Using technology for fitness is nothing new. When you were a kid, you probably ran laps in gym class while the teacher timed you with a digital stopwatch. And who can forget those cheesy — but shockingly intense — 1980s workout tapes? Today, though, connected fitness is making workouts more interactive than ever.
From Apple watches to Peloton bikes, connected fitness uses many types of digital technology to improve exercise and overall health. The popularity of these tools peaked during the pandemic, but they’re not going away anytime soon. In fact, the market is still growing steadily.
If you run a fitness business, now is the time to hop on this trend. Investing in connected fitness solutions will help you attract tech-savvy clients and create memorable user experiences. This guide breaks down the benefits of this approach and shares practical tips for adding connected fitness to your business.
What Is Connected Fitness?
Connected fitness uses multiple technologies to support healthy lifestyles. The key word here is “multiple.” It brings together different tools to make workouts more immersive and tailored to the user. Here are a few common examples:
- Connected fitness apps, such as Gymverse and Strava
- Interactive exercise equipment, including smart bikes and treadmills
- Online fitness classes
- Wearable technology like fitness rings and watches
These tools go beyond just tracking steps or helping users break a sweat. They include many high-tech features designed to improve overall health, both inside and outside the gym. A customer might use a fitness app to create a custom yoga routine one day, then race to break a personal record on their stationary bike the next.
These tools have a diverse and growing user base, which makes them a great choice for gym and health club owners looking to attract new customers. They’re popular with many groups, including:
- Athletes
- Beginners who need help planning workouts
- Busy professionals
- Home workout enthusiasts
- People with health conditions
- Tech lovers
During the pandemic, connected fitness exploded in popularity as people searched for ways to stay fit at home. Customers rushed to buy everything from smart watches to virtual classes. Today, the connected fitness industry is growing more steadily. Technavio predicts the market will grow by $10.16 billion between 2024 and 2029.
There are plenty of technological advancements looming on the horizon, too. For instance, FitXR recently launched a mixed reality app that gamifies exercise — perfect for people who need a little extra motivation. Many developers are also embracing open ecosystems, which means users can sync different connected fitness devices and platforms.
The Rising Trends in Connected Fitness
Like a weightlifter chasing a new personal best, the digital fitness market is always pushing forward. Here are a few hot trends to watch out for.
On-Demand & Virtual Training
Gone are the days when people had to get up at 5 a.m. to catch their gym’s only spin class. Today, on-demand fitness means customers can work out whenever they want — after work, on the road, you name it.
Many platforms also combine fitness technology and live classes, giving customers the best of both worlds. They can interact with a live instructor from the comfort of their home or apartment gym.
Smart Fitness Equipment & Wearables
Many fitness enthusiasts love smart equipment. It’s not hard to see why. These machines come with all sorts of nifty features, such as adaptive resistance and heart rate monitors. They can help users meet their fitness goals faster and get real-time feedback about their progress.
Wearable technology is trendy, too. Sure, Fitbit has been around for almost two decades, but fitness rings and even sleep headbands are making a splash today. These devices can track brain waves, sleep, and more. For those looking to monitor every aspect of their health, these tools can give insights that people used to be able to get only from a doctor.
Hybrid & Digital-First Fitness Models
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that gym-goers crave flexibility. That’s why many health clubs and gyms are adopting hybrid models, which blend in-person classes with virtual fitness programming. This digital-first approach offers the irreplaceable camaraderie and community engagement of in-person experiences, with the added convenience of working out from anywhere.
Personalized Training Programs for All Users
Not everyone can afford a personal trainer. Luckily, connected fitness apps and equipment can create custom training programs based on each user’s fitness journey and needs. An aspiring marathon runner might get intense cardio workouts, while someone looking to build muscle could follow tailored weightlifting routines.
Corporate & Community Wellness Expansion
With burnout on the rise, more businesses are focusing on employee wellness. According to Wellable’s 2024 Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report, 91% of companies planned to invest more in mental health, while 66% were boosting spending on stress management.
