Fitness technology has changed the game when it comes to tracking activity, sleep and lifestyle goals. But research shows that fitness tracker dependence can cause more harm than good.
Where’s the line between helpful goal-setting and information overload? Take a look at my insights about what’s at stake, as well as three tips to keep fitness tracker dependence in check.
The Dark Side of Depending on a Fitness Tracker
So, we’ve had a lot of fun tracking steps, sleep quality, heartrate, exercise activity, and more in the past decade. And with the gamification of these trackers as part of the deal (think: step goals and challenges that can be shared with other users), the craze over fitness gadgets has been no big surprise.
While fitness trackers make knowledge more accessible to the individual user, they can also create behavioral changes that aren’t so pretty. Here are some warning signs that your tracking has become toxic.
- Obsessive or Compulsive Stat Checking: While fitness trackers can reinforce healthy lifestyle habits (like a reminder to move after sitting too long), they can also retrain the brain to “check in” more frequently, creating the risk of obsessive stat checking.
- Fixation on Figures that May Not Be Accurate: Fitness trackers give a ballpark estimate of health stats, but they’re no replacement for professional expertise and assessment. Numbers only tell part of the story – a consultation with a professional can put these figures into perspective for a more complete understanding of health progress.
- Social Posts Can Spark Envy & Shame: Fitness trackers with a social component, like Strava or Fitbit, can unlock an entirely new concern – comparing one’s performance with others. Remember, your journey is yours alone; seeing others break records or make faster progress can be emotionally taxing and distract from your own fitness goals.
- Emotional Fatigue of Constant Competition: Whether competing with others or competing with yourself, fixating on fitness stats can take the joy out of pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
Information Overload & Anxiety
Having an abundance of detailed information at your fingertips can contribute to unhealthy behavioral problems. Existing concerns and behavioral tendencies – including body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, eating disorders, substance abuse, addiction, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders – can be worsened when developing a dependence on fitness tracking.
3 Tips to Avoid Overdependence on Fitness Trackers
Worried whether your fitness tracker is doing more harm than good? Test yourself with these three tips to gauge your level of control and dependence.
Tip #1 – Limit Use to 3 Gadgets or Less. For most, one multipurpose tracker provides more than enough information to set healthy goals without being overwhelmed with notifications and too many goals.
Tip #2 – Go Post-Free for 1 Week. If you’re using a fitness tracker with a social component, try going seven days without posting your workouts or interacting with other users. Notice how you feel and whether that social component is adding any benefit to your health goals. Do you feel less stressed? Less motivated? Both?
Tip #3 – Focus on Long-Term Growth, Not Daily Stats. Wellness is a journey! Remember, it’s okay to have an off-day. Steady, sustainable progress is much more beneficial than immediate gains that don’t last.
