part where the program must be run. Think of your training schedule as your ingredients. From here, a balanced plan tailored to both diet and physical training is needed. For physical training, progressive training allows your body to ease into a set routine. Many free apps on Android or iOS can help you create a schedule and diet list. You might also consider using a commendable premium service like V Shred. The key is to have a specific and detailed plan. Record your progress, analyze the data, and continuously refine your approach. Plan out at least a 90-day routine, whether cycling, running, or swimming. Use your tracker to monitor progress and adjust your routine as needed.
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Using Tableau To Show Best Running Month |
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Using Tableau To Visualize Cadence and Heart Rate |
Debugging Your Fitness Routine
The final stage is debugging, or refining your routine based on the data you collect. Interactive dashboards are excellent for this purpose, allowing you to update and refresh with the latest data. As your data increases, challenge yourself to reach new goals and learn more about your body's capabilities.
As Albert Einstein once said - "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." Challenging yourself may lead you to progressively reach barriers you may not have thought possible.
See you in Los Angeles 2028? Or maybe that's a step too far? Let's take it one step at a time.
