In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become a vital component of nearly every industry, including health and wellness. The integration of smart devices, apps, and online platforms has revolutionized the way fitness coaches operate, making it easier than ever to connect with clients and offer personalized, engaging training experiences. As fitness coaches adapt to these tech-enabled environments, they are finding new ways to thrive and excel in their profession.

It is important for coaches and trainers to utilize this technology in order to stay relevant as the industry shifts, optimize their offerings (and therefore their revenue), and to provide their clients with the best tools to help them reach success. 

What is a Tech-Enable Environment?

There are a lot of buzz words around “tech” and “technology”, so getting a clear understanding of what a tech-enabled environment means is paramount. According to The University of Birmingham, enabling technology is: “Equipment and/or methodology that, alone or in combination with associated technologies, provides the means to generate giant leaps in performance and capabilities of the user.”

When a company or business decides to enter the “tech-enabled environment”, it means they are using existing technology to boost their platform, increase sales and revenue, and improve their current business model. This is true for any business, including those who own and operate businesses or studios in the health and wellness industry. 

An example of this would be EGYM– an AI powered experience that allows trainers and coaches a way to personalize training plans, provide data-based guidance to keep clients motivated and excited to reach goals, and the ability to take this information and guidance inside and outside of the gym. 

EGYM collects all health information to automatically configure with machines, trackable devices, and apps, and cardio equipment so their members can utilize any connected machine or take their workouts on the go. This technology will even remember each individual member’s settings, so they never have to remember seat placement, adjust the machine to fit their body, and it increases resistance as needed to hit goals. 

How Does This Affect Coaches and Trainers?

As the world shifts and becomes more dependent on technology, coaches and trainers must adapt with technological advances to keep up with client needs and remain up-to-speed on ways this may leverage their business. There are several innovative advancements that allow coaches to thrive in this tech-enabled world including, but not limited to, using AI to write workouts or make playlists, using red light therapy for recovery, and wearing watches that track your sleep, steps, heart rate and recovery.

It also extends to impressive companies like BlazePod. BlazePod is a smart reaction training platform built for mental and physical training for athletes, beginners, and everyone in between. It consists of light up pods that challenge the users agility and reaction time with a variety of programs meant to keep them engaged and stimulated even as they progress. With a blend of equipment like light up pods and the interactive app, you can track progress, set new goals, and surpass your goals related to reaction time and agility. 

This is an amazing technology that enables coaches and trainers to push their clients in a new, fun way and gives them real-time results, which keeps their clients engaged and motivated to reach and set new goals. For a trainer or coach, it allows an innovative offering in comparison to the run-of-the-mill agility training methods, and keeps the client mentally engaged for sessions to come. 

Another example is Kabata, the world’s first AI-powered dumbbell. These dumbbells are connected to an app that will analyze metrics such as reps, time under tension, power, and more. It is then give you real-time form correction, change the weight based on your needs, and track all of your metrics to allow for specialized feedback to help you (or your clients) progress and crush each goal they set. 

Embracing the Future

Technology has its time and place in the health and wellness industry. We can see this through all the devices that collect data and give us real-world information that help us make tweaks and adjustments to live a healthier life. We track heart rate, calories burned, activity level, sleep, recovery, and even full body metrics to get a better idea of our internal and external health. This data allows us to make decisions that are reflective of individual needs for each personal health and wellness journey. 

By staying current with emerging trends and continuously adapting to new technologies, fitness coaches can not only meet the evolving needs of their clients, but also set themselves apart in a crowded market. Embracing technology is about enhancing the coaching experience, optimizing business models, and ultimately, helping clients achieve their fitness goals more efficiently and enjoyably. It is imperative for coaches to adapt, but most importantly, learn where the world of technology and the business of being human intersect. The future of fitness coaching is bright, and those who harness the power of technology will undoubtedly thrive in this dynamic industry.