The 3 Fastest-Growing Technology Trends
The fitness industry is always evolving. Each year, more gyms and clubs offer the latest fitness technologies in their facilities to stay current with their competitors. Not to mention that the fitness market is one of the best markets to be in to start a business, with annual growth of 3-4%.
Here are the three fastest-growing trends in the fitness industry:
1. Online class reservation
The convenience of online class reservation software is unparalleled, which is why scheduling software is expected to be worth over $360 million by 2024. It keeps everything simple by allowing members to register online, where instructors and operators can easily track all those who sign up. Also, online class registration does not require any emails or phone calls to complete, freeing up time for staff.
Another key benefit to online class reservations is that it prevents classes from overfilling. No instructor enjoys teaching an over-capacity class, but online registration provides a frictionless process, so your instructors never have to worry. Likewise, members can easily cancel their registration online at any time, making that process as easy as possible for both club owners and members.
2. Online training services
When social distancing orders were put in place, 16% of adults said that they watched more fitness videos online. Online coaching and virtual training have emerged as a staple in the fitness industry. Many contemporary clubs utilize mobile apps and integration technology as a liaison between club members and instructors. Countless apps are available that simulate personal trainers through an individual's smartphone, which can help them reach their personal fitness goals without paying the cost of an in-person trainer.
With the growth in popularity of training apps, digital personal training services have emerged as a dominant new market in the fitness industry. It is crucial to note that virtual training is only in its infancy.
3. Mobile applications
The last emerging technology on our list is mobile applications. Today, health and fitness apps currently hold approximately 3% of the market share on the Google and Apple app stores. With the surge of smartphone usage, it is no wonder mobile fitness applications have experienced the most substantial amount of growth on our list. Smartphone users use their phones for everything, especially fitness. However, what is incredibly surprising is fitness apps had a projected growth of 7.6% between 2017 and 2022, as compared to other mobile apps. The disparity is astounding, which is why mobile apps are great tools for club owners to utilize to help increase engagement with customers, online class membership, and offer a better club experience.
The beauty of a mobile app is it can conveniently combine the first two items on this list into one technology solution. Through a well-designed app, members can register and view upcoming classes from the convenience of their smartphones, and they can take advantage of any virtual workout classes you have available as well. It also presents an opportunity to be a powerful tool for trainers, who can use the app to track the participant's workout history and progression overall, even when they are not in session. Having this sort of data-tracking capability enables trainers to give personalized training programs that keeps members engaged and on track towards their fitness goals beyond the confines of your club's walls.
EGYM is a global fitness technology leader that provides fitness and health facilities with intelligent workout solutions built on connected gym equipment and digital software. They can be contacted at: egym.com/us, (720) 900-2526 or [email protected]