– Jitendra Chouksey
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has witnessed an unprecedented technological boom, with every sector turning online to ensure survival. The fitness industry has also gone the digital route, closing gyms and other fitness centers during the prolonged lockdown. Over the past two years, the industry has witnessed an accelerated momentum in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). According to a report by Allied Market Research, the online fitness industry has been growing steadily at a CAGR of 33.1% and is expected to reach USD 59.231 million by 2027. The report highlights that the main driver of this exceptional growth rate can be attributed to rising demand for advanced workout sessions supported by augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) driven training.
Increase in digital adoption in the health and fitness market
To break through barriers and cater to the new normal, fitness companies are making rapid technological breakthroughs, offering virtual fitness classes, home fitness equipment, expert consultation and holistic training. Additionally, ground gyms and fitness studios have changed their entire online business models to stay relevant and meet client expectations.
Due to the ease and convenience of exercising at home, fitness enthusiasts are currently preferring to exercise at home using their own equipment. New-age technologies including machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI) and smart wearables have been facilitating these advancements by enabling fitness enthusiasts to increasingly focus on their health and prioritize their wellness journey to change the fitness market. Here are more details on how technological advancements are reshaping the fitness industry landscape.
Also read: Deloitte expects India to post 6.5-7.1% growth this fiscal
wearable technology
Wearable technology (e.g. smartwatches, smart shoes, smart helmets, etc.) was already gaining momentum long before the lockdown. However, smartwatches have become a household name for the modern youth after the pandemic phase. Even industry reports indicate that the Indian wearables market will grow exponentially at a CAGR of 21.63% to $80.43 billion from 2019 to 2025. These wearables help to check daily step count, heart rate and pulse rate so that fitness enthusiasts can track their fitness to keep fit. These gadgets also enable macro tracking, checking blood pressure, progress guidance, rep counting, and more, all while influencing people to stay motivated and live a healthy lifestyle.
AI-Driven Training
Today, fitness apps that leverage artificial intelligence provide users with many features related to tracking multiple health parameters. By simply installing a specific app on their phone, users can quickly see the number of calories they burn each day, measure their stress levels, heart rate, steps taken, and many other valuable features. These AI-enabled features in a single app can help people, especially in a fast-paced world, who don’t have enough time to check their health parameters individually on different devices every day. Additionally, these new-age fitness apps are more tailored to consumers, offering real-time coaching guidance, AI-powered real-time tracking or monitoring of workouts, and personalized meal plans. The apps also send reminders to drink water, take breaks while working on a laptop, and go for a brisk walk after a long period of inactivity. Additionally, AI-powered solutions can help coaches work more efficiently by providing comprehensive insights into a client’s health based on various parameters collected from wearable devices.
final words
All in all, advanced technologies such as smart wearables, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have become an irrefutable reality in the fitness industry in India. With such technological promises, the fitness business will continue to evolve, with unique features often incorporated into fitness apps and electronic devices. In this way, fitness enthusiasts can work out with others remotely, contributing to the nation’s exciting fitness revolution with unparalleled energy, drive and dedication.
(Jitendra Chouksey is the founder and CEO of Fittr)