At many organizations, connected fitness is a key part of these efforts. For example, Google employees can access on-demand fitness classes and mental health apps. Resources like these can help workers maintain active lifestyles and improve job satisfaction.
Why Connected Fitness Is a Game-Changer: Key Benefits
Connected fitness offers several major benefits over traditional models for gym owners and customers alike. These advantages include:
- Real-time feedback & motivation: Social media often makes it seem like people get results overnight, but true fitness takes time. Connected fitness platforms help users track progress and spot improvements they might not see in the mirror right away. Small victories — like burning 10% more fat or running a little faster — are great for boosting motivation and keeping customers coming back to the gym.
- Enhanced user engagement: Even the most devoted athletes can get bored or hit a wall. Keep things fun by using connected fitness devices to gamify workouts and organize low-stakes challenges for the gym community.
- Early health problem identification: Connected fitness platforms often gather biometric data, such as heart rate and sleep patterns. This information could reveal developing health issues, allowing customers to seek medical care sooner.
- Personalization & flexibility: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. Connected fitness experiences let users personalize every part of their workouts, from the exercises to the schedule. That way, clients can support their well-being on their own terms.
How Businesses Can Leverage Connected Fitness
If your business is relatively low-tech, adopting connected fitness can seem daunting. You may wonder, “Do I need to buy all new equipment?” or “How long will it take to set everything up?”
No need to panic. You don’t need to totally redesign your fitness center or spend a fortune. In fact, too many changes at once might scare off some of your customers. Instead, start small with these easy upgrades.
Gyms & Fitness Studios
Unless your business is strictly old-school, you’ve probably already started incorporating technology. With a few small changes, you can complete your transformation into a fully connected fitness hub.
Consider adding digital signage throughout your fitness center. These screens can display interactive content like games and trivia questions. They’re also a great way to advertise upcoming events and classes.
Set up a hybrid gym membership, too. Offering a mix of in-person and on-demand classes gives customers more control over their workouts. That means they’re more likely to stick with their routines and keep supporting your gym.
Smart equipment is also essential, but don’t throw away all your current machines right away. Focus on upgrading your most in-demand equipment, or survey your members to learn about their preferences. That way, you won’t waste money on fancy machines that sit gathering dust.
Corporate Wellness Programs
Empower your employees with connected fitness. If you have an on-site fitness center, why not add a smart treadmill or rowing machine? This equipment will help employees track their progress when they’re sneaking in a quick lunchtime workout or unwinding after they clock out.
Connected fitness apps are another excellent option. Many platforms offer personalized workouts, nutrition advice, and more. Your team will appreciate having a virtual trainer in their pocket. And, as their well-being improves, their productivity and satisfaction may skyrocket.
Residential Communities & Hotels
Give your residents or guests five-star fitness experiences with on-demand content. They can access these classes in the on-site fitness center or their units, giving them more flexibility.
Additionally, you can upgrade your amenities with connected fitness devices. Do guests flock to your weight-lifting equipment? Add a smart mirror to count their reps and correct their form. If you’re working with a smaller budget, smart kettlebells and resistance bands will make your gym more interactive without breaking the bank.
How Fitness On Demand Powers Connected Fitness
Technology has become an integral part of daily life, and fitness is no exception. Take advantage of this shift with connected fitness. With just a few smart devices or fitness apps, you can engage and inspire your customers like never before.
Not sure how to get started? Fitness On Demand is here to help. We offer a fully customizable app with over 1,200 on-demand classes. You can tailor this tool to your customers without the hassle of hiring a software developer. Plus, we offer digital signage, broadcast TV, and other cutting-edge technology.
Schedule a free demo to learn more about how Fitness On Demand can help you revolutionize your amenities.
Author
Todd Wiginton
Todd Wiginton is a seasoned fitness professional with over a decade of experience in the industry, currently serving as the Sr. Director of Operations at Fitness On Demand. His career, marked by roles such as Personal Training Manager and Strength and Conditioning Coach, showcases his dedication to fostering personal and professional growth in ever-changing environments.
