The fitness industry doesn’t need a Tom, Dick, Harry or Hugh…it needs a Greta.
The “Greta Thunberg effect” is infectious; it’s one of the driving forces behind global climate strikes and carbon offsetting worldwide. Whilst climate action is a clear and unequivocal necessity, could all industries learn from the 16-year old?
It’s almost the end of 2019 and whilst the fitness industry continues to thrive, it must continue to innovate. To do this, does fitness need a Greta?
I have set out what we might see in the fitness industry next year if we accelerate our rate of innovation. I believe that 2020 might be all about how technology impacts the fitness consumer.
Following the recent acquisition of FitBit, Google now own intimate data on weight, sleep, heart rate and step count. It is often linked with precise location information which is used to map users’ workouts and link to social media. This lucrative health-related and lifestyle data will definitely push the boundaries of innovation within the fitness industry in 2020.
Similarly, Apple, through its extensive health data app and activity-tracking watch, has already been proactive in allowing users to record health and fitness data and encouraging daily goal setting. So, I’m sure 2020 will see them design even more insightful and rewarding features.
Tech can enable companies to develop a potentially unstoppable competitive advantage, so I feel 2020 will see more technology inform and educate the fitness consumer in ways never seen before.
Could we use facial recognition to get us into the studio, to work our digital locker and pay for our protein bars and shakes from a vending machine?
Could studios and gyms link into food tracking apps such as MyFitnessPal to tailor our post workout shake or snack to our precise macro / calorie goal for that day?
Could a PT receive signals on our emotional wellbeing and behaviour traits in real-time and then tailor our daily workouts to optimise our fitness gains no matter the state of mind?
What else do I think we could see in fitness in 2020?
1. Design: Trendy & inclusive boutique studio design flowing into all fitness facilities across the UK.
2. Fitainment: Fitness, entertainment & experiences coming together as the consumer demands more fitainment.
3. Gamification: Gamification growing as more people reward actions & 'share' their activity with others all over the world.
4. AI: Virtual Reality, AI & machine learning enhancing & improving workout experiences.
5. Environment: Environmental impact ensuring fitness brands promote their sustainable credentials along with their energy efficiency.
6. Boomerlennials: Experiences for both Baby Boomers & Millennials merging & stopping industry ageism.
7. Wellness: Fitness companies incorporating wellness into their brand; for example, retreats & meditation.
8. Empowerment: Fitness brands accelerating support to help newbies and therefore expanding the reach of the industry.
