We rather have the latest tech gadgets than new running shoes! Here's how the Swedes keep up the motivation to exercise

• Nearly one fifth, 18 percent, of all Swedes run at least once a week.

• Seven out of ten Swedes, 72 percent, run to maintain or improve their health or wellbeing.

• Digital aids such as exercise apps or smartwatches are the most important tools for staying motivated.
  

• New workout clothes or shoes come in at third place with 14 percent.

STOCKHOLM | September 27, 2018: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), title sponsor and technology partner of TCS Lidingöloppet, has conducted a survey[1] showing trends and tendencies in running habits amongst Swedes. Everyone can probably relate to decreased motivation to exercise after a while. Weekly runs can easily turn into running shoes becoming a placeholder on the shoe rack. Nevertheless, Sweden is ranked by the EU Commission as one of the leading countries in training and health, and as one of Europe's most active countries. It is not a surprise that one fifth of all Swedes run at least once a week. So how do Swedes keep their motivation?

“I exercise a lot and sometimes even I can lack motivation. In those cases, it's helpful to use an exercise app, which becomes like a personal trainer that pushes me when it feels tough or difficult. It's a great way to keep track of my workouts and to challenge myself" says Napoleon Solomon, terrain runner and TCS Lidingöloppet ambassador.

Running does not require much more equipment than a pair of good running shoes. Nevertheless, over a fifth of all who run use some kind of digital aid to stay motivated. The two most common aids for Swedes are apps and smartwatches that help and motivate them to improve their training and fitness. Using technology to become more motivated and empowered to run is actually more common than using new workout clothes or running shoes. Another important factor is the competition and the will to push oneself.

Avinash Limaye, TCS Country Manager for Sweden says: “The new survey shows that the Swedish people gladly use digital devices to stay motivated and empowered to exercise. Which isn’t that strange since Swedes are both leaders in training, health and technical innovation. We like to combine the benefits of digital aids to motivate and empower ourselves and maximize our training. "

Of course, technology is also a big part of the TCS Lidingöloppet to motivate and empower both runners and spectators. The official app allows you to follow your favourite runners, see their average times, end times and results. It also provides you with additional information such as the latest news, weather information and answers to common questions and the ability to communicate with friends in various social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also stay up to date on the most exciting events in the image gallery.

”Tata Consultancy Services has been the official title sponsor and technology partner for three years now. The collaboration has given us the opportunity to really reach a new level of digitalization of TCS Lidingöloppet. The app allows both runners and spectators to interact in a completely new way" says Tomas Hoszek, Secretary General of Lidingöloppet.

The official app for TCS Lidingöloppet can be downloaded for free for either Android or iOS.

[1]A survey of Swedish running habits and motivations conducted by YouGov between 4 and 6 September 2018. The sample base was 1,000 people.