How Will Fitness Technology Change the Industry As a Whole?
When you look at all of the things we can do today compared to 10 or even 20 years ago, you can’t help but have your mind blown. Who would have thought that in our pocket we would literally be carrying around a mini computer where we can accomplish almost anything by simply typing it into our smartphones? Heck, you can even watch television wherever you are on your smartphone! There have been so many technological advancements over the years that it’s completely changing the landscape of many industries — including the fitness industry. With that being said, how will fitness technology change the fitness industry as a whole? I have some thoughts and predictions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
What is Fitness Technology?
Fitness technology, also known as fitness tech, refers to the use of technology to enhance and support physical fitness and health-related activities. This includes the integration of various electronic devices, software applications, and other digital tools to monitor, track, and improve different aspects of fitness and well-being. Fitness technology aims to make the process of achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle more engaging, efficient, and personalized.
Key components of fitness technology include:
- Wearable Devices: Devices like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and smart clothing that can monitor and record metrics such as heart rate, steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, and even sleep patterns.
- Mobile Apps: Applications designed for smartphones and tablets that provide fitness-related information, workout routines, nutritional guidance, and the ability to track progress. Many apps also use gamification and social features to enhance motivation and engagement.
- Smart Equipment: Technologically enhanced fitness equipment, such as smart treadmills, ellipticals, and strength training machines, that can sync with apps and track performance metrics. Some may also offer interactive features like virtual training sessions.
- Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR technologies are increasingly being integrated into fitness experiences, providing immersive and interactive workouts. Users can engage in virtual environments or follow along with augmented reality instructions.
- Biometric Sensors: Advanced sensors that measure various physiological parameters like heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, and muscle activity. These sensors can be integrated into wearables or other devices to provide more comprehensive health data.
- Online Platforms: Web-based platforms that offer fitness classes, personalized training programs, and social communities where users can share experiences and support each other.
- Nutrition Apps: Apps that help users track their dietary habits, count calories, and provide nutritional guidance. Some apps also offer meal planning and recipe suggestions.
- Fitness Gamification: The incorporation of gaming elements, such as challenges, rewards, and competitions, to make fitness activities more enjoyable and motivate users to stay active.
The goal of fitness technology is to empower individuals to take control of their health and fitness by providing them with data, insights, and tools to make informed decisions and stay motivated on their wellness journey.
Change Can Be Scary — But Beneficial as it Related to Fitness Technology
For many people, change is a scary thing. We like living with some sort of stability where the environment around us is maintained and the boat never seems to get rocked. But sometimes it’s important for change to take place as it can be a benefit to us. In my opinion, I think fitness technology is going to rock the world of many people and be an eye-opener (especially wearable fitness tech).
When it comes to our health, many hate going to the doctor — myself included. I pretty much need to be on my deathbed before I would ever consider going to the doctor. With that being said, ignoring our health can lead us down a rabbit hole to illness. With fitness technology improving almost daily, I have a feeling in the very near future we are going to have a fitness technology that we can all purchase and use that will give us a wide scope of our current health and maybe even be able to predict health concerns that could arise in the future.
Related Article: Tech Update — Fitness Apps to Keep You on Track
No one wants to look into the future and see they are going down the path to diabetes or other illnesses — or even worse, cancer. Many tests can be done at a doctor’s office these days that provide information that can be helpful in preventing and treating various illnesses. But what if we would have a fitness technology on our phone or a device we can purchase that can give us that very same information without the need to drive to your doctor’s office or even have blood drawn? You’d probably be more open to that idea, right? I know I would.
I honestly think that’s where we are heading. I also think that with the internet we are going to see more and more fitness programs launching similar to what Peloton is doing with their bikes. You’re going to be able to train with your friends and family from the privacy of your own home regardless of where your friends or family live. And with virtual reality technology evolving, you might even be able to put on a headset and watch your friend/family member training beside you. How cool would that be? It would be like they are right there next to you where the both of you can talk and interact regardless of the actual miles of distance between you.
Apps Will Rule the Fitness Industry
Want to work with a trainer online? Here’s their app. Want to work with a nutritionist and have them provide you with meal plans? Here’s their app. Want to talk to a doctor? Here’s their app that allows for virtual communication. Honestly, this is simply the next step in the evolution of the fitness industry. Sure, many people have apps and use fitness and nutrition apps daily, but I’m talking about next generation app features. The ability for a personal trainer to be on the app and work with a client virtually and get paid immediately through the app for virtual training sessions. There wouldn’t be a need to have someone to go a website in order to pay for the virtual sessions and then go over to Skype or another similar platform in order to speak with the trainer — everything would go through the app.
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