January 16, 2026 — 12:30pm
Neil Breen, the national sports editor, shares a personal narrative of obsession and liberation from a health app that once dictated his daily routine. What began as a simple tool to track fitness goals turned into an all-consuming quest for step-counting perfection, only to end in disillusionment and freedom.
For nearly three years, Breen was committed to maintaining a streak of walking 10,000 steps daily. This commitment was abruptly interrupted by a routine surgery, which led to a four-day hiatus from his walking regimen. The app, Pacer, offered him unexpected “bonuses” to maintain his streak, prompting Breen to question the integrity of the app’s motivational tactics.
The Allure and Addiction of Fitness Apps
Fitness apps have become ubiquitous in the digital age, offering users a way to track their physical activity, set goals, and maintain accountability. Breen’s journey with Pacer reflects a broader trend where technology intertwines with personal health goals, often leading to both positive and negative outcomes.
Initially, the app served as a motivator, encouraging Breen to exceed the standard 10,000 steps a day, often reaching over 15,000. However, the reliance on the app soon turned into an obsession, with Breen ensuring his phone was always on his person to accurately track his steps, even during mundane activities.
The Turning Point: When Motivation Becomes Manipulation
The turning point came post-surgery when Pacer offered “bonus” days to maintain Breen’s streak. This feature, which was previously unknown to him, raised questions about the app’s true purpose. Was it genuinely promoting fitness, or was it merely designed to keep users engaged at any cost?
“The point of downloading a health app is for it to be an aid that keeps you accountable to your fitness goals,” Breen reflects. “But if the app bails you out every time you fail, is it really a streak?”
This revelation led Breen to critically assess his relationship with the app and its impact on his life. The bonuses, instead of being a motivator, felt like a cheat, undermining the very essence of his achievement.
The Social Aspect: A New Kind of Connectivity
In addition to the streak bonuses, Pacer introduced a social element, attempting to connect users with others on similar fitness journeys. Breen found this feature intrusive, likening it to a “Walkers’ Tinder,” where he was paired with strangers based on their walking habits.
While social connectivity can enhance motivation for some, for Breen, it was an unwelcome distraction. He and his wife, who also used the app, found the constant pairing suggestions unnecessary and intrusive.
Breaking Free: A Return to Personal Wellness
Ultimately, Breen decided to delete the app, ending his streak and obsession. This decision marked a return to a more personal and less technology-driven approach to fitness. Without the app’s constant presence, Breen found a renewed sense of freedom and a healthier relationship with his fitness goals.
“There was only one way to deal with it. App deleted. Streak over. Obsession dismissed. I ripped off the Band-Aid. It feels good,” Breen concludes.
The experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of fitness apps. While they can be powerful tools for motivation and accountability, they can also foster unhealthy dependencies and distort the user’s perception of success.
Looking Forward: Balancing Technology and Health
As fitness technology continues to evolve, users must navigate the fine line between beneficial motivation and detrimental obsession. Experts suggest that while apps can be helpful, they should not replace intrinsic motivation or personal accountability.
For Breen, the journey with Pacer was a learning experience. It highlighted the importance of setting realistic goals and maintaining a balanced approach to health and technology. As he moves forward, Breen plans to focus on a more holistic fitness regime, free from the constraints of app-based validation.
Neil Breen is the Herald’s sports editor and a Walkley Award-winning journalist. Connect via Twitter.
