Pure Telecom, the Irish-owned telecoms provider, today announces new results from its annual Connected Lives survey, which reveals that while 51% of adults in Ireland use fitness tracking apps, 35% of users say they have not helped them to become physically healthier.
The nationally representative survey of 1,001 adults in Ireland was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom and shows that Ireland is a health-conscious nation engaging with the latest technologies to improve or maintain their health and fitness. It found that 50% of adults use nutrition tracking apps and this rises significantly to 76% among 18- to 24-year-olds and 66% among 25- to 34-year-olds. Meanwhile, 38% say they use mental health apps, rising to 56% of 18- to 24-year-olds.
The majority (61%) of adults in Ireland now use smart watches that track their health and fitness data. The research shows that these have become so essential to many people’s fitness routines, that 36% of smart watch users won’t work out without tracking it on their watch. The uploading of these workouts to fitness apps has led one-in-four fitness app users to compete with friends in terms of their performance.
While many are yet to see any health benefits – such as fewer niggles or colds – from using fitness apps, over half (51%) of users believe they have helped them to become physically healthier. A similar proportion, 50%, feel they have helped them to reach their fitness goals. A further 57% say that their use of apps motivates them to work harder at their fitness, while 50% believe they are responsible for improving their mental health.
Social media is also playing a role in helping the population to get, or stay, healthy. A significant 39% say social media motivates them to be healthy, and in the past year, 51% of adults have followed the advice of a fitness influencer. Video-sharing social media apps, meanwhile, are helping 30% to eat healthier. Of those who work out regularly, 16% post images of themselves doing so on social media. This rises to 24% among men and falls to 12% among women.
Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: “Online fitness apps, smart watches and social media platforms are giving consumers more power to take control of their health and fitness. But with that power comes a responsibility to educate users on their limitations, and the value of consulting a qualified expert. As the festive season winds down, many of us will be looking to get more active and these technologies are a great way to supplement our healthy lifestyles, rather than take over them.
“At Pure Telecom, we are committed to providing the high-speed broadband needed to help people become their healthiest selves and enjoy the sense of community and friendly competition that fitness can bring.”
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