We’ve known for a long time that our smartphone is a great workout accessory, but a market research report released by Lab42 just drives the point home. The agency surveyed 500 social media users currently focused on their health and fitness. Among the respondents, 51 percent use their smartphones during their workout. Of those, 91 percent use their smartphone to listen to music; 43 percent track their pace on their phone; and 33 percent check their email while workout out.
Respondents in the report “Let’s Get Physical… and Digital,” from Lab42 are typically health conscious. Eighty-eight percent believe they lead a healthy lifestyle; 80 percent are currently trying to lose weight; and 82 percent work out at least twice a week. Frequent workouts and gym classes is a strategy for 60 percent of respondents; 49 percent read health magazines and books; 33 percent track their fitness and food regimen on apps; 31 percent use online sites to track their fitness and food routines; and 29 percent participate in a weight loss program such as Weight Watchers.
Even when we seek the help of a nutritionist, methods have changed. It used to be that you had to meet with a nutritionist in person. Fourteen percent of respondents have a nutritionist to get advice on a weight loss program. Of those, 76 percent meet the nutritionist face-to-face; 51 percent communicate via email; and 29 percent use instant messaging chat sessions to communicate with their nutritionist.
When weight loss and other fitness goals are met, 75 percent of respondents share their progress with friends. Facebook is the number one method to share progress with friends; phone is second and email third. Of course some respondents might use their smartphone to update Facebook and send email about their progress.
Overall, most feel technology has made an impact on fitness. Seventy-four percent of respondents say it improves weight loss efforts; 72 percent say it increases motivation; 58 percent say they workout more due to technology.
Smartphone and online apps can easily be set up to track workouts; offer coaching advice; monitor diet, nutrition and activity; and share progress with friends. It’s assistance and encouragement we could all use to keep going.