Network Magazine Spring 2019 | Page 58

The fitness industry is in a position to replicate the convenience and instant gratification currently offered by food delivery and streaming entertainment services 3. The way to track your clients’ fitness progress will go far beyond traditional methods Accurately tracking progress brings accountability to both trainer and client, and facilitates a sense of satisfaction as the client progresses through their health and fitness journey. Technology is replacing traditional methods of tracking progress. 3D body scanners, such as mPort, surpass the capabilities of body composition scanners, let alone weighing scales. Whereas some composition scanners analyse body weight to produce an approximate split for fat percentage and muscle mass, with 3D scanners, users receive a comprehensive health report after their scan, which enables a more thorough analysis of body fat percentage, body type and what can be tweaked on their program in order to achieve optimal results. 4. Clients will seek out one-stop shops to help with both their nutrition and exercise regimes While it’s easy to find personal trainers who are experts in their field, there will be a surge of health and fitness apps and platforms that provide advice for people looking to improve every aspect of their lifestyle. 58 | NETWORK SPRING 2019 Apps with ultra-personalised information for users can help personal trainers and health professionals optimise their clients’ experiences. For example, I work off the detailed health report that mPort users receive, which includes information pertaining to their body type, nutrition and exercise tips specifically tailored for them, suggested forms of post-workout recovery, the target heart rate zones that they should aim for when exercising, and more. The personal trainer’s skills can be fully utilised in helping the client to adhere to these programs and behavioural changes. 5. People will seek out more support through online communities With humans being naturally sociable creatures, it’s normal for us to seek motivation and advice from others going through the same challenges. Wearables with accompanying phone apps, such as Fitbit or Garmin, also have community sections where users can jump on, share their progress, connect with like-minded people and motivate each other. Facebook, Instagram, other social media platforms and fitness streaming channels will enable users who work out in the comfort of their own homes to feel a sense of community, even if they never meet their fellow training buddies face-to-face. As technology becomes ever more intuitive, the way in which people exercise and interact with fitness is changing. Rather than viewing these advances as a threat, personal trainers can recruit them as companions in the services they provide. Todd Brodie Since 2004 Todd Brodie has been making waves in the Australian fitness and health industry. Following retirement as a professional soccer player, he began working as a personal trainer within leading hotel chains and has never looked back. Brodie is Director of the industrie pt, founder of The Wellness Concierge and creator of the AFT- app for trainers, and is also the National Master Trainer at Technogym.