2024-01-06 08:37:00
Measuring the number of steps you take each day, monitoring your heart rate, your pace or your average elevation gain when jogging are parameters that athletes like to measure. But this digitalization of physical activity is starting to be painful for athletes who can do without their connected watches.
Indeed, these on-board devices serve motivational purposes. But we are currently seeing a slowdown in this market.
Some athletes do not use connected watches for long
If certain groups of population have less access to these embedded technologies, others generally use them after a period of limited use. There are several reasons for these decisions. This may be due to a logistics overload.
Data interpretation maybe too time-consuming. Some connected watches lack precision and reliability, which can annoy some athletes. And it is sometimes difficile to interpret and to use some smartwatch models.
Devices that stop the pleasure of running for its own sake
The other reason that could explain the rejection of these devices may be the result of deterioration of the quality of the sports experience when used. For some athletes, the fact of measuring an activity via their connected watch causes them to experience it more like forced labor. It is no longer a free leisure activity.
The motivation of the athlete then tends to be supplanted by rewards, comparisons or mutual control that the smartwatch implicitly imposes. The constant call for excellence can lead to an anticipated fear of failure.
The individual can then feel shame and guilt in the event of poor performance. This creates considerable cognitive overload. This is why many people prefer to disconnect from these devices.
A desire to completely disconnect and adopt a more minimalist lifestyle
Some athletes using connected watches are also adopting new resolutions. And the attitude of rejection of these devices can then be linked to the emergence of minimalist values. It is favor sobriety about being over-equipped. It’s easier to complete a simple route and is more relaxing. It’s about rediscovering a form of lost freedom, lightness, even resonance.
Seen from another angle, the withdrawal of the smartwatch could also be an act of resistance. This can have strong tactical, philosophical or even spiritual significance. It may be a desire to break with what is perceived as a system of generalized surveillance.
Handling a smartwatch sometimes requires too much attention
Finally, some athletes also noted that the simple fact of wearing a connected watch encouraged them to focus too much attention on it. THE numbers often take precedence over running techniques. Which doesn’t really allow for improvement. Additionally, many runners ignore of the environment outside or their bodily sensations for the benefit of this data.
And what is particularly bad is the dependence that the use of smartwatches generates. People accustomed to using these devices are easily destabilized when they remove them. Deprived of their tool, runners are most often unable to inhibit the reflex action of consulting it.
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