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The Apple Watch marks part of a revolution in fitness
Rapidly advancing technologies are revolutionising almost every industry, and health and fitness is no exception, with a growing number of digital alternatives to working out in health clubs now available. Like the digital revolution of music, which destroyed record store business models, the explosion of digital fitness alternatives like wearables and mobile apps looms over traditional fitness business models; the overall wearable technology market looks set to reach as many as 1 billion units by 2020.
This month’s release of the Apple Watch represents a significant event within this trend, with global sales set to exceed 30 million units in 2015 according to some reports. Apple’s entry to the wearables market draws particular attention thanks to the company’s status as king of consumer product development: ensuring the Apple Watch successfully fulfils consumer needs will be the brand’s top priority.
No immediate blow So what will the launch of the Apple Watch really mean to the health club industry?
In the near-term and based on what the Apple Watch, other wearables and mobile applications can do today, the technology won’t immediately deliver a crushing blow to existing business models. While consumers are likely to purchase technologies to help them become healthier, these technologies are simply not at the point where they can deliver results and fully replace bricks and mortar fitness services and experiences. As with predictions of flying cars decades ago, enthusiasm can outpace reality when it comes to emerging technologies.
However, despite some of the Apple Watch’s initial limitations such as battery life, the technology of this product – and indeed others – will continue to advance. Over the next five years, we’re therefore likely to see a variety of business disruptions resulting from tools – including the Apple Watch 2 and beyond – that will certainly begin to significantly impact the health club industry. Consumers will be offered more convenient and effective alternatives to gym memberships, and a real shift in consumer habits will most likely occur as a result.
Get the prep work done It’s therefore essential that gyms begin to consider service models that incorporate these consumer technologies. For example, coaching could use wearables to enhance feedback from trainers for client activities inside and outside the four walls of the gym, while the compilation of a variety of data from wearables, apps, fitness equipment, billing and CRM – including, of course, integration with Apple’s own HealthKit – could enable personalised member experiences in-club.
The list of possibilities is long, and the solution may well come from an industry outsider with a fresh perspective: Uber wasn’t founded by cab drivers. But ultimately, as with other industries, if bricks and mortar fitness models don’t embrace the shift towards a blend of digital and bricks and mortar service models, the prognosis might not be good.
In the interim, don’t be worried that the Apple Watch will take away your clients as soon as it’s launched – but be prepared for what’s to come. Believe me, technology is revolutionising health and fitness for the better, whether we like it or not.
Bryan O’Rourke is a health club industry expert, technologist, financier, shareholder and executive in several fitness companies. He is CEO of consulting firm Integerus and the Fitness Industry Technology Council (www.fit-c.org), CSO of Fitmarc and The Flywheel Group, and a member of the ACE industry advisory panel.
Web: www.bryankorourke.com
Global sales of the Apple Watch are predicted to exceed 30 million units in 2015
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Yon-Ka
As pioneers in aromatherapy since 1954 and founders of the Yon-Ka brand, the Multaler Laboratories, [more...]
The Apple Watch marks part of a revolution in fitness
Rapidly advancing technologies are revolutionising almost every industry, and health and fitness is no exception, with a growing number of digital alternatives to working out in health clubs now available. Like the digital revolution of music, which destroyed record store business models, the explosion of digital fitness alternatives like wearables and mobile apps looms over traditional fitness business models; the overall wearable technology market looks set to reach as many as 1 billion units by 2020.
This month’s release of the Apple Watch represents a significant event within this trend, with global sales set to exceed 30 million units in 2015 according to some reports. Apple’s entry to the wearables market draws particular attention thanks to the company’s status as king of consumer product development: ensuring the Apple Watch successfully fulfils consumer needs will be the brand’s top priority.
No immediate blow So what will the launch of the Apple Watch really mean to the health club industry?
In the near-term and based on what the Apple Watch, other wearables and mobile applications can do today, the technology won’t immediately deliver a crushing blow to existing business models. While consumers are likely to purchase technologies to help them become healthier, these technologies are simply not at the point where they can deliver results and fully replace bricks and mortar fitness services and experiences. As with predictions of flying cars decades ago, enthusiasm can outpace reality when it comes to emerging technologies.
However, despite some of the Apple Watch’s initial limitations such as battery life, the technology of this product – and indeed others – will continue to advance. Over the next five years, we’re therefore likely to see a variety of business disruptions resulting from tools – including the Apple Watch 2 and beyond – that will certainly begin to significantly impact the health club industry. Consumers will be offered more convenient and effective alternatives to gym memberships, and a real shift in consumer habits will most likely occur as a result.
Get the prep work done It’s therefore essential that gyms begin to consider service models that incorporate these consumer technologies. For example, coaching could use wearables to enhance feedback from trainers for client activities inside and outside the four walls of the gym, while the compilation of a variety of data from wearables, apps, fitness equipment, billing and CRM – including, of course, integration with Apple’s own HealthKit – could enable personalised member experiences in-club.
The list of possibilities is long, and the solution may well come from an industry outsider with a fresh perspective: Uber wasn’t founded by cab drivers. But ultimately, as with other industries, if bricks and mortar fitness models don’t embrace the shift towards a blend of digital and bricks and mortar service models, the prognosis might not be good.
In the interim, don’t be worried that the Apple Watch will take away your clients as soon as it’s launched – but be prepared for what’s to come. Believe me, technology is revolutionising health and fitness for the better, whether we like it or not.
Bryan O’Rourke is a health club industry expert, technologist, financier, shareholder and executive in several fitness companies. He is CEO of consulting firm Integerus and the Fitness Industry Technology Council (www.fit-c.org), CSO of Fitmarc and The Flywheel Group, and a member of the ACE industry advisory panel.
Web: www.bryankorourke.com
Global sales of the Apple Watch are predicted to exceed 30 million units in 2015
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Yon-Ka As pioneers in aromatherapy since 1954 and founders of the Yon-Ka brand, the Multaler Laboratories, [more...]
