We’re in the middle of a change so vast we still can’t see the shape of it. The only definites are that achieving good health will become a new and urgent priority and technology will be a major driver of this, as the fitness industry embraces digital
Fit tech has become a tool of hope since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown, offering health and fitness operators and professionals a fighting chance to save their businesses.
The adrenaline and urgency of the moment have driven the industry to fast track change. We estimate the COVID-19 emergency has accelerated the adoption of technology in the fitness industry by at least a decade in the space of just a few weeks.
Experts calculate that more than half the world’s gyms have been closed at some point during the pandemic, locking out hundreds of millions of members.
The impact of this displacement on the sector has been nothing less than revolutionary, with people in lockdown pining for their exercise fix and health and fitness operators and exercise professionals turning to technology to connect.
Live streaming and on-demand content have exploded to the point where every major gym operator now has a digital offering – many of them developed and launched within a matter of days, showing the huge resourcefulness and energy of the sector.
Deals have been done between competitors, collaborations have yielded new products and an array of new tech set-ups are being used to stay in touch with customers, monetise services, deliver remote and streaming workouts and keep companies and people in business.
The world has changed. The new future will be based on tech in a way that wouldn’t have seemed possible even a few weeks ago.
Now operators and fitpros have tasted the power of tech, there’s no going back. We expect the pivot to digital to continue, for tech to be refined and to bed down to be part of the infrastructure of the industry in a symbiotic relationship with gyms.
The pandemic has drawn the attention of everyone – including governments and corporations – to the fundamental importance of good health, as it emerges this is a major determinant when it comes to COVID-19 survival rates and outcomes.
When the storm has passed and we’re able to reflect on what has happened, it will become clear that being fit must be given far higher priority on a lifelong basis and we expect fitness technology to be one of the major drivers of this revolution to come.
Fit tech and gyms are accelerating their symbiotic relationship
One of the biggest mistakes the fitness industry still makes is advertising almost
exclusively to people who already look and live like gym members. [more...]
As healthcare continues to shift towards prevention, there’s a growing focus on helping
people stay active, independent and feeling good for longer. [more...]
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COMPANY PROFILES
ukactive
ukactive is the UK’s leading trade body for the physical activity sector, bringing together more tha [more...]
We’re in the middle of a change so vast we still can’t see the shape of it. The only definites are that achieving good health will become a new and urgent priority and technology will be a major driver of this, as the fitness industry embraces digital
Fit tech has become a tool of hope since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown, offering health and fitness operators and professionals a fighting chance to save their businesses.
The adrenaline and urgency of the moment have driven the industry to fast track change. We estimate the COVID-19 emergency has accelerated the adoption of technology in the fitness industry by at least a decade in the space of just a few weeks.
Experts calculate that more than half the world’s gyms have been closed at some point during the pandemic, locking out hundreds of millions of members.
The impact of this displacement on the sector has been nothing less than revolutionary, with people in lockdown pining for their exercise fix and health and fitness operators and exercise professionals turning to technology to connect.
Live streaming and on-demand content have exploded to the point where every major gym operator now has a digital offering – many of them developed and launched within a matter of days, showing the huge resourcefulness and energy of the sector.
Deals have been done between competitors, collaborations have yielded new products and an array of new tech set-ups are being used to stay in touch with customers, monetise services, deliver remote and streaming workouts and keep companies and people in business.
The world has changed. The new future will be based on tech in a way that wouldn’t have seemed possible even a few weeks ago.
Now operators and fitpros have tasted the power of tech, there’s no going back. We expect the pivot to digital to continue, for tech to be refined and to bed down to be part of the infrastructure of the industry in a symbiotic relationship with gyms.
The pandemic has drawn the attention of everyone – including governments and corporations – to the fundamental importance of good health, as it emerges this is a major determinant when it comes to COVID-19 survival rates and outcomes.
When the storm has passed and we’re able to reflect on what has happened, it will become clear that being fit must be given far higher priority on a lifelong basis and we expect fitness technology to be one of the major drivers of this revolution to come.
Fit tech and gyms are accelerating their symbiotic relationship
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Researchers in the US have identified an antibody which could greatly reduce the loss of lean
muscle mass in people who are taking weight-loss medications.
Crunch Fitness has announced the launch of Crunch Reform Pilates – its own reformer concept
designed to bring this fast growing, but rather expensive, modality into the mainstream.
The 20th State of the Industry Report reveals a resilient, expanding and competitive
sector, the
importance of differentiation and the ongoing challenge of tackling inequalities.
Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously
and is committed to meeting all legal obligations after news of a tribunal has made national
headlines.
Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first
world championship for running on connected treadmills over five kilometres.
One of the biggest mistakes the fitness industry still makes is advertising almost
exclusively to people who already look and live like gym members. [more...]
As healthcare continues to shift towards prevention, there’s a growing focus on helping
people stay active, independent and feeling good for longer. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
ukactive ukactive is the UK’s leading trade body for the physical activity sector, bringing together more tha [more...]
