EthanThe whole fitness industry and the ways in which we engage in physical activity has changed beyond recognition in the last few years. With the combination of technological advances, and more of us being forced to keep fit from home than ever before, latest fitness technology trends and developments have transformed the industry.
From changes in the way we exercise, to how we track and monitor our progress, it is easier than ever before to engage in a healthy lifestyle and achieve our fitness goals. However, it is important to understand why technology plays such a key role in the fitness industry, and how it can benefit individuals of all abilities, from professional athletes, to regular gym-goers. Here is everything you need to know about the latest fitness industry technologies and how you can use them to benefit your health and wellbeing.
- Home gym equipment
- Fitness apps
- Muscle recovery equipment
- Wearable technology
- Gamification
Home Gym equipment
There is no denying that over the last decade the fitness industry has been revolutionised by the various technologies that have been developed. However, it is also fair to say that these developments have been relied upon a lot more in the last twelve months. With the coronavirus pandemic storming through the world and leaving lockdowns and restrictions in its wake, we have been forced to work, eat, live, and even workout from home.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the home gym equipment technologies have become increasingly popular during this time. With gyms closed, and people more keen than ever to keep their body and mind active, home gym equipment has become a lifeline for many. Home gym equipment and technology, from adjustable dumbbells to virtual workout classes, have enabled the regular gym-goer to stay healthy and fit while stuck indoors, but also provided a way for professional athletes to stay on target with their fitness regimes.
Fitness apps
While the expansion of home gym equipment has changed how we keep fit, through the increased popularity of fitness apps, we can also now get access to workouts and training plans while on-the-go through our smartphones. Fitness apps have been becoming more prevalent in recent years, but in the first half of 2020, research has found that fitness app downloads grew by almost 50 percent.
Fitness apps are a great feature of modern day technological advances, and they have become increasingly critical in recent years. Fitness apps now take up 3 percent of the Google and Apple store market and allows individuals to get access to a wide range of resources to make keeping fit even easier than ever before.
Muscle recovery equipment
Another area of the fitness industry that has recently grown and developed thanks to modern technologies is muscle recovery equipment. While traditionally gym-goers would’ve considered a rest day a sufficient way to give their body a break from a heavy workout, muscle recovery has become more popular in recent years.
Muscle recovery equipment uses vibration technology to target sore and tense muscles post-workout. It enables the benefits of massage therapy and vibration technology equipment, that were previously only available at the spa or gym, to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. For example, muscle recovery equipment provider Pulseroll offers handheld devices such as their mini massage gun and vibrating peanut ball. They have also revamped the traditional foam roller and have upgraded it with vibration technology to improve recovery time and reduce next day muscle soreness and tension post-workout.
Wearable technology
While different forms of wearable technology have been around for some time, wearables are developing and growing all the time, and are allowing people to be more accountable for their daily activity levels. Wearables, such as fitness trackers, have grown from being seen as a fashion accessory to providing real and important data on your fitness levels and progression.
Wearable technology has become so popular as it offers something for everyone. So, whether you are a professional athlete with an intense training schedule, or you are a busy professional trying to stay as active as possible, a wearable is beneficial to you and your lifestyle. Wearables can also now provide instantaneous insights on other areas of your wellbeing and health, as well as fitness levels, such as your heart health and quality of sleep.
Gamification
Gamification of the fitness industry is a relatively new concept that capitalizes on the popularity of games, having fun, and people’s competitive nature to help them become more active and enjoy physical activity. This new technology allows individuals to go head to head during workout sessions and compete for that top spot on the leaderboard. For many this allows a social aspect to working out and uses technology to get the most fun out of your workout.
Some games include more traditional forms of sport such as cycling and mountain biking. Whereas others include something a bit different, such as ‘Zombies, Run!’
No matter how active you are or what your physical ability is, anyone can make the most out of the latest technologies that have been developed, and keep on coming in the fitness industry. They will transform how you work out, how you track your progress, and keep you more accountable for your overall health and wellbeing.
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