Why should a watch be discarded when exercising?

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) -- People always make sure to bring their basic needs, from a wristwatch to sneakers, before going out for a jog. They keep track of the time they need to pass a specified distance with their watch.

Some research has indicated that not wearing a watch while running, especially if it is smart or tracks fitness growth, improves exercise, reduces stress, and increases the pleasure that comes from this sport.

Data-free exercises

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Recent studies have indicated that obsession with tracking fitness measurements may result in negative thinking and outcomes.

"There are indications that people who have had an interest in a sport give them joy," said Eon Whelan, a senior lecturer in business information systems at the National University of Ireland, whose research deals with the psychology behind interactions with social media and fitness tracking apps. They are obsessed with this idea of ​​tracking and analyzing data."

“People are happier when they stop collecting, analyzing, and sharing data with other people,” Whelan told CNN, adding that those who use fitness-tracking apps place more importance on social comparison.

Whelan explained that people "will compare themselves to people who are better than them, who run faster than they are, or who run longer. In the end, we know, that will make them feel worse."

Whelan also noted that people who rely heavily on smartwatches, fitness trackers, or fitness apps are more likely to miss exercise if their tracker batteries run out, adding: Our bodies. We've become so dependent on technology to do that for us," he said, adding, "If I ask some of the athletes I coach a simple question like, 'How did you sleep last night?', they can't answer unless they look at their data."

However, there are pros to using these systems. Whelan's research shows that these devices actually motivate some runners by comparing themselves with others, or allowing them to join online communities that help them achieve their goals. So giving up this data may not be the best solution for everyone.

Increase time in front of the screen

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Overall, research shows that spending a lot of time in front of a screen, including looking at a smartwatch or fitness apps, has negative mental health effects. Excessive smartphone use also leads to severe headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, and an increase in impulsivity.

Information people collect from smartwatches and exercise-tracking apps can also cause "information overload" problems, according to psychologist Larry Rosen, professor emeritus of psychology at California State University Dominguez Hills. His research has shown that the constant flow of information due to technology can cause “stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, depression, etc.”

"When our screens are on our hands or our groin, they are often just an extension of the communication apps we use on our phones," Rosen told CNN. "The more we allow notifications and alerts to get our attention, the more chemicals linked to stress and anxiety we secrete, which can drive us crazy and overwhelm our mental and emotional systems with the 'Check me out' message."

Rosen encourages screen-free zones, or "technology distance", for 15 to 30 minutes. This time, in his opinion, gives signals to the brain that you will be looking at your phone soon and reduces "the feeling of anxiety that makes you look at your phone." And jogging without an hour may also contribute.

Professionals ignore speed

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Running without an hour is beneficial, not only for those who like to practice this sport every day or during the weekend. Some professional runners have won despite leaving their watches at home.

Welsh runner Steve Jones was famous for setting a world record in the 1984 Chicago Marathon, without ever setting a watch. He later told reporters that he didn't even know he was going at a world record pace, until he crossed the finish line.

Most recently, Olympic marathon runner Trevor Hoffbauer made headlines for winning the 2019 Canada Marathon Without a Watch. He told CNN he stopped tracking his pace years ago, and his workouts depend on his efforts and overall running time.

“I used to use these trackers,” he explained, adding that getting rid of the speed tracking on his watch, as well as turning off other technologies while running, helped him more 'in tune' with his body.

"I gave up on music too and found so much fun just listening to nature, running still and solitude, and saying hello to people I met on the road," Hoffbauer added.