When it’s possible to get our coffee, daily newsfeed and even the music we listen to tailored to our individual needs and preferences, why should consumers expect anything less when it comes to wellness products and programming?

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Personalized health and wellness solutions are the way of future – not to mention essential to success and survival in this industry. A one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, physical fitness, mental health and other dimensions of well-being just can’t get the results like services and other offerings that are targeted to an individual’s unique needs.

Need more convincing? A poll out this summer involving 4,000 US and UK consumers revealed that 90% of respondents want at least one personalized health/wellness product or service. More specifically:

• 67% expressed interest in vitamins and supplements tailored to their body’s needs;
• 66% would like a tailored nutrition plan based on nutrition and vitamin intake;
• 65% want tailored exercise plans based on sleep quality/quantity; and
• 62% would be game to receive personalized, real-time hydration data.

Wearable technologies like smartwatches, fitness trackers and heart rate monitors have paved the way for personalized wellness by giving medical providers, physical trainers and other practitioners a wealth of data that better equips them to customize treatment plans and programming for patients and clients. But there are new opportunities and cutting-edge developments on the horizon that expand the ability to personalize services for those seeking optimal health and wellness results.

Let’s take a look at some of the innovations presenting fitness centers and corporate wellness programs with even more avenues through which to personalize services and offerings for their clients and employees.

Delving Into Diagnostics

Several luxury fitness providers are honing in on the specific needs of their clients by way of blood tests. Equinox, for example, offers a concierge service that creates workout and nutrition plans based on lab results for more than 100 biomarkers related to heart, thyroid, hormonal, metabolic, inflammatory, kidney and liver functions as well as nutrient levels and more. Life Time’s MOIRA program also offers its members diagnostic testing to assess metabolism; cardiovascular, kidney, pulmonary and pancreatic health; and hormone levels among other biomarkers. All of this data is used by a team of medical professionals, registered dietitians, pharmacists and personal trainers to formulate lifestyle, exercise and dietary guidance aimed at optimizing health and longevity; assisting with weight loss; and improving athletic performance.

Smartening Up With AI

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the wellness industry grows leaps and bounds on a near daily basis. Apps, chatbots, virtual health assistants and other applications powered by AI technology allow for a level of customization in fitness regimens, nutritional plans, mental health checks and so much more like never before. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Brace yourself for AI-powered robots at massage tables that understand an individual’s specific positioning and identify areas in need of attention through body scans. Additionally, we can expect to sleep better in the future with mattresses that adjust firmness or temperature based on the body’s needs and pillows that reduce snoring.

Supplementing Specific to a Body’s Needs

Personalization in the vitamin and supplement department also is gaining ground. Based on answers to questions on health, diet and exercise habits or the results of a blood test, pharmacists, dietitians and other experts in the field can now curate the perfect pill or powder to address nutrient needs or deficiencies of the individual. They even create concoctions to help those with specific conditions including but not limited to insomnia, anxiety and food cravings.

It’s Time to Get Personal

The generic, one-size-fits-all approach to getting healthy in body, mind and other areas isn’t as effective as – and definitely lacks the appeal of – custom-designed plans, products and programs, especially with so many options for personalization available today. Whether you’re an employer seeking to improve engagement in a corporate wellness program or a fitness center wanting optimal results for its members, your success largely depends on how well you target services and offerings to individuals’ unique needs. Let’s connect on ways to bring more personalization into your own health or fitness environment.