Listen to your body, not phone for fitness

Lead story

With fitness apps tracking every step, calorie and heartbeat, people are feeling more accountable for their health than ever before. From step counters and sleep monitors to calorie trackers and workout reminders, technology has made health data accessible at a single tap. But as notifications buzz and daily targets loom large, experts are now asking if these digital tools truly motivate better health habits, or quietly fuel anxiety and guilt over missed goals?

For many, fitness apps serve as powerful motivators. The instant feedback, progress charts and virtual badges can provide a sense of achievement and discipline. "For beginners or those with a sedentary lifestyle, apps act like personal coaches," said Dr Amandeep Singh, Clinical Psychologist at Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences. "They create structure and accountability, which can encourage consistency and healthy habits," he added.

However, the same digital nudges can easily turn into stress triggers. Constant tracking, comparison and the pressure to meet arbitrary goals can make users feel inadequate or anxious. "When the app becomes a judge rather than a guide, it stops being helpful," Dr Amandeep Singh further added. The doctors have seen young professionals feel guilty for missing step goals or obsessively checking calorie counts.

Research also suggests that over reliance on data can shift focus from overall well-being to numbers alone. People may over exercise, under eat, or ignore rest days in pursuit of perfect statistics. Fitness trainer Harpreet Singh noted, "The idea is to listen to your body, not just your phone. Fitness should reduce stress, not add to it."

Many experts advocate mindful use which includes setting realistic goals, disabling unnecessary alerts and using data as guidance, not judgment.

While technology continues to reshape personal health journeys, balance remains the key. Fitness apps can be empowering tools for transformation, but only if users learn when to log off and trust themselves beyond the screen, the experts stated.

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