Technology transforming New Zealand’s fitness industry

Technology inspired growth is making “exercise the biggest sport in New Zealand right now” according to Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) Chief Executive Richard Beddie.

With increased use of technology such as smart watches, heart rate monitors, to sleep/rest trackers which indicate when people should or shouldn’t exercise and other innovations, Beddie explains “gyms are using tech to help deliver their products to more people in new ways with virtual classes, or even real classes that you join from home.

“There are new apps that work with trainers to help deliver exercise advice and information to clients and members.

“Then there are those apps that try to replace people - your personal trainer in a pocket - is a common claim of apps - but this is where often it doesn’t work, since information alone is often not enough to replace expert guidance.”

Beddie highlights three key technologies: 

1. Individual tracking tools
With Apple watches now able to ‘talk’ to many treadmills and other similar devices, this integration with exercise equipment means workouts can be measured more accurately. 

The most famous example is Myzone that tracks workouts both at gyms and outside.

There are also sleep trackers and exercise readiness trackers 

2. Virtual classes 
These are still instructor lead, but a virtual instructor, so they aren’t in the room with you. Two most famous examples are Soul Cycle from the USA, and closer to home, New Zealand’s own Les Mills on Demand.

3. Personalised health 
The latest online tools allow people to gather personalised data about themselves. This includes everything from genetic testing through to stress management and have it analysed online by either a relevant expert, or more often by a software platform that does all the calculations to give a personalised result back - the key is that is still best coached by an expert (a real person). 

Beddie adds “it’s just amazing how all this is transforming our industry. Gyms and exercise experts are all getting on board with online members only programmes.

“The best tech tools are the ones that interact with and support people, rather than replacing them. One of the drawcards of the exercise industry is that it is personal, whether that be a session with a personal trainer, or a group session with a favourite instructor - it’s all about people. 

“It’s all about the people so tech that integrates and supports people – that’s what the best tech is all about.” 

With an estimated 550,000 New Zealanders working out in fitness at gyms and exercise facilities alone, Beddie sees that, if considered a sport, exercise is now the number one sport in the country, having more participants than the rugby, netball and cricket combined. 

Images: Richard Beddie (top) and Myzone in action (below).

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