Britons are resorting to unusual tactics to outshine friends on fitness apps, including attaching trackers to their dogs and jogging on the spot, according to a new poll. The survey reveals that nearly half of runners feel compelled to make their workouts appear impressive online, while two-thirds compare their activity to that of people they follow.
Cheating Tactics
Under pressure to perform, many are willing to bend the rules. A third of respondents admitted to jogging on the spot to boost their step count. Meanwhile, 16 percent have attempted to log activity by strapping their device to a dog. Other deceptive methods include moving their wrist to trick the tracker (21 percent), riding in a car to increase speed (8 percent), and having family or friends wear their tracker (14 percent).
Additionally, the same percentage of people have posed on Instagram in running gear before immediately removing their trainers and ending the workout.
Motivation or Deception?
Despite the cheating, a third of those polled by the Postcode Lottery said that seeing how far and fast others run provides good motivation. The findings were released as part of Crowns for Causes, a new challenge on the Strava app where runners can raise money for charity.
Broadcaster Davina McCall commented: 'I've always believed that getting active should feel good, not like a chore. Lace up, get out there, and let's make every mile count for something more.'
