ZOE ROGERS / OPINION EDITOR

Phones are a crucial part of our daily lives, and for many undergraduates who grew up with them, their presence has become natural. It’s become a mindless habit for students to rely on their phones almost everywhere they go, acting as a sort of support system. 

Even in the gym, people can’t seem to detach from their phones. We should avoid using our phones in our exercise routine, especially because their constant accessibility has  become a significant distraction, and working out is meant to be time to relax your mind. 

I have developed an alarming habit of going on my phone throughout different parts of the day when I don’t really need to. For example, I do this when walking to class, eating my food or just standing in line. When I noticed how often I was using my device as a way to avoid the world around me, or to distract myself for a period of time, I tried to be more intentional with choosing when to pick up my phone. As I began to restrict my use of my phone in social settings, I started to notice how others use their own, specifically at the gym. 

In Bosley and the Jenny Craig Pavilion (JCP) fitness center, the use of phones has infiltrated the gym setting. Mostly in between reps, people take out their phones and sit on them for some time before beginning  their  next  set. I’ve noticed a significant amount of students on their phones when they’re on the treadmill, taking a break between reps or stretching. It’s perfectly acceptable to use your phone at the gym for music to stay motivated, but scrolling through Instagram or other social media isn’t helpful. 

Using your phone during a workout  distracts  you  from  clearing  your mind and helping your body. Plus, that hour can be one of the only times in the day when you’re  not on screens. Letting your phone infiltrate your workout routine is a damaging habit. In my opinion, if you’re using one  of  the machines and you look at your phone as a break, that is a complete waste of time. 

I know it may be boring, but putting your phone down, focusing on your breathing and using that  time for yourself is the best way to spend your “rest” time at the gym. 

ISSA, the International Sports Science Association, a global fitness and education group, provided insight into the negative  side  effects of being on your phone while you workout. “The mental fatigue associated with mobile app usage on a smartphone has been shown to decrease performance,” ISSA stated. “A tired brain may not be able to perform cognitive tasks as quickly or efficiently as a brain that is not tired.” Looking at your phone should not be the technique used to reset your body after a hard rep. 

Last year, I was taking Introduction to Human Communication   when  my   professor, Dr. Leeva Chung, suggested that we give  her our phone for  five days as an experiment. During these five days, when I would go to the gym, my lack of my cell phone usage allowed me to stay focused on myself and my workout, and I  was way  more efficient with my time. I even ended up getting out of the gym ahead  of schedule because I didn’t stop and stare at my phone whenever I got tired and needed  a break. However, not having my phone at the gym led me not to  have  music. This, in a way, was nice because I didn’t have to focus on whether I enjoyed the song or not. 

For some, giving up their phones while working out is not as easy as it sounds. Many  people rely on their phones  for  queuing music, following the steps of a workout routine or even tracking their own progress. Plus, scrolling through some form of entertainment like social media is an easy way to give your mind a break before continuing on to the next set. Phones can be used as a tool during a workout — it comes down to using them responsibly.

While using your phone may be beneficial for some in their workout routine, cellular devices are a distraction for the body and mind, ultimately, allowing the media’s toxicity into your exercise can make you less productive. 

Working out is meant to be a time to benefit your body and clear your mind. Allowing the toxicity of social media or any software to fill our brains with nonsense when the goal of working out is to help our bodies is counterproductive. Phones already get in the way of many aspects of our daily lives, so it’s time to stop them from affecting our designated workout time. 

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of  The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego or its student body.

Some people use their phones at the gym to track their fitness progress. Photo courtesy of Dalibor Janeček/Unsplash