With nearly one-third of Americans sporting a wearable device to monitor steps, sleep, heart rate and more, club operators and corporate wellness programmers have a treasure trove of information at their disposal to better serve their members and participants.

The landscape has changed significantly in the last 14 years, when the world welcomed the first wireless-enabled wearable fitness tracker – the Fitbit, a clip-on device with a rather rudimentary numeric display that monitored steps taken, distance traveled and calories burned. Now there’s a slew of products on the market promising to keep even closer tabs on health and wellness. And their appeal continues to rise.

Tracking is Trending … and Here To Stay

For the last two years, the American College of Sports Medicine has named “wearable technology” the nation’s No.1 fitness trend. They’re so popular that sales of fitness trackers are expected to increase 172.6% between the years 2021 to 2028. Wristwear alone is forecasted to be a $32.42 billion industry come 2027.

Modern day fitness trackers come in all shapes and sizes. And while smartwatches and wristbands command the greatest following, wearables also exist in the form of rings; clip-ons or inserts for socks, shoes and undergarments; yoga pants; chest and arm bands; and even stickers. Consumers use these products to monitor a range of things including but not limited to:

• steps
• distance
• stairs climbed
• pace
• GPS location
• pulse
• heart rate/heart rate variability
• blood oxygenation
• body temperature
• sleep
• blood sugar
• calories burned
• active minutes

Niche tracking technology can even gauge the accuracy of yoga positions; hydration levels; fertility; and UV exposure.

Do Fitness Trackers Really Work?

What – if any – influence do these devices have on the physical activity levels of those wearing them on their wrists or fingers, clipped to a shoe or around their chest? Generally, according to researchers who reviewed the bulk of recent studies on the matter, those who use an activity tracker take 1,800 extra steps, walk 40 more minutes, and engage in six more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise than those who don’t. Whether they have a positive impact on health is up for debate, but common sense (and science) tells us that more activity is never a bad thing for cardiovascular health and weight management, among other health concerns.

Putting Fitness Tracking Findings to Use

Fitness centers and corporate wellness programs can use metrics from wearables to increase engagement; personalize health and wellness guidance to better address participants’ needs; and analyze the effectiveness of offerings. Theinformation can also prove helpful when planning for future offerings and initiatives.

Because, whether used in real time or reviewed later, data gleaned from fitness trackers offers a window into participants’ goals, progress and opportunities for growth. More specially, when armed with this information and insight, personal trainers, fitness instructors and program managers find themselves in a better position to:

– create customized wellness plans for those in their care;
– adjust intensity levels and offer real-time feedback while classes are in progress;
– communicate more effectively and timely with participants;
– help clients set specific goals and track progress;
– identify trends and behaviors in the general member population; and
– shape future promotions and wellness challenges.

If you don’t already integrate data from fitness trackers into your gym management software or digital training/wellness apps, it’s time to start offering this service. Of course, wearers must opt-in to share their information, and you can never force the issue or guilt nonparticipants. (It’s always prudent to offer holdouts other methods for tracking progress.)

If information security is a concern, steer members toward reputable, big name manufacturers who are in a better position to prevent or address data breeches. Your center or program also has an obligation to adhere to all privacy regulations related to member data. However, fitness trackers used for general wellness or fitness purposes do not fall under the auspices of HIPAA requirements like they do when used for health care purposes. Make sure users are aware of this caveat up front.

There are many applications for, and benefits to using, wearables in a health and wellness setting. If you’re looking for more guidance on how to integrate these devices into your own wellness initiatives, Aquila offers customized technology solutions that are effective at improving employee health and wellness.  Contact us to explore your options.