By JULIE MILLER

Staff Writer

Technology is everywhere, including the gym.

Dr. Frank Wyatt, a professor of health and exercise sciences, said without technology, athletes would not be as skilled.

"We have more sophisticated training apparatuses," Wyatt said. "Strength, power and endurance have been enhanced through research. Materials and machines focus more on athletics now.

"For swimmers, you have suits that make them go faster," he said, giving an example. "You also have your nutrition and sports supplements that are helping athletes get faster and stronger."

Dr. Larry Proctor, an assistant professor of health and exercise sciences, said the recent technology helps athletes to improve.

"You can use a computerized analysis where athletes can look at themselves performing in 3D, and it shows them how it should be," Proctor said.

"They can see it done perfectly and figure out how much they need to move or change what they are doing. This helps athletes look at their performance to produce their desired movement as opposed to their actual movement."

Tech uses technology in many of its health and exercise science areas, Wyatt said.

"Go to [Maxie Lambright Intramural Sports Center]," he said. "All of those machines are advanced technology from the treadmill to the heart rate monitors."

Kathryn Vandersteen, president of the Science and Physical Education Majors and Minors Club and a senior kinesiology and health major, said technology helps in all areas of health and exercise sciences.

"Without it, we wouldn't have any type of exercise testing," she said. "The better the technology, the better the testing."

It is evident that advancements are the future of health and exercise, Proctor said.

"Technology helps us improve the quality of life," Proctor said. "The connection between man and computers is here to stay. Computers are starting to dominate, and we are encouraged to hold on and watch technology take us for a ride."