Augmented Reality Fitness: Future of Interactive Workouts
The fitness market suffered many setbacks in 2020, but it is bouncing back with a bang with new business models and trends.
Technology has been a critical enabler, and the sector is now demonstrating how it has integrated online and virtual training and fitness regimes.
- The global fitness app market size is to reach USD 15.96 billion by 2026
- The Asia-Pacific fitness app market is set to achieve the highest growth in the coming years.
Key factors for the growth in APAC markets
- High Purchasing power
- Rising health and fitness awareness
- Easy access to Online and Offline Fitness Centres
- Increasing Smartphone Usage
How is Augmented Reality Benefitting the Fitness Industry?
Post-COVID, the fitness sector has adjusted and adapted itself to a new functioning model. Moving forward, the “hybrid” model is slated to dominate with users working out both in the gym and at home.
With the swift incorporation of wearable technology, AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality in the healthcare and fitness tech market, it is becoming dynamic and foretelling exciting times ahead. Fitness app downloads grew by almost 50% during 2020, highlighting its popularity and available options.
1. Gamifying Fitness
It is said that we often make habits of activities that we enjoy. Exercise is not seen as fun, and hence many people do not take it up. However, as health problems, especially amongst the youth, are rising, it is essential to talk about the importance of fitness and exercise.
There are fitness technology apps, but they focus on activity updates rather than the fun quotient. Augmented reality development has the potential to bring in fun and make it exciting for users.
Smart fitness technology will start to use more AR, and as the AR hardware grows, the software will gamify fitness regimes, making them fun and inducing people to work out more.
AR fitness apps make it possible to join Livestream and work out with others while staying at home. AR VR companies are developing AR headsets to match fitness apps for activities like yoga and boxing. These apps enhance the activity or sports by offering immersion in the game and adding fun to the routine.
Related post: Enhancing Sports Training with Virtual Reality Technology
2. Get Trained Virtually
AR/VR in fitness allows users to experience personal training in a completely new and immersive way. With smart glasses or VR headsets, you can bring a virtual personal trainer right into your home or gym.
Whether you are performing yoga, strength training, or cardio, AR/VR fitness solutions ensure that every move is guided as if you had a personal trainer right beside you.
This technology is particularly beneficial for those who may not have access to a gym or a live personal trainer. With AR/VR, your workout can be customized to your needs, adapting in real-time based on your performance and fitness goals.
3. Tracking and Monitoring
AR-based devices and wearable technology in fitness bring a new level of precision to tracking real-time data. With these advanced tools, users can effortlessly monitor key metrics like heart rate, steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, and more.
These metrics are crucial for maintaining the right intensity, tracking progress, and optimizing workouts based on individual goals. This combination of tracking, monitoring, and route planning through AR fitness technology helps individuals maintain focus, optimize performance, and achieve their fitness objectives in an immersive, engaging way.
4. Making AR Fitness a Reality
Advancements made in the AR hardware and software fields are opening doors to new possibilities. The AR glasses industry is rising and developing fresher, lighter, and user-friendly models, making it easier to work out while wearing them.
The technologies on which AR is being built are also evolving to offer enhanced experiences. 5G will be a crucial enabler in supporting the growth and will allow more efficient outdoor games with the help of AR VR sports technology.
Get Set Go:
- Mobile AR is projected to achieve a CAGR of 39% by 2024, with AR media & content creation spending growing at 65% CAGR during this time.
AR can enhance the current fitness trends, create new sports and fitness regimes, and increase the net to bring more people into the fitness net, making the world a healthier place.
At KOMPANIONS, we are passionate about health, fitness, and AR and in combination provide you with the best solutions to ensure that you are ahead of the game.
Interested? Connect with us to know more.