For many endurance athletes, data is everything. Having the ability to track your steps, pace, and sleep via a smart device can be helpful and fascinating. Findings from Pew Research Center show about one in five U.S. adults regularly wears a smartwatch or fitness tracker. However, this constant monitoring can also be problematic.
When Do Fitness Trackers Become Problematic?
“Tracking devices have the potential to reinforce negative behaviors by fostering obsessive tendencies, leading to anxiety and disordered eating patterns,” says Haley Perlus, a sports and performance psychologist. “Perfectionists, individuals with a history of eating disorders, and those prone to overexertion should exercise caution with tracking devices, as they may amplify existing issues.” She adds that you may become goal-obsessed—often at the expense of your overall well-being.
The issues may even extend beyond yourself, affecting your relationships and work performance, says Jessica Matthews, an associate professor of integrative wellness at Point Loma Nazarene University and director of health and wellness coaching at UC San…
