Myzone: Embracing the Popularity of Wearable Technology at The Gym
Embracing The Popularity of Wearable Technology
For the last six years, Wearable Technology has been a staple on the annual survey of top fitness trends compiled by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). It was listed second on the list of trends to look for in 2021 and before that was the No. 1 trend four out of five years.
Wearables—classified by the ACSM as including “fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors and GPS tracking devices”—have become a huge part of fitness. And they’ve developed far beyond basic step counters. It’s essential that health clubs and fitness facilities be aware of their popularity and how they continue to evolve.
Health Club Cardio Integration
These devices no longer operate strictly on their own. For example, wearable technology like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch sync with certain connected Life Fitness consoles to provide an exerciser with real-time workout data.
That integration continues with the recent addition of Myzone to cardio equipment with connected premium Life Fitness consoles. Myzone combines a heart rate strap with cloud technology to monitor physical activity. It also uses inclusive, game-based mechanics and social elements to build communities together on the Myzone app.
With the integration on Life Fitness cardio equipment, exercisers can view MyZone stats (% HR Max, MEPS, Calories Burned and Color Zone) in real-time on the console. Health clubs can benefit by using Myzone to assist in group training environments where additional visuals are beneficial and differentiating for the facility.
The Rapid Growth of Digital Technology in Fitness
The Myzone integration is another example of how exercisers are using technology to create better workout experiences. The 2021 ACSM trends report clearly lays out the importance of technology in the fitness industry. Three digital-related trends appeared in the top 10 this year. Online Training made its debut at No. 1 and Virtual Training showed up at No. 6.
Exercisers are certainly paying attention to fitness apps and digital solutions to make their workouts better. It’s essential that health clubs follow their lead.