Exercise is becoming increasingly technical, with futuristic aids such as Drone swarms, and active skin monitoring set to join the current rash of heart and fitness monitors.
Experts predict these advances will end exercise apathy, with high-tech gear promising to get even die-hard couch potatoes keen to get moving. According to futurologist Ian Pearson, “The rapid development of technology means that in the near future we can expect to see many more people engaging in activity that will directly benefit the health of the nation.”
By 2046, uploaded InstaFit pics will be turbo charged, with the introduction of drone-swarm which, when activated, will fly around the user to record their performance in real time and from every angle. You will be able to see and adjust your technique by watching video streamed directly to your funky, digital eyewear, and be able to post video imagery and commentary directly to your social channels while you work out.
Lee Matthews, fitness expert, says, “This is the ultimate selfie! Personal recognition really motivates a number of people – a trend we’ve seen take off in recent years. But the benefits are much broader; being able to monitor your movement in real time, replay video and break down technique will mean that performance will improve exponentially.”
Another future fitness trend is the Gym-bot, which combines life-like movement and performance for a sparring session, or could be programmed to act as a pacemaker during any given workout. Gym-bots will also be able to demonstrate perfect form and will eventually be able to join users in a virtual world of their own creation.
Another exciting prediction is the fusion of exercise with entertainment. Not only will you be able to run on a beach or through a forest without leaving your own treadmill, but you can join friends in other locations in your virtual world, too.
Lee Matthews suggests, “You could be white river rafting with your friend who lives in Australia, all from the comfort of your gym in your own country. But it doesn’t stop at virtual and augmented reality, smart equipment will mean that traditional treadmills will be able to react to the virtual experience, moving to give the user an even more realistic experience and increasing the intensity of the work out. The benefits of this technology being readily available in a fitness environment are directly linked to keeping people motivated. A major barrier to fitness is engagement – keeping people interested and making it feel less like hard work. This not only introduces an element of excitement, but it also promises almost limitless choices in terms of what you could be doing in any given day.”
Another new technology, referred to as Active-Skin by Ian Pearson, will raise your performance to a completely new level. Layers of electronic sensors placed on and even within the skin will allow state-of-the-art monitoring and link your nervous system responses to external equipment for a tailored work-out that helps you meet your fitness goals more exactly.
Active-Skin will activate equipment and upload your personal profile to machinery so your can base your daily regime on how well you did the day before. Your heart-rate, blood pressure, hydration and electrolyte concentration will be monitored in minute detail allowing the equipment to respond instantly to your needs – reminding you to drink, for example, or reducing your intensity level to bring your pulse rate down.
Incredibly, sensations will also be recorded and replayed to accelerate learning. For example, when you start a new activity, it takes time to learn the best grips and the right movement to become proficient. The ability to input signals directly will mean your muscle memory can be trained more quickly.
The beginnings of these futuristic technologies are already being integrated by the UK-based Fitness First in the form of digital instructors and an array of virtual classes. It is now a global brand with 320 clubs worldwide, reaching over 850,000 members in 16 countries. With large screen technology, digital mood walls that change colour with the music, a large presenter stage and coloured lighting, such places provide an engrossing and convenient option for members. Are Indian gym owners listening?
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