Ditch the phone and get the right signal at gym
At Healthy Options we use many different techniques and strategies to improve the wellbeing of our clients and improve their ability to carry out the activities of daily life independently.
For many, there will be times when their motivation needs a little boost by reminding them of the importance of a consistent approach, carried out with intent and belief.
However, I am happy to say when our guys attend a gym sessions, fitness class or educational sessions they are fully focused on the job in hand and little attention is wasted on their phone.
I am fully aware some younger folk may already be rolling their eyes and I am at risk of sounding like a grumpy old man, but I am increasingly aware of the time wasted by many gym users while supposedly training.
Technology has changed our lives in many beneficial ways and our ability to stay connected was never so important than during the pandemic.
Phones can be used to educate or entertain us via podcasts and music played when training can be motivating and boost performance.
To truly assess the impact of your phone, consider how long you spend each day without it stuck to your side or in easy reach?
Are obey you every programmed ping and feel to an overwhelming its source?
I appreciate many people require their phone for work or need to be contactable by family members but without a break we struggle to be truly present in anything we are doing.
Finding protected time to train can be a challenge in our busy lives so it is vital we make the most of that precious resource.
Our phones resemble an irritating and annoying person who keeps tapping us on the shoulder during our workouts - distracting our focus and lowering the intensity of our efforts.
Research points to the fact that exercise carried out with focus and intent yields much better results, whether that be aimed at building muscle tissue or developing cardiovascular fitness.
Without constant interruptions, our training can also be carried out in less time and be more effective than a longer but fractured effort. urge to check
Obsessing over the phone not only affects the owner as it can be infuriating for those who wish to use a machine being hogged by an inconsiderate user staring at a small screen.
As for those trying to take the latest Instagram photograph while working out, give me strength.
Phones and tablets are negatively changing our spinal health. Isn’t it ironic that we attend a gym to improve our physical appearance, then take along a device that encourages poor posture and weakened core stability?
Add to this impaired sleep patterns through use late at night and the need to focus intently on a small area causing sight deterioration and perhaps it is time to give our body a phone fast?
Phones are here to stay, so what could we do to maximise our training time?
If you use the phone for your training music, make sure you have a playlist ready to go. Engage the “do not disturb” feature for your gym time and catch up with social media once the training is done.
Better still, leave your phone in your bag. I promise that after a few sessions you won’t crave the need to respond to every message immediately and your gym sessions and desired outcomes will improve.
For details on how to get the most from your activity, self-refer to Healthy Options Thrive at www.lornhealthyoptions.co.uk and get the right signal.
Rob Graham, lead exercise professional, Healthy Options.