How to Know Your Workout Rocked — Without Your Wearable
Photo by Blocks Fletcher on Unsplash
We know it too well. That feeling you get when you forget to close the ring after a solid workout. When your tracker says you burned 290 calories so you do a couple extra push-ups to reach 300 even though your chest and shoulders are fried. When your body is screaming for a break but you told yourself you have to reach 500 calories today to go out with your friends later.
Apple watches, Fitbits, and other tracking devices or wearables have become increasingly popular in recent years, and you’d be pressed to find too many people that didn’t rock one. Our clients come to the studio all the time looking for the right 'activity' setting for Lagree -- as most watches don't have a default way to track your Megaformer workout.
Wearables have been billed as a way to monitor physical activity and track progress towards fitness goals. Now, they’re often marketed as essential to keeping track of your health. And while they may seem like a helpful tool, relying too heavily on these devices can have negative consequences on both physical and mental health.
Here are 3 reasons you should not rely solely on your fitness wearable to determine the effects of your workout:
Mental Health
Relying on fitness wearables can promote an unhealthy obsession with physical activity. Studies find that people who use fitness trackers are more likely to experience symptoms of exercise addiction, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Similarly, a Washington Post article suggests that the constant tracking of physical activity can become a source of stress and anxiety for some people, leading to negative impacts on mental health.
Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash
2. Accuracy
Studies show that the data wearables collect is often not too accurate. Calorie burn, exercise intensity, steps, distance, heart rate, sleep, pulse ox, VO2 max – while your watch might show you tons of data about your body on a daily basis, chances are pretty good that it’s not a fully clear picture.
With so many variables, like weight, height, BMI, etc…. it’s no surprise that the data your watch shows you every day isn’t completely accurate. We’re still making massive strides and advances in the technology used in formal medical settings.
The sensors in your watch also struggle to “see” through some skin tones, or tattoos. Studies show that the darker your skin, the less accurate these devices can be.
Photo by Joachim Schnürle on Unsplash
3. One-Size-Doesn’t-Fit All
Constantly checking your stats can lead to a "one-size-fits-all" approach to fitness. Many people use fitness trackers as a way to compare themselves to others or to reach preset goals without taking into account their individual fitness levels, needs, and/or abilities.
Some also rely so heavily on their wearables that they start to ignore their bodies’ cues, they might keep exercising when they shouldn’t, which can lead to overexertion or injury.
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
This mindset around comparison and drive to push past our bodies’ cues doesn't serve our mental or physical health.
So What Can We Do Instead!?
Listen to Your Body’s Natural Cues
Your watch is not going to tell you that you can hold that plank on your toes for 10 more seconds. It won’t tell you if you need to stop for a quick water break before that next leg block. And it certainly won’t tell you that you’re ready to fly during Donkey Kicks.
At the end of the day, YOU know YOUR body best. You know how your workout makes you feel. You sweat, you shake, you feel your heart rate go up, you can feel your breathing get more intense -- you don't need a device on your wrist to tell you any of these things.
2. Set Goals that Keep You Motivated
Have you ever asked yourself why you picked 400 calories? How did you determine that was the right amount for your body to burn in every workout? That your heart rate must get up to 140 to get your proper cardio? Think back to where these numbers came from. Now ask yourself, do they motivate you?
What if we set goals like “I’m going to plank on the toes for Saw today” or “I’ll try not to stop during Rev. Giant Bear” (literally my goal every time). What if instead of choosing arbitrary numbers we picked goals that lead to more strength, motivation, and outcomes?
The amazing thing about Megaformer workouts is they allow us to connect with our bodies and headspace in such an amazing way. Slowing down lets us connect to how we feel, and gives us the opportunity to move in tune with what our body wants or needs, while still challenging ourselves to the max. Whether you are a Lagree newbie or a seasoned pro, at Core (LP), we want to meet our clients and ourselves exactly where we are, and provide individualized attention that honors your unique body and goal. Are you ready to break up with your fitness tracker?
