Distracted Exercise: The Great Debate – Part 2
Welcome back to our two-part blog series on distracted exercise. As we mentioned previously, experts have begun debating the idea in recent years. Some fear that exercising while distracted can be as dangerous as driving while distracted.
The previous post looked at four valid reasons some people choose to distract themselves while exercising. We consider these positives. Now let's talk about the negatives. There are very good reasons to think twice about allowing yourself to be distracted during a workout.
Negative #1: You Could Injure Yourself
By its nature, exercise puts stress on the body. Running puts stress on the ankles, knees, and hips. Lifting weights puts stress on whatever joints or muscles you are working at that time. Even a low-impact exercise like indoor cycling stresses certain parts of the body. If you are distracted, you could inadvertently do something to injure yourself.
This is the primary reason those against distracted exercise say you shouldn't do it. It's a hard point to argue against. But then again, does it apply equally to all forms of exercise? We don't know at this point.
Negative #2: A Lack of Focus
Those of us in the fitness industry know that you get the most out of a workout when you're focused on it. For example, you get more out of one of our spinning classes if you listen to the teacher's instructions and pay attention to what you're doing. Being distracted may cause you to miss some key elements, thus minimizing the benefits of the class.
There are some forms of exercise that require a lot of concentration. Weightlifting is one of them. Maximizing time spent in the weight room requires paying attention to what you're doing, how you are doing it, and when you're doing it. Distractions only interfere.
Negative #3: Increasing Stress Levels
The next thing to consider is the actual activity you are distracted by. In our previous post we discussed someone who answers their emails while riding a stationary bike. Trying to multitask in this way may only increase their stress levels. And if so, what's the point?
One of the reasons for exercising is to destress and work out all that pent-up energy. If you are being distracted by tasks you are under pressure to get done, doing them while you exercise could very well lead to higher stress levels. That's not good.
Negative #4: Not Listening to Your Body
Your body sends signals to your brain throughout your workout sessions. Whether you are taking an Mcycle spinning class or doing aerobics at home, it is important to listen to what your body is telling you. Being in tune with your body's signals increases safety and maximizes workout benefits.
If you are not paying attention to what your body is saying, you might not be aware that your routine needs adjustments. You might not realize what you're doing right and what you're doing wrong. That makes it harder to know that you are getting the best from your chosen form of exercise.
In conclusion, this two-part blog post series demonstrates that there are goods points on both sides of the distracted exercise debate. We don't take an official position in terms of our indoor cycling classes. Our classes are taught by proven instructors who know what they are doing. They utilize music to motivate and inspire, even though some might find it distracting.
If you are at all concerned about your own exercise program, speak with your doctor or personal trainer. Whatever you do, keep exercising in whatever capacity is most appropriate to your health and circumstances.