Fitness trackers: Why you should SWITCH OFF your health and fitness apps (sometimes)
One new study showed the "gameification" of fitness tracker information was causing anxiety in young people


By Matt Evans
If you've ever felt a pang of anxiety when the Duolingo bird chirps at you after a long period of time away, you're not alone. Yes, you downloaded the app because you thought you'd give Mandarin a try while in lockdown, but now it just won't leave you alone.
The same can happen with our fitness apps. While being encouraged to exercise more and eat right is usually a good thing, so much information and constant reminders can sometimes make us feel like we're "failing" and causing unnecessary anxiety.
If this rings true to you in some ways, you're not alone. Feeling anxious when looking at fitness apps is more common than we thought, especially in young people, as a study done by researchers from the University of Bath found out. The study, published in a report by Digital Health Generations, found 45% of young people used smartphone apps or other trackers to monitor their health, but many of them worried about the information they received.
Tom Madders, Director of Communications for charity Youngminds, told the BBC fitness trackers could become an "all-consuming" experience, despite having a positive effect in relation to overall health. Other respondents to the survey reported "obsessive behaviour, anxiety and terror".
This is a phenomenon many adults can relate to as well: half of all fitness tracker users studied by the University of Washington felt guilty about their lapsed exercise habits and use of the tracker.
Fitness apps provide you with lots of information such as the calories you have expended, your resting heart rate, how well you sleep and lots more. Some fitness trackers can prompt us to move more when we've been sitting at our desks too long, helping us offset a sedentary lifestyle.
Many studies have shown us this data is good when it comes to helping us stay well, as a review of different scientific studies published in the journal Sleep and Technology found data from fitness trackers led to improved blood pressure, asthma symptoms and improved mood in many participants.
However, feeling guilt and anxiety is no good for anyone. These feelings are indicators of more serious problems later down the road, leading to long-term disorders like generalised anxiety and depression. In some cases, obsessing over data can lead to an unhealthy relationship with exercise and nutrition.
The solution seems to be, like smartphones, gaming and other addictive technologies, is to regulate your use. Turning off the smartwatch, Fitbit or exercise app and allowing yourself an afternoon in which you're not tracking can be very restorative.
Lots of studies have espoused the benefits of digital detoxing, removing devices that deliver notifications from your environment so you can more effectively unwind. Try to switch off your tracker, phone, laptop and tablet at least once a day to reset and relax.
Fitbits, Apple Watches and other fitness-orientated devices are fantastic tools to help us better understand our bodies. But in the name of your health, ironically you should make some time to step away from your health apps.
Liked this?
-
-
Fitbit Luxe: Fitbit's all-new stylish fitness tracker has just been announced
Fitness The new Fitbit Luxe is a premium fitness band at an affordable price, all wrapped in a jewellery-inspired design
By Matt Evans •
-
Best heart rate monitors: Keep track of your ticker with these smart devices
Buying Guide We check out the best heart rate monitors on the market, from chest-straps to watches
By Pete Dreyer •
-
Fitbit Luxe: Fitbit's all-new stylish fitness tracker has just been announced
Fitness The new Fitbit Luxe is a premium fitness band at an affordable price, all wrapped in a jewellery-inspired design
By Matt Evans •
-
Best heart rate monitors: Keep track of your ticker with these smart devices
Buying Guide We check out the best heart rate monitors on the market, from chest-straps to watches
By Pete Dreyer •
-
Best running watch: Maximize your runs with these top GPS watches
Buying guide Our pick of the best running watches to track everything from 5k runs to marathons - and beyond
By Jennifer Allen •
-
Best Fitbit: Our picks of the best smartwatches and fitness trackers for you
Buying guide We round up the best Fitbit wearables for day-to-day life, walking, working out, and looking good
By Jennifer Allen •
-
Jaybird Vista vs Beats Powerbeats Pro: Which workout earphones are worth your money?
Versus We compare two top-rated earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro and Jaybird Vista, to see which is most worthy of a spot in your gym bag
By Lee Bell •
-
Fitbit Versa deals: Great offers on Fitbit's top multi-model smartwatch range
Deals Get Fitbit Versa 3, Versa 2 and Versa Lite – the ultimate fitness watch for style and features - at the best price
By Rob Clymo •
-
Best workout earbuds: Top beats to soundtrack your runs & gym sessions
Buying Guide Give your workout a better soundtrack with our best workout earbuds to soundtrack your sweat session
By Lee Bell •
-
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 deal: Save $$ on our award-winning fitness watch
Deal This Best Buy deal shaves $50 off the price of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2, a Fit&Well award winner
By Matt Evans •