The New Year kicked off with the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Every year, hundreds of technology companies and innovators head to the much-anticipated show to showcase their upcoming products. By consequence, consumers catch a glimpse of the latest and greatest tech trends that will shape the industry in the coming year. For 2020, fitness tech seems to be taking a front seat with hundreds of wearables being unveiled and sports footwear getting a makeover as artificial intelligence is further embedded in everyday activities. As the fitness industry gets a tech-charged makeover, here are some of the dominant trends set to hit the fitness market this year.
Smart Sensor Enabled Footwear
Thanks to the advancements made in sensor technology, we are no longer going to see sensors being confined to just fitness trackers. Digitally connected shoes have been on the market since early 2019 along with sensor-enabled apparatus for high-intensity fitness traininglike wrist or chest heart trackers, watches, and even earbuds. However, the world saw an upgrade for sports footwear at CES. Brands such as Nuurvy and Asics introduced sensor-equipped footwear that monitors and offers information on your running pattern, step length, and balance.
With running and jogging being one of the most popular sports activities in the United States, this introduction is predicted to have mass appeal and solve some of the most common issues stemming from poor running form such as lower back pain. Over 31 million Americans experience lower back pain according to the American Chiropractic Association, costing people at least $50 billion in health care costs annually. The sensors in products like the Asics EvoRide do not only promise to prevent foot injury, but also give real-time feedback and future training data. The predictive data can then be used as a personal training guide and reduce the energy expended by runners.
AR And AI-Powered Personalized Workout Coaching Devices
Another trend that will be sticking around is personalized home workouts using biometric data and artificial intelligence. Devices running on artificial intelligence and its increasing role in real-time personalization are already tipped to be two of the top artificial trends predicted for 2020. Platforms such as Aaptiv launched their AI-powered training programs in 2019.
However, larger brands have jumped on board more recently with Samsung unveiling Ballie, an AI-powered fitness assistant. They also introduced their new AR glasses with a Gait Enhancing And Motivation System which gives the wearer the experience of working out with a fitness trainer in real-time or climb mountains, while at home. The technology is tapped to be highly demanded as well; Apple and Google are also rumored to be working on their own version to be launched in the coming months.
Integrated Exercise Machines
Discussions surrounding the potential of connecting exercise machines with real-world gaming and visual technology picked up steam last year, and in 2020 manufacturers are delivering. The visual reality market is already slated to hit $101 billion by 2027, according to estimates by Market Research Future so it is no surprise that the fitness industry is getting in on a piece of staggering growth it is experiencing. Exercise equipment such as the Hydrow Rower and Ergatta’s Digital Rower will allow users to utilize its built-in screen and motion sensor technology to compete against other users across the globe in real-time, from the comfort of their own home.
The transformation of fitness tech and the fitness industry does not stop there. As the biggest fitness trends of the year roll out, technological innovations will be a key component of the rapid digital migration of even more of our daily habits.
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