The author presenting on technology in the fitness industry at FILEX 2019
This is where fitness professionals can work in tandem with the
tech, tracking clients with minimal effort, and helping them use this
data to reach their goals.
Some of the fastest-growing studio chains are now using tracking
technology such as MyZone with their clients and members as
standard. This enables them to display results to clients, both during
and after training sessions, in a clear and easily understandable
format. These wearables, which often also use gamification to add
an element of competition to group workouts, have played an integral
role in the success of studios such as F45, Orange Theory and, in the
US, Soul Cycle.
While some may have an aversion to the data-centricity of
wearables, citing the distraction and tendency to compulsive
performance checking that they may promote, the fact is that data
is here to stay, and it’s better to work with it than to ignore the
opportunities it presents.
Environment
Thirdly, technology can be used to change the physical environment
of the studios and gyms in which we deliver fitness experiences.
Using music, live DJ’s and smoke machines, as some Les Mills
classes have done, or heat rooms, like those used by Fire Burner
Yoga, can transform a class.
One of the more recent environmental advances afforded by
technology is altitude training rooms within regular fitness facilities.
Though not possible for every facility, it is becoming increasingly
accessible and affordable.
Altitude training is associated with increased energy expenditure
and enhanced results using lower intensity compared to the same
workouts at sea level. Specific wearable technology now allows
clients using these facilities to monitor blood oxygen, heart rate and
kilojoules burnt while training at altitude.
It is remarkable that, thanks to technology, everyday fitness
consumers now have access to the sort of training experiences
that, until a short time ago, were only available to elite athletes at the
Australian Institute of Sport.
A virtual trainer cannot correct poor technique,
or provide the highly personalised connection and
encouragement that a real trainer can.
66 | NETWORK WINTER 2019
VR
Lastly, virtual reality is going to play an
increasingly large role in our industry.
While virtual classes, such as those
created by Les Mills, enable members to
participate in classes led by the best in their
fields, at any time, VR headsets that can be
used at home allow people to participate in
virtual classes from their own bedrooms.
With the power of a 4D data platform,
VR can collect extensive performance
data, right down to how users move in
3-dimensions, that can be played back and
watched from any angle.
Aside from the potential for motion sickness
that some people shy away from, a negative
connotation of VR group fitness is the lack of
human connection that would otherwise be
apparent in group training classes.
However, by allowing users to participate
in simulated experiences such as biking
the Tour de France or racing Usain Bolt,
VR headsets can add a huge element of
fun to exercise. This may help to introduce
a new market to fitness – some of the 80%
of the population that our industry doesn’t
currently reach. Those who are not confident
enough to set foot inside one of our facilities
may be both more comfortable with, and
more motivated by, by the possibilities of
exciting experiences in their own homes.
This in turn could be their first step towards
a fitness habit that will see them join a real
facility down the track.
Like all industries, the health and fitness
landscape is changing rapidly. By staying
up-to-date with the latest advances in tech,
we can work with it to our advantage.
Meghan Jarvis
A former professional sportsperson, Meghan is
the founder of Buzvil, a health and fitness app
that connects providers to consumers. Buzvil has
the largest group of health and fitness partners in
Queensland and has expanded into five different
countries. She is also the National Business
Development Officer for Total Gym Australia.
buzvil.com / facebook.com/Buzvil /
instagram.com/buzvil