Featured article by Calvin Paige, IT Specialist
The recent release of Apple’s new iWatch last year is just one reminder of how technology is having a massive impact on the fitness industry. New technologies have had a huge effect on all aspects of the fitness landscape, from the way gyms and fitness classes are marketed, how we pay for our fitness classes and gym memberships, and even fitness trackers, heart rate trackers, calorie counting and biometric evaluation. Let’s have a look at some of the biggest changes that technology has made to keeping fit.
Online Marketing
It’s now easier than ever to get in touch with a new personal trainer or find a new gym or fitness class to join through the internet, with fitness class sites such as Synergy FX. Simply searching Google for fitness classes in your area will usually bring up a wealth of information, and with so many gyms and personal trainers using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, you can also get an instant response online.
Fitness Instruction
Thanks to the internet and video sharing sites such as YouTube, it’s now easier to get hold of free fitness instruction than ever before. Personal trainers and even professional bodybuilders and athletes are sharing more and more information and instruction with the public that’s available online, meaning that people who may not be able to afford a personal trainer or gym membership can still learn the best ways to keep fit at home.
24 Hour Access
Remember when the gym used to close in the evening? Not any more – thanks to technology, many gym groups and franchises are now able to open their doors to their members at any time of the day or night. These gyms don’t need to pay staff to man a desk – instead, they use technology where members need to swipe a card or enter a number into a secure system in order to access the gym.
Fitness Tracking
Back in the day, knowing how many calories you’d burned during exercise or figuring out your heart rate was down to some careful calculation. However, in today’s day and age with technology leading the way, wearables such as the FitBit allow you to track exactly how you’re doing when you’re in the gym – something which pushes many people to do more. Modern cardio machines such as treadmills and exercise bikes also have features which measure your heart rate or count how many calories you are burning in real time.
Mobile Apps
With so many health and fitness apps available and many of them free, there’s really no excuse to take responsibility for your own fitness – especially as the vast majority of people own a smartphone. Apps for workout instructions, workout plans, and even meal planning are all available meaning all that you need to do is choose which is the best one for you.
How has technology changed the way in which you keep fit and exercise? Whether you own a wearable gadget or go to a twenty-four hour gym, we’d love to hear about it in the comments.
