There’s no doubt that technology has revolutionized practically every industry today. From technical changes impacting even the most minor areas in our lives to breakthroughs in science and medicine, there is no area that has not progressed due to the advent of technology. Technology has transformed our lives permanently and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Similarly, technology has also led to progress in the fitness industry and provided some much-needed upgrades to result in a better fitness journey for everyone. From consumers to business owners in fitness, technology has opened up routes that were unthought of before.
So, what exactly has technology done to the fitness industry? Here are six ways it has changed it:
Online lead generation
One of the aspects that technology has introduced is social media, which is undoubtedly the biggest tool that can be used to connect with people all across the globe. What does this mean for fitness and sports giants, such as Nike and Adidas? For starters, marketing is as important and innovative as ever where businesses can no longer get by with newspaper ads, banners, and letterbox drops.
Today, businesses need to engage with their target audience through various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and even promote their content through emails and blogs. From personalized workout programs to promoting new gym activities, businesses in the fitness industry can reach their customers instantly with just a few clicks.
Virtual training programs
Technology has created a whole new field in the form of virtual training programs where customers can get workouts to stay healthy and fit. These training programs not only offer basic knowledge, but they also provide you with more technical information, such as the right supplements to make the most of your workout. These training programs are offered at a range of prices and are also available for free on YouTube.
Creating 24/7 access to facilities
While the concept of gyms that are operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week isn’t exactly new, technology has made it much easier for businesses to provide these facilities all the time. With advanced membership card systems, members can access gyms at any time that’s convenient for them.
Such gyms can use iPad kiosks with integrated features, such as a barcode scanner or a fingerprint reader to allow members to access their facilities. These iPad kiosks are effective at storing information, including when the user logged in and out, making them safe and secure to use, too. The iPad kiosks can also serve other purposes, including last-minute sign-ups and advertising other services at the facility, including sports massages and personal training.
Availability of fitness apps
With the introduction of the smartphone, along came millions of apps. Google Playstore and Apple’s App Store have many apps focusing on various aspects of fitness. While there are fitness apps that specialize in a specific number of features, there are others that provide you with everything fitness-related in one app. From providing access to nutritionists, getting fitness tips everyday, and gaining access to hundreds of workout programs, there is definitely an app for every fitness novice, and guru, out there.
Introduction of Fitness watches
Perhaps one of the most recent and innovative ways technology has impacted the fitness industry is through wearable gadgets or fitness watches. These fitness watches not only look trendy, but serve a multitude of functions that can help you stay fit, too. Through the watch such as the immensely popular Vivosport, you can measure your heart rate, activity level, and other aspects of your body.
Additionally, a fitness watch also helps you monitor your sleep cycle, and improves your sleep pattern in the long-run, and allows you to keep track of the calories and water you’re consuming throughout the day.
Revolutionising fitness machinery
Just a decade ago, you had a basic, manual treadmill or bicycle with minimal features. Today, an exercise machine is equipped with the features to display multiple things, such as your heart rate and the time and distance of your workout. Additionally, many exercise machines also come with surround systems for music and a television screen to help you kill time during your workout. Such advances exercise machinery is making its way to practically every gym today and are easily available anywhere.
Introducing tablet kiosks For memberships
Gym memberships need to be personalized to every person’s fitness needs and wants. Due to the fact that the fitness industry caters to people of different genders, ages, and goals, the membership options presented to potential customers need to be shown in ways that are engaging, informative, and effective.
By presenting a variety of membership plans, potential customers can browse through the multiple membership options available to them and can sign up for one that’s best suited to them through a safe and secure route, such as a tablet enclosure at the gym. By creating a self-service kiosk at your facility, customers have full flexibility in choosing what they want and paying through their preferred method.
There’s no doubt about how drastically the fitness industry has changed over the last five years and, given the rate at which technology is rapidly changing everything, there is more growth and change to follow. It’s important for businesses in the fitness industry to keep up with these developments and adapt to them to ensure they stay as relevant as their customers.
How do you think technology has transformed the fitness industry? Sound off in the comments below!
