Connected Fitness Market Trends for 2022

The COVID pandemic has affected every facet of our everyday life. People were forced to adopt a new “remote-first” lifestyle and search for new approaches to accomplishing their day-to-day responsibilities as a result of the many constraints that had been imposed. This quest resulted in the establishment of new industries such as connected fitness, which offers high-caliber exercises that can be performed in the comfort of one’s own home.

Digital exercises quickly became the norm once conventional fitness centers were forced to shut their doors. According to Bloomberg Second Measure, revenues at gyms were down by 39% in 2020. However, sales at home fitness firms increased by 194%.

As a result of the constraints imposed by the pandemic, many seeking to maintain their fitness and health switched from traditional gyms to online fitness platforms and Zoom exercises. Additionally, it is anticipated that the fitness apps market will reach US$ 15.96 billion worldwide by the year 2026.

According to Statista, when fitness centers began to reopen their doors in 2021, the number of people using health and fitness apps saw a slight decline. On the other hand, it is anticipated that the number of people using fitness apps will continue to rise and reach 86.3 billion in the year 2022.

The global market for connected fitness was valued at $1.1 billion in 2021 and is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% between now and 2026. During the pandemic, the fitness industry has also been subjected to significant digital change, following in the footsteps of many other economic sectors.

2022 may be the year of connected fitness applications. Connected fitness applications may provide more than simply devices that measure and report routines, which is vital to keep in mind while considering the social and physical distances involved. They are already demonstrating the revolutionary transformation that has the potential to revolutionize the fitness sector completely.

The Leading Four Trends to Consider in 2022

It is expected that connected fitness app use will continue to rise in 2022. The holiday shopping season is drawing up, and the Omicron variant poses the possibility of returning to traditional fitness centers. Even if Peloton maintains its position as the industry standard-bearer for connected fitness, newcomers such as Tonal, Echelon, Ergatta, Liteboxer, and TrueKinetix are poised to seize a significant portion of the market. Now that we know that let’s figure out how you can also dominate the market for fitness products.

Integrations of IoT to Provide Interactive Experiences

Wearables can effortlessly keep track and assess every element of exercise. Several technologies are utilized even by elite athletes that can manage speed, acceleration, distance traveled, heart rate, and even weariness. All of this information may be sent to a smartphone or a tablet, where it can assist your trainer or an app powered by artificial intelligence in making more informed judgments regarding your fitness.

For example, a bike may be equipped with sensors capturing numerous data sorts – revolutions per minute, resistance, speed, and heart rate. The following information may be shown on the screen and then disseminated to other users who participate in the same livestream event in the form of a scoreboard to encourage users to ride more actively.

Many fitness applications and smart wearables are available, but what about connected stadiums or gyms? It looks to be a relatively unexplored region for companies. On the other hand, IoT and AI have the potential to provide all users with a next-generation experience.

The IoT and AI technologies were used for the first time at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics to improve the spectator experience. Real-time streaming and immersive experiences were made possible because of specialized software algorithms and virtual reality (VR) technology. This brought the Olympics closer to the spectators.

AI Technologies for Precise Workout Plans

When you go to a gym, a trainer evaluates both your strong and weak points so that they may modify your exercise routine and help you get the most out of your workouts. Connected fitness applications may also access your fitness thanks to AI and real-time feedback depending on users’ motions. These applications analyze the data you provide, and from that comes an optimal strategy for you to follow throughout your workouts.

For example, Liteboxer provides a connected boxing experience that can be customized to your desired degree of difficulty, fitness objectives, and musical preferences. Your progress may be tracked via LED light pads connected to the Liteboxer mobile app. These soft pads can also sync with the beat of your favorite song. Users are kept interested and are provided with a fulfilling training experience thanks to this feature. 

Experiences on a Whole New Level with Virtual and Augmented Reality

Have you seen the scene in Back to the Future III when Doc tells the men in an 1885 saloon about life in the future and how people run for fun? To be honest, he is correct. We are now in a position where we can state that using VR and AR technology may make jogging and working out a lot more pleasurable.

These days, you can get a full-body workout while playing video games, and several virtual reality technologies may assist you in moving about and getting your blood pumping. For instance, the Oculus Quest 2 headset enables you to train virtually with various trainers. While you are engaged in the activity of playing video games, the Oculus Move fitness monitoring tool that is included in the Oculus platform can monitor your movements, heart rate, and the number of calories you have burnt.

The use of gamification may encourage consumers to engage in regular physical activity. With the Oculus Quest headset and VR fitness services like Supernatural or FitXR, you can engage in VR sessions with personal trainers or completely submerge yourself in the world of a fictitious game.

In contrast to VR, AR does not create a whole new virtual world, but it does provide users with the ability to interact with things that aren’t there. As a consequence of this, the technology has the potential to invigorate exercises and make workout sessions more interesting.

Additionally, augmented reality technology may assist you in better visualizing data. Users, for instance, can acquire all the critical health metrics, such as their heart rate or the distance walked, shown on the screen of their smart glasses when connected with intelligent glasses such as Solos Smartglasses.

You may even include a hologram exercise instructor into your connected fitness app using augmented reality technology. Now, users don’t need to search for video exercises or read instructions; they need to activate an app, and they can begin a workout with a trainer directly at home or in the gym. 

Using an Omnichannel Approach to Satisfy Diverse Customer Requirements

You may reach a wider audience by using omnichannel fitness, a combination of in-gym and digital home exercises. This can help you satisfy the different demands of people at all stages of fitness. This way of thinking has become a prominent trend in the globe that has recovered from the epidemic.

