The intersection of technology and fitness is growing by the minute, with new tools, gadgets, and ways to track your health indicators than ever before. It’s also a helpful way for coaches and trainers to assist their clients in progressing toward their goals, staying motivated, and taking their health into their own hands.

Although biohacking isn’t always grounded in technology, with a growing number of available tools that give us real-time insight on how to upgrade our health. With so much information at our fingertips, we can tap into becoming the healthiest versions of ourselves. 

What is Biohacking

Biohacking is the process of “hacking” your biological predispositions and creating changes to your lifestyle which allows the individual to perform better, feel better, or live longer. Some examples of this are using adaptogens like MUD\WTR to boost brain function, cold plunges, morning light exposure, or blocking blue light. 

In a space where biohacking and technology intersect, we see options available to the masses like Garmin watches, red light therapy, smart scales, and virtual reality exercise options like Supernatural. Things like wearable technology allow a trainer or coach to better individualize their client’s training program, optimize performance, and provide tangible goals based on real-time data provided by these devices. 

Role of Technology in Biohacking

Advancements in the technology sector have only created more opportunities for fine-tuning our health and wellness. They allow us to closely monitor health indicators like heart rate, steps taken, blood glucose levels, sleep, and recovery factors. 

Some of the key pieces of tech that are enhancing the health and wellness space:

Smartwatches

Smartwatches are worn as a regular watch would be worn and track important data such as:

• Heart rate
• Sleep timeline and quality
• Calories burned
• Steps taken
• Exercise minutes
• Blood pressure

Although each watch is different and provides different information, this is a general overview of some of the most common markers that smartwatches track. Coaches can use this information to hold clients accountable to tangible goals, customize workouts and training, and track progress. 

Smart Scales

Out with the old, and in with the new. While old-school scales only show you how much you weigh, smart scales give you a more detailed and full picture of body composition like the Oxiline™  scale. Smart scales monitor things like:

• Lean body mass
• Fat mass
• Weight
• Bone mass
• Basal metabolic rate (BMR) 

As all scales are different, this is a general overview of some of the indicators. As studies have shown, lean mass is a major indicator of long-term health and those with higher lean muscle mass have a lower rate of all-cause mortality. Having a breakdown of lean muscle mass versus fat mass gives coaches the ability to set goals for optimal long-term health. It also keeps clients motivated to work hard and reach their goals by seeing real-time results that are far more meaningful than just a number on the scale. 

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

These were originally meant for diabetic patients to easily track their blood sugar levels but have more recently become more abundantly used by health and fitness enthusiasts. Monitoring blood sugar levels can be helpful for:

• Performance optimization
• Energy management
• Weight management
• Personalized Nutrition
• Cognitive performance 

While blood sugar is only one indicator of real-time health, managing blood sugar levels can be a major way to take control of your health. 

Red Light Therapy

One of the biggest rising stars of the recovery movement is red light therapy. Traditionally it was obtained through the sun during sunrise and sunset, but as humans have shifted to more time indoors, red light therapy was designed so we could still reap the benefits. While it is offered in many modalities from personal panels to classes and experiences like The Red Light Method there are several ways to capitalize on the many benefits red light offers. Some of the benefits red light therapy may offer:

• Reduced inflammation
• Decreased pain
• Improved sleep
• Accelerated recovery
• Boosted cellular health
• Increased immunity

Mimicking the natural light, red light therapy offers an ingenious way to gain all the benefits that the red light has to offer without having to get up at the crack of dawn to enjoy them. 

Final Thoughts

The integration of technology and fitness is transforming our approach to health and wellness. With tools like smartwatches, smart scales, CGMs, and red light therapy, trainers have the power to enhance their clients’ health in a meaningful and specific way. These advancements offer personalized insights into vital health indicators. Coaches and trainers can leverage this data to create customized programs that enhance performance and motivate clients by setting tangible goals based on accurate feedback. 

These tools empower us to take control of our health in a new way. By embracing these tools, we are not only keeping pace with technological progress, but actively shaping a future where achieving optimal health is accessible to everyone. The intersection of technology and fitness holds the promise of a healthier society where each person can strive to become the healthiest version of themselves.

Brenton Barker
Brenton is an Australian with 20 years of experience working with professional athletes who have won more than 15 international events combined. He holds a degree in Sports Coaching and was the former Head Coach of the Japanese Government Sports Institute. Brenton also served as the former Manager & Head Coach to Australia’s Governing Sporting Body and has been a Dunlop International Advisory Board member since 2010. Additionally, he has successfully been self-employed for 17 years and understands the challenges of building a business. Brenton’s expertise lies in goal setting, leadership, internal and external motivation, biomechanics, and program design and delivery. Brenton continues to consult with professional athletes and sporting organizations.