Smartphones & Exercise

Dec. 4, 2017
You may be unwittingly sabotaging your workout by being on the phone at the gym.

I enjoy going to the gym for a workout and expect that my time will not be wasted or my workout interrupted by others. Lately I’ve noticed a growing problem, one that also seems to be the new normal. Smartphones are taking over a once trusted escape from the toxic world - the gym - and wreaking havoc on the smooth flow of people’s workouts.

Don’t get me wrong, smartphones are probably one of the greatest technological inventions of the 20th century. I was amazed at the breadth of what the phone is able to accomplish, and it seems for many this small marvel has replaced the computer. Despite its usefulness and capabilities it has had some negative impact on health. Recent research published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity indicates people who spend the most time on their phones tend to be less fit than those who use their phones less.

In interviews with 305 college students about their cellphone use and physical activity at Kent State University, researchers learned those on the phone most were the least active. Using a follow up fitness test of 49 of the students, the ones who least used their phone were fitter than the others. The results seem appropriate, constantly checking one’s phone and surfing the net takes time. That wasted time could be better spent, some of which could be at a gym staying or getting fit.

But many people take their phones with them to the gym. Good or bad idea? - for the most part, bad. An article in Time magazine by Amanda MacMillan says research shows, “Texting or talking on the phone while exercising can worsen your balance and workout intensity.” Another study in the Performance Enhancement & Health journal found that “Texting during exercise impacted balance and stability by 45%, compared to not using a phone. Talking on the phone made balance 19% worse - less than texting, but still significant enough to contribute to injuries.”

A study in Computers in Human Behavior found that people texting while exercising for 20 minutes spent at least 10 minutes in a low-intensity zone and only 7 minutes in high intensity. Those working out without phones spent only 3 minutes in low intensity. The results are surprising, given that college students were tested. This  group of tech savvy digital age people seem like the type to be adept at multi-tasking. The question becomes if the younger generation is greatly impacted by phone use during exercise, how does it affect older adults? Some good news did come from the study, however. It seems listening to music had “no notable impact on balance.” In fact, the study showed intensity gets a boost from music. Rock on.

So aside from the medical and scientific downside of using your phone during workouts, how about the practical aspects? It seems more people are staring at their phone at gyms instead of focusing on working out. Not being able to disconnect for at least an hour a day seems symptomatic of a larger problem. Are they afraid of human interaction, or is their addiction to their phone a drug-like habit?

Being on the phone at the gym is simply rude. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone sitting on a piece of equipment while texting or surfing the net. This practice is particularly egregious when the gym is crowded. As we’ve learned from studies, intensity suffers when we’re distracted. Our normal rest period between sets may be 30 – 60 seconds. However, if you’re glued to your phone that could easily turn into minutes. Thus, your results suffer by taking long rests and your time spent at the gym is not as productive.

What about using your phone in a germ infested environment like the gym? According to a study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, rhinoviruses were found on 63% of the gym equipment at the fitness centers they tested. That includes machines, barbells, dumbbells, gym mats … all were found to be breeding grounds for germs. Granted, many of us wash our hands before leaving, but how many sanitize their phone screen? Those germs are sitting there and are going home with you.

What about accidents? Gyms are dangerous places with lots of heavy equipment, loud noise, and people moving about, some of whom are not paying attention. The likelihood of getting injured is pretty high if your face is in your phone. And there’s a good chance of your phone becoming damaged by a piece of dropped equipment or someone stepping on it.

One of the secrets to a great workout is intensity. If you’re tweeting, texting, and taking selfies, you’re just not into it. Your concentration is gone along with your intensity. Most of that phone activity can wait until you’ve finished, and an added benefit is that you’ll probably complete your workout much quicker without having had your face in your phone.

Stay Safe, Brothers & Sisters! (And stay off your phones.)        

About the Author

John Wills

John M. Wills is a former Chicago police officer and retired FBI agent. He is a freelance writer and award-winning author in a variety of genres, including novels, short stories and poetry. John also writes book reviews for the New York Journal of Books, and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. His new book, The Year Without Christmas, is available now. Visit John at: www.johnmwills.com

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