Life Fitness report links technology to workout success

More than a third of exercisers are willing to switch gyms to access better technology according to a newly released study from commercial fitness equipment manufacturer Life Fitness.

Life's 2012 Fitness and Technology Survey evaluated the habits of exercisers from seven countries who own smartphones or tablets and exercise at least twice a week. The Survey found that nearly three-quarters of regular exercisers use some type of technology device during their workouts and that more than half of respondents consider themselves more successful at achieving their weight and fitness goals because of technology.

Introducing the findings, Life Fitness President Chris Clawson explained "technology is integrated into so many aspects of our lives today, but this report is the first time we've been able to show just how plugged in exercisers are today and what access they'd like to have tomorrow.

"This is vital intelligence for fitness facilities around the world to help them understand what tech tools motivate their members to continue exercising, as well as retain their memberships."

The survey was conducted in seven countries including Australia.

Key findings from the survey include:.

Exercisers already plugged in
• 72% of exercisers use some type of technology device during their workout program and more than half consider themselves more successful at achieving their weight and fitness goals because of it
• 62% of consumers use some type of electronic content outside of the gym to support their workout program such as websites, apps or social media that offer advice or track progress

Tuned in and toning up
• 33% of respondents said they would be willing to switch gyms to obtain one or more technology tools if the prices and location were similar
• 96% of respondents said they found access to online content on equipment to be desirable with 75% expressing they'd like to access music and music videos to be the content they'd like to access most

Keeping pace with young, tech-savvy exercisers
• Three-quarters of respondents age 30 and below said access to personal content would encourage them to workout more
• 72% of young exercisers said they currently use websites, apps and/or social media to support their workouts

To view the full report and methodology, visit www.LifeFitness.com/Survey