How Technology Could Change the Fitness Industry in 2022 and Beyond

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One of the notable outcomes of the pandemic has been the survival of vital industries whose services are often provided offline, such as fitness. There are about 20,000 gyms in India, which have been forced to close due to the mandatory lockdown. However, the fitness industry has experienced impressive growth due to the widespread adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as data science and artificial intelligence. According to the World Economic Forum, downloads of fitness apps grew by 46%, led by India, which saw the highest growth of 156%. This extraordinary growth is attributable to the comfort, convenience, and motivation provided by fitness apps powered by augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)-powered training.



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Today, there is an increase in digital adoption in the health and fitness space. Virtual fitness programs and apps have taken the spotlight and addressed the excuses people have for not exercising and staying fit (eg lack of time, affordability, etc.). Fitness studios have moved their services online, offering live training sessions, while fitness apps offer personalized workout and diet plans for guaranteed results. The convenience and results of such apps have brought over 58 million new users in India in the second half of 2020 alone. Here are more details on how technological changes will affect the fitness business in 2022 and beyond.

AI-Driven Training

The trinity of new-age technology, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence is the force behind the evolution of the fitness industry. By collecting relevant health and fitness-related data from users, these algorithms can develop personalized exercise regimens to maintain physical and mental health. Additionally, a study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University found that technology motivates people better than traditional motivational techniques, enhancing fitness enthusiasts’ overall health and helping them achieve their physical goals.

AI-powered fitness apps can do more than create workout plans. More recently, complex fitness applications with “human pose estimation” techniques have been introduced. This branch of artificial intelligence monitors the skeletal system, contour and volume, and notifies users to correct their posture and form.

wearable technology

Along with fitness apps, fitness wearables have also grown in popularity globally during the pandemic. According to industry statistics, the Indian wearables market surged by 170.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2021. Fitness trackers monitor stress levels, heart rate, and calories burned to ensure users are meeting their goals and not pushing their limits. In the future, in addition to smart watches, it is expected to launch smart sports apparel that combines artificial intelligence technology and sensors to further improve users’ work efficiency and sports performance.

AI-Based Meal Planning

With regards to fitness and consistent activity, proper diet also plays a key role in achieving your physical goals. To this end, the AI-powered fitness app collects vital information on the user’s dietary adherence, outcomes and behavioral variables to develop a personalized meal plan that includes protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and all micro and macronutrients and other essential nutrients.

final words

Fitness app downloads are expected to reach 293.4 million by 2022 due to the unparalleled ease of exercising at home and the benefits of AI-infused fitness technology. The dire circumstances of the pandemic have clearly demonstrated how basic hygiene and healthcare motivates most people to adopt healthy behaviors that they can easily practice at home. It goes without saying that artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies are critical to ensuring success in the fitness industry, as technology is critical to understanding people’s physical and mental health.

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