Device will shock you to exercise

25 July 2014 - 02:13 By © The Daily Telegraph
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A new scientific review suggests that regular exercise can fend off depression.
A new scientific review suggests that regular exercise can fend off depression.
Image: ©lightpoet/shutterstock.com

A wearable fitness tracker that gives the wearer an electric shock if he or she fails to meet daily exercise targets will go on sale later this year.

The Pavlok has been designed by author Maneesh Sethi to turn productive behaviour, like going to the gym or getting out of bed early, into natural habits by giving negative reinforcement - an electric shock - when the user fails to do their bit.

The product's website claims: "Research shows that consistency is the key to forming a habit. When you use Pavlok to stick to your goals, you'll find that they become easier and eventually, automatic.

"At that point, use Pavlok to train your next habit and keep up your transformation into a better you."

The creator cited research from Duke University, which suggests that as much as 40% of our days are filled with habitual behaviour, rather than directed by conscious choice.

If a Pavlok user can turn positive decisions and actions into habit, users will be able to continue them in the long term, he argued. Like many fitness trackers, the Pavlok can record how many steps you take in a day.

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