The use of smart watches and fitness tracking apps have changed the way millions of people exercise and manage their daily well-being. In many cities, groups of runners have multiplied, encouraged by platforms that facilitate the digital recording of routines and progress.

However, constantly monitoring physical activity can have effects that are not visible at first glance. Various investigations, compiled by the Dr. Sahar Bakr of the Nottingham Trent University (UK) in magazine The Conversationpoint out that digital monitoring generates, in some cases, anxiety, frustration and a distorted perception of both one’s own body and the relationship with exercise. Although technology provides incentives and facilitates the achievement of goals, its impact goes beyond the data displayed on screens and can influence the personal experience of physical activity.

The objective of 10,000 steps newspapers has established itself as a global standard, although its origin dates back to a Japanese advertising campaign in the 1960s and lacks solid scientific support, Bakr explained. Various studies cited by the professor indicate that 7,000 steps daily may be sufficient for most adults, although the traditional goal remains entrenched in popular culture.

The main problem is that the devices prioritize easy-to-measure metrics, such as steps, and often ignore activities such as cycling, swimming or strength training. “This can distort the perception of what it really means to move in a healthy way,” the academic warned in the journalistic publication.

As a result, users tend to underestimate valuable exercises that are not recorded in the app, which limits the variety of routines and can discourage the practice of less quantifiable disciplines.

Maintaining the habit of physical activity in the long term represents one of the most frequent challenges for those seeking an active life. Using apps can turn exercise into an obligation, weakening internal motivation that drives us to move. According to Bakr, “enjoyment helps solidify habits, while pressure to achieve external metrics can reduce that internal motivation.”

Not meeting the daily goals set by the device can generate frustration and, in some cases, lead to abandoning both technology and healthy routines. The teacher highlights that the relationship with exercise is affected when personal satisfaction is replaced by the need to meet figures. “Failing repeatedly can lead to feelings of defeat and withdrawal from physical activity,” he explained.

Applications and devices often associate the idea that “more” implies better health: more steps, more active minutes, more calories burned. The academic professor warned that this logic ignores individual differences and personal contexts. Not all people can or should meet the same parametersbut frequent reminders and comparisons reinforce the pressure to achieve those goals.

He emphasized that these devices do not consider situations such as recovery after an illness, pregnancy, age or socioeconomic conditions. This can lead to recommendations being unrealistic or even risky. “People can stop trusting their own sensations and depend on what the screen indicates, even if it does not reflect their true physical condition,” he said.

The idea that inactivity depends solely on willpower is insufficient. Bakr stressed that aspects such as lack of time, limited access to green spaces, security and family responsibilities directly influence the possibility of performing physical activity. Many users experience pressure or guilt when not achieving the goals defined by the device, which does not consider the real difficulties of the context.

For the specialist, technology should function as an informational tool, not as a rigid imposition. Developers have the opportunity to improve the experience by offering more inclusive and adaptable settings, capable of recognizing the diversity of bodies, abilities and personal situations.