Are Cell Phones Actually Improving Our Health?

Cell phones have changed and evolved tremendously over the years. From the begining with brick phones when people could barely make a phone call, to what many people are using now, smartphones, being able to do almost anything in the palm of your hand. Many people have the misconception that cell phones and newer technology are causing people to be less active, however there are many ways they are actually helping us improve our health. From listening to music while exercising, to using apps and smart watches to track workouts and dietary plans, we now have more tools to help improve our health and fitness.

In 2016, approximately 61 percent of runners said they listened to music from their phone while exercising. Studies show with all the new apps available on smartphones, that number has gone up significantly. Today’s cell phones have the capability of creating playlists so you can choose what songs you want to hear. Listening to music you enjoy can help motivate your workout. It helps with keeping a consistent pace, elevates your mood and gets you into “the zone”. Many people have said they would skip a workout if they didn’t have music to listen to.

Approximately 1 out of 3 people worldwide connected to the internet track their health and fitness with an app or device connected to their cell phone. Recent predictive studies have shown that up to 245 million activity and fitness trackers will be sold in 2019 alone. With an app or device motivating you to reach your fitness and dietary goals, it’s easier to push yourself toward improvement. These devices have many features to help track your fitness. Some features include GPS to help walkers, hikers and runners to know their route. Most devices include heart rate monitors, a way to count the amount of steps you’ve taken and how far you’ve walked in a day, and can estimate the number of calories you have burned. With technology constantly changing, although cell phones have contributed to more screen time for people, they  have found ways to adapt and become a tool to help improve health and fitness.

 

Comstock, Jonah. “Survey: One in Three People Tracks Health, Fitness with an App or Device.” Mobi Health News, www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20799208/should-you-listen-to-music-while-running/.

 

Flacy, Mike. “Over 50 Percent of Consumers Prefer Using a Smartphone during Workouts.” Digital Trends, Digital Trends, 5 May 2012, www.digitaltrends.com/home/over-50-percent-of-consumers-prefer-using-a-smartphone-during-workouts/.

 

Grater, Monica. “The Good and Bad of Running With Music.” Runner’s World, Runner’s World, 25 Feb. 2019, www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20799208/should-you-listen-to-music-while-running/.

The Champlain Technology Group