Fitness Tracker Fixation: From Motivation to Obsession
Let me tell you a love story that turned into an unhealthy obsession…I remember when I first got my fitness tracker. I had recently started working out and focusing on becoming a better version of myself. It was an exciting new motivational gadget that promised to help me stay on top of my fitness goals and track my progress. At first, it was incredibly motivating. I would eagerly check my steps, heart rate, and calorie burn throughout the day, striving to meet and exceed my daily targets. Seeing the numbers go up gave me a sense of accomplishment and encouraged me to push myself further in my workouts.
As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, into 12 years, my reliance on the fitness tracker grew. It became a constant companion, always strapped to my wrist, monitoring my every move. While it did keep me accountable and motivated for a while, it eventually turned into an obsession that started to cause anxiety.
I began to feel anxious whenever I couldn’t reach my daily targets.I didn’t want to move around too much or take any steps if I wasn’t wearing my tracker, every step needed to be accounted for! Missing a day of exercise or falling short of my step count would send me into a spiral of self-criticism and disappointment. It felt like the fitness tracker was just another way of judging whether I was succeeding or failing. I was giving myself an invisible test every single day that my success or failure was determined by the metrics on the tracker. It was supposed to be a helpful tool, but it started to feel like a demanding taskmaster instead.
The constant focus on numbers and metrics began to overshadow the joy I once found in physical activities. Activities that used to bring me pleasure and a sense of freedom turned into a means of achieving targets and gauging my value. It was no longer about enjoying a walk in nature with my dog or a bike ride on a beautiful day; it was about meeting a step count or burning a specific number of calories.
One day, I decided to take off my fitness tracker and give myself a little break from the constant monitoring. I felt relieved! It was then that I made the decision to break up with my fitness tracker and end our codependent relationship. Like leaving any toxic relationship, it was, dear I say, liberating! Suddenly, I was free from the pressure of meeting daily goals and expectations. I could exercise without feeling like I was being graded. I could move around because I wanted to and not because I felt I needed to “get my steps in.”
In the end, breaking up with my fitness tracker may seem like a small thing, but it was a turning point for me! It allowed me to escape the cycle of anxiety I had gotten myself trapped in and regain a healthier perspective on exercise and fitness. While there was a whole lot more that went into it than just removing the tracker from my wrist, letting go was a big step for me! I know that I am more than just the numbers on a device, and my worth isn’t determined by how many steps I take in a day, but having the tracker on reinforced my need to strive for a goal of perfection.
My experience with wearing a fitness tracker taught me a valuable lesson: my worth and value cannot be defined by numbers or data points. I don’t need a fitness tracker to gauge my worth. My true worth lies in celebrating my progress without fixating on perfection, and nurturing a positive relationship with my body and mind. It comes from recognizing that my value extends far beyond physical achievements, and that I am deserving of love, respect, and happiness simply for being alive. In the end breaking up with the reliance on a fitness device allows me to live a happier life.
Wondering why I became obsessed with my fitness tracker? Check out my post about high-functioning anxiety by clicking HERE!
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Disclaimer: The experiences and insights shared in the above post regarding fitness trackers and anxiety are based on personal experiences and should not be construed as professional advice. Each person’s response to fitness trackers may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Each person’s fitness journey is unique, and finding a balanced approach that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being is crucial. If you experience anxiety or any other negative emotions related to the use of a fitness tracker, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or fitness expert to find alternative methods that align with your personal needs and goals. If you are considering using a fitness tracker or facing any health-related concerns, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or fitness expert for personalized guidance and recommendations.
If you have been reading Looking Joli Good for any amount of time you know that I always enjoy workouts from Fitness Blender!
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