The Effects of Smartphone Use During Resistance Training

Several health risks are associated with sedentary behavior; therefore, it is important to better understand behaviors such as smartphone use and how it may influence physical activity and/or exercise. This study assessed the effects of smartphone use during resistance training (RT) exercise on volume load, intensity, liking, and productivity. Twenty college-age students participated in two separate 30-minute RT workouts (smartphone ALL and smartphone MUSIC) on two different days. One condition was assigned an upper-body workout, while the other condition was assigned a lower-body workout. During the smartphone ALL condition, participants were instructed to use their smartphone for any function (e.g., texting, apps, music, etc.). For the other smartphone MUSIC conditions, participants were instructed to only use their smartphone for music. There were no significant differences in volume-load and exercise intensity between smartphone ALL upper body exercises and smartphone MUSIC upper body exercises and smartphone ALL lower body exercises and smartphone MUSIC lower body exercises (t < 0.59, p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in liking and productivity between smartphone ALL upper body exercises and smartphone MUSIC upper body exercises and smartphone ALL lower body exercises and smartphone MUSIC lower body exercises (t < 3.01, p < 0.01). In conclusion, using your smartphone for all functions, rather than limiting it to music purposes only, can interfere with RT exercise, resulting in a significant decrease in liking (i.e., enjoyment) and perceived productivity.