James Patrick Mulvahill is a wellness consultant and a frequent contributor on fitness news stories. We pulled in Mr. Mulvahill for his take on some of the newest innovations in exercise and fitness technology heading into the next year.
The way we tackle fitness is constantly changing as technology and standards evolve. These days, we can track our heart rate, calorie-burning habits, daily steps, and so much more from the touch of a button on our phones and other mobile devices.
New editions of workout equipment are rolling out with each passing year. Even mobile apps are frequently updated to improve the way we experience working out and keeping fit. It’s difficult to stay up on all the fitness innovations at our disposal, and Jim Mulvahill breaks down some of the latest trends below.
Smart Home Gyms
Here’s something that would have been unimaginable decades ago. Innovations in smart technology have brought us Fitbit, Apple Watch workout features, mobile apps for running, and more. But did you ever think you would experience artificial intelligence technology in your very own home gym?
Akin to something from the future, AI-powered home gyms are hitting markets and presenting a new way to experience the home workout session. Many of these products can customize workouts for the user based on their goals and needs.
Not only do they come with a large smart screen to direct your workouts; you also have tailor-made gym equipment to accompany the technology.
Other notable innovations in the realm of smart home gym equipment came earlier this year with new smart stationary bikes, smart treadmills, and smart rowing machines hitting the markets.
Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
James Patrick Mulvahill notes that there are plenty of brands marketing wireless earbuds, so they aren’t entirely brand new. However, the sound quality and technology just keep getting better when it comes to the Bluetooth earbud experience.
Wireless earbuds are ideal for runners, weightlifters, and other high-intensity athletes who want to enjoy music and other audio while working out. Without the inconvenience of wires, you can work out with less resistance and still listen to an album or audiobook while you get fit.
Meditation Technology
Meditation technology is another area of fitness innovation that has made huge strides in the past few years. With apps like Headspace and Calm offering subscriptions to users who want to integrate daily meditations into their busy routines, you only need a smartphone to be present (as ironic as that may seem).
We’ve also seen big advancements where technology bridges gaps between those who want to get fit in group settings. Because of the recent pandemic, the world had to learn new ways of connecting across distances. Video conferencing and meeting virtually became the new norm, and as a result, technology morphed to meet these personal needs.
Certain technology platforms, like Apple Fitness+, now integrate video conferencing into the fitness experience. Services like SharePlay allow users to connect via FaceTime and join in on group fitness activities.
Not only does this meet the needs of social distancers; it also meets the needs of a busy world where people don’t have the time to travel to the gym and take part in a group fitness class.
Smart Headbands for Mindfulness
Another step forward in the realm of mental fitness is the creation of what’s called a “smart headband”. With an aim to make the wearer more mindful, these neurofeedback devices measure your brain waves while you wear them. James Patrick Mulvahill says that the hope is that doing so can lead to a better understanding of our own mindfulness practices to improve them.
Whether or not they will be as successful as creators hope is still a valid question. However, for the time being, this product poses an interesting development in terms of mental fitness technology.
Weightlifting Wearables
For those unfamiliar with weightlifting wearables, you can think of them as devices athletes wear on their bodies to track their personal power and speed while lifting weights. One big company – Push – has recently launched its own weightlifting wearable devices into the market.
It’s essentially a sensor device that you wear on your forearm while lifting. While the technology doesn’t necessarily improve a lifter’s performance right away, it can give lots of insight into performance. This is a great opportunity for athletes and trainers alike to improve the way they approach weightlifting routines.
Conclusion
From meditation apps to virtual fitness group classes and smart home gyms, the tech keeps improving in terms of what is new and exciting in fitness innovation. For many consumers, it’s no longer enough to merely run with a smartphone or track your steps each day.
Fitness technology companies are constantly thinking bigger and delivering products to the market that transform our homes into our own personal gyms and our workout accessories into research equipment analyzing and reporting on our bodies’ abilities. Can you keep up? Check your smartwatch if you’re not sure.
