The health industry has well and truly embraced tech—resulting in an easier, tailor-made, accessible and engaging fitness experience.
Fitness fashion
Today there are trackers and wearables on the market suited to everyone’s needs and tastes. While some will look for simple step counting and sleep tracking gadgets, others will want devices with built-in GPS, heart rate monitors and maximal oxygen consumption count—which is now considered the scientific gauge of fitness. Fitbit, probably the most well-known manufacturer of activity trackers of the same name, produces a range of wearables that measure and analyse fitness data. Their wristbands—which are proving to be the latest in fitness technology—can monitor activity, exercise, sleep, food intake, weight, the time and can also store that data on a computer. Their newest generation bands now offer breathing training to combat stress. According to Forbes wearables don’t just improve health and wellbeing, they substantially increase job satisfaction and productivity as well—by 3.5 percent and 8.5 percent respectively.
When considering the latest in fitness technology, Lumo’s smart capris—or shorts for men—seriously top the charts. Inspired by the desire to combine running with tech, Lumo Bodytech HQ have released Lumo Run, leggings with sensor technology embedded in the waistband that can track running and exercise. Just like most wearables, these leggings can also feed the data recorded during exercise to an app, which in turn gives users tips and tricks on how to improve and get the most out of their fitness sessions.
Dubbed the world’s ‘smartest’ multi-sport headphones, KuaiWear’s coaching headphones track the user’s performance during exercise and provide live customised voice responses. Users will be given feedback on their fitness regime, breathing, heart rate, speed and distance with audio—all while listening to their choice of music. This highly responsive and tailored fitness regime gives users the chance to understand the relationship between effort and outcome—causing the workouts to become more meaningful and effective. Whether it’s through gadgets or clothing, it’s obvious that technology has revolutionised our journey to fitness and wellbeing.
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Classes of the future
According to CyberConcept, developer of CyberCycling and a leading provider of cyber training ideas, over 300 gym studios over Europe are now offering virtual classes. From developing course programmes and designing individual sessions, to selecting professional instructors and producing high-quality videos, companies like CyberConcept are at the cutting edge of fitness and are developing the latest in fitness technology—gym goers can now attend classes completely taught and overseen by an on-screen coach.
From workout videos on YouTube to easy step-by-step online fitness guides, social media continues to be at the forefront of innovative fitness—people wanting to get in better shape no longer have to leave their house and travel to a gym to do so. Certified online coaching websites can offer expert advice, tailored workouts, meal plans and exercise programmes created by professionals. Online personal training websites also provide easy step-by-step videos teaching consumers about the right postures to adopt while squatting, lifting weights and even running—sometimes at a very reasonable price.
On the other hand, for people who do enjoy the social side of fitness—like attending group sessions—websites such as PayasUGym and GoMammoth let people find and book classes by creating a list of the closest gyms with the best deals on pay-as-you-go prices. This is the true epitome of flexible and convenient fitness—gone are the days of long and expensive memberships and having to call your gym to book your place on a class.
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Virtual coaching
The internet has dramatically changed the way we look for health advice and sparked the inspiration for the most up to date devices in fitness technology. According to a recent study by Mintel, around 61 percent of Brits place their trust in apps and websites to give health information and guidance as they are easy to use and can be personalised to fit the user’s needs. The widespread use of fitness apps can be attributed to the phenomenal popularity of smartphones—consumers can now monitor their exercise sessions and progress at the gym, at work and even at home. Apps such as 5k101 are encouraging people to take responsibility for their own health and exercise sessions. Acting as a sort of ‘virtual personal trainer’, the app takes users through an eight-week running program and is aimed at anyone who is able to jog—no matter their age or physical condition.
Under Armour’s MyFitnessPal app, on the other hand, focuses on food. It tallies up the calories consumed in a day and allows consumers to keep a diet journal and monitor their health from virtually anywhere. The app is also compatible with a range of fitness trackers, which means users will be able to see just how many calories they burn, pushing them to be more aware of their diet and exercise habits; making it the latest in fitness technology applications.
Focusing on fitness isn’t always as easy as it sounds, as many might find it difficult to set some time aside for daily workouts and activities. The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout app goes some way in solving this problem: it offers a range of short exercises that can be done anywhere and anytime. Users will be able to experience the latest in fitness technology through a personalised app that allows them to choose the length and difficulty of their workout, opt for a simple warm-up session and monitor wellness levels. Thanks to the rise in popularity of fitness apps there have been huge steps forward in the processing of fitness information—the ability to capture real-time data and feed it back to the consumer is creating an increasingly engaged fitness experience.
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