Pros and Cons of a “High-Tech” Workout

As we advance through society, there is a mutual recognition among most people that technology is home to most of our greatest achievements today. In the digital age, phones and computers can help guide people to do things on the daily. But what about how we workout? It’s no secret that overtime, exercise has relied upon certain technological advances in order to improve upon it’s natural success. However, is more screentime and digital reliance a bad thing for our health? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Pro: Information and Tutorials

With the help of the internet, information about health and wellness has become much easier to access. Whether it’s helpful tutorials on video streaming sites, or medical journals posting factual information, we have all of that power now at our fingertips. While most medical scientists haven’t given a 1:1, proven way to do every single exercise, or proven every way to lose weight, there are very helpful resources out there that anyone can use for their workout.

Con: False Information and Sneaky Ads

On the other hand, with all of that well-sourced information comes misinformation. There are numerous websites that try to take advantage of people just trying to better themselves. It could be misleading advertisements that make you believe you will become “shredded” in days. Or, it could be extreme weight loss diets, and sometimes these videos are helmed by video channels that don’t have any reputability. A general rule of thumb is that if they are trying desperately to sell you something, you should be a little weary about it, and do your own research. However, that is the problem: your own research could have still led you here. Not knowing what sources to believe can make dealing with this technology tricky.

Pro: The Success of Apps

There are numerous apps out there that work as fitness trackers, diet management, and tutorials for your next workout. For those that are just getting into fitness, this can be a great asset for you to utilize. For one, most of these apps have motivations in the form of notifications that remind you to stay on task. Another benefit is that, if they are reputable, they can help keep track of various things you’re using to get fit. Such as repetition, weight gain/loss, and calorie intake. Using apps in itself is harmless so long as you are going at your own pace, and taking in their advice mindfully.

Con: Screentime

Some studies have shown that screen time can have a negative affect on you, particularly in children and adolescent groups. The damage it can have on eyes, our cognitive abilities, and general lack of energy can be hard to recover from. We understand that not everyone is using technology 24/7, especially during a workout. However, if you aren’t exercising and using things like apps to get through your routine, you should still be mindful of your screentime. A lot of gyms have televisions and screens in certain areas, and while they can be motivating, it can still be overwhelming when you consider the amount of screentime you might have in your day outside of that. In general, you should stay off your phone while working out, as texting and chatting can be a bit of a distraction, and looking at it for long periods can cause those unnecessary stressors.

Pros: Alternative Health Benefits

For those who have certain conditions like diabetes, or other heart conditions, technology can play a vital role in your exercise. For some people, they need extra management in order to not go overboard. Some people need stress management, and technology built around measuring your heart rate, for example, can help bring someone down. These benefits can make it essential for people to live, even outside of their workout, which is why we don’t see technology ever leaving this space.

Cons: Technology as a Stressor

Ironically, this is where technology is less of an issue, and more the culture surrounding it is. As we mentioned before, some channels, or influencers, often push certain products in order to meet physical standards. Those physical standards being pushed can act as a stressor for people to believe they need to look and feel a certain way, when they really don’t. On top of that, technology may not be the most affordable choice for everyone. The feeling of peer pressure and not looking the way someone does because of the absence of a particular thing can heighten those stress levels. It is very disheartening that in some scenarios, the very stressor you need relief from can also be the cause. As such, you should try your best to block out those unnecessary stressors and know to work at a level only you are comfortable with.

With all of that said, we do believe that digital technology overall is useful for health and exercise. While there are many cons, you will have to learn what sources are trustworthy, and what sources are not through your own research. Along with that, you have to be mindful of the content you do intake, and the amount of it so that it doesn’t leave a lasting impact. Technology like this is here to stay, so be prepared to use it in order to stay in shape!

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