According to the Les Mills 2021 Global Fitness Report, digital home exercises have become essential additions to the long-term digital services of fitness clubs. Eighty percent of members expect to continue utilizing them even after the epidemic has passed. The great majority of individuals who work out choose to divide their time between working out in a gym and working out at home in a ratio of 60:40. In this context, a person’s desire to go to the gym does not exclude them from working out using online courses or fitness apps. 

Emerging Stars in the Connected Fitness Industry

There is much more available in the connected fitness market than just Peloton, Tonal, and Mirror. Take a look at these up-and-coming talents, shall we? 

CLMBR

CLMBR is a vertical climbing machine that features a large touch display and instructor-led classes. Because of its compact design, the device is suitable for use in various apartments.

In addition, there are a plethora of pre-installed exercise plans that can assist in the burning of more than 600 calories in approximately 30 minutes. This machine can reportedly burn more calories than rowing, running, or cycling, at least according to CLMBR.

Using the CLMBR mobile app, you can generate training plans, monitor your progress, and access live-streamed classes.

The CLMBR is cardio equipment that can be used for full-body workouts and engages more than 86% of the body’s muscles. Compared to traditional treadmills, the vertical climber places significantly less stress on the user’s joints than the latter type of machine. Users are finally given the freedom to exercise whenever they please, thanks to classes available round the clock.

Ergatta

Ergatta is a connected rowing machine that can be used at home. Rowing machines provide a full-body exercise and the opportunity to compete in races. Ergatta is a kind of exercise that may involve up to 86% of muscle groups and enables strength training and cardiovascular exercise. The rowing machine is adaptable to a variety of settings on account of its ergonomic and “rich” design. The company’s website claims that the gadget takes up less floor space in the upright position than a tiny chair.

Ergatta uses gamification by providing four different methods to work up a sweat on the rowing machine. For instance, when you are rowing, you participate in a game and compete against other individuals.

Ergatta is more than simply a video teacher giving you instructions on how to burn more calories; after every ten exercises, the machine recalibrates itself to adapt to the user. When you get better at rowing, the system adjusts itself to make the most of the improvements in your performance.

The companion mobile app for Ergatta enables you to monitor your workouts, training history, and progress while on the road. In addition, you’ll be able to organize and timetable your following exercises in advance.

TrueBike

The TrueBike, which TrueKinetix developed, is an indoor smart bike that replicates the pedal forces you use a stroke for stroke. The TrueBike eliminates the need for a flywheel by substituting an intelligent robot and a powerful engine that can accurately replicate the appropriate amount of pedal force based on the rider’s height, weight, and length.

TrueBike appears to be like any other bike, but it operates using sophisticated algorithms that calculate the appropriate amount of resistance based on more than ten thousand measurements taken almost every second. These measurements include the rider’s weight, gear selection, pedal position, ride slope, road surface, and virtual wind. Because of how it’s been designed, TrueBike can simulate riding on roads.

Riders can obtain real-time data on their screen about their speed, time, distance, elevation power, pedaling efficiency, and cadence. You may construct your training programs or link to other online programs using the TrueBike mobile app. In addition, TrueBike comes pre-loaded with workout programs that you can use. 

Forme Life

Forme Life is more than simply a mirror; it is also one of the best-connected gyms. In its 2020 Fitness Awards, Women’s Health recognized the mirror manufactured by Forme Life as the “Best Home Studio.”

Forme Life may be used as a freestanding or fixed wall mirror when switched off. This style was selected because the mirror was created for those who highly value classiness and minimalism.

Forme Life changes from a decorative piece into a highly functional and intelligent exercise studio when activated. The mirror has a voice-activated and touch-screen interface in addition to a 43-inch 4K UHD display. You will see virtual instructors in the mirror who will lead you through their routines and encourage you to push yourself further.

Because there are so many live exercises and pre-loaded courses available for all skill levels and activities, you won’t ever have to worry about boredom. In addition, the Forme Life app may assist you in tracking your progress and keeping you up to speed on the most recent exercises.

The machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies that underpin Forme Life provide the product with the ability to customize exercises to your fitness level. Forme Life will automatically modify its settings to give you the best possible results as your fitness level increases.

The stereoscopic cameras and human-like eyesight built into the mirror allow it to detect your motions and deliver feedback in real-time. If you want to have a live exercise with a human teacher, Forme Life can also give you two-way interaction like a Zoom or Skype call. This is an option if you like to have a live workout with a personal instructor. 

Treadly

Treadly is a treadmill that can be folded up and used for walking or jogging at home. It is adaptable to any space or interior design. It is possible to tuck it away discreetly under a sofa or bed when it is not in use. This treadmill is lightweight, and its wheels make it simple to transport it from one location to another.

Treadly travels at a pace that is not very rapid, ranging from 1 to 5 miles per hour. Treadly offers a variety of versions, each of which may be purchased with either a handrail or remote control. Using the Treadly app, the machine’s power can be switched on and off, and its settings may be modified.

You may link all your wearable devices via Bluetooth to get a higher level of command over your exercise. In addition, if you don’t enjoy running by yourself, you may invite your friends or sign up for a live video group to run with. Because it has a Bluetooth speaker, Treadly can play all your favorite tunes. 

Summing Up

Connected fitness may be the future wave for the fitness industry, but it will never be able to replace traditional exercise settings like clubs and studios fully. On the other hand, they make it possible for individuals to maintain their fitness levels despite the epidemic.

Connected fitness may assist you in expanding your user base, meeting the requirements of your users, and providing an enhanced experience, all while assisting them in achieving their fitness objectives. The Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality each make it possible for a one-of-a-kind software solution and an enhanced fitness experience at home. Connected fitness will still be substantial even when all gyms are operational.

At Orangesoft, we can bridge the gap between fitness gear and software in several different ways. Please contact us so we can provide you with a cost estimate for your connected fitness project.