CNN recently reported that fitness trackers — ones more advanced than just your average pedometer — have risen in popularity, and are being used to encourage kids, seniors and regular gym-goers to be, and stay, active.
According to Heather Kelly, a writer for CNN, “Sensors that record data about your fitness, daily routines, vital signs, weight or sleep habits have been around for years, but at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the spotlight is on devices that wirelessly sync data to the cloud and Smartphone apps, and how they use that information to effectively promote and maintain good health.”
For children, Kelly discussed the GeoPalz tracker, which can be used with devices such as FitBit, Nike, Garmin, Polar, WiThings, DailyBurn and MapMyFitness, to track kids’ activity. According to GeoPalz, the technology uses “3-D pedometers that tracks users’ steps throughout the day. The steps are then logged onto the GeoPalz website using a user name and password.”
For seniors and the chronically ill, Kelly discussed sensors and apps that track users’ data, that can be monitored by their doctors. For example, Kelly highlighted IdealLife, and according to Kelly, “Ideal Life’s connected systems include small devices that measure blood glucose, blood pressure, heart rates and oxygen saturation, and it has a scale specifically for congestive heart failure patients.”
According to Kelly, apps such as these are being used to motivate and encourage physical fitness, no matter what a person’s struggles are, when it comes to health and fitness.
Due to fitness trackers’ ability to help motivate people, and help them reach their fitness goals, think about how you could incorporate fitness trackers into your facility. Buy a fitness tracker or two (many range from $50-$100), and host a fitness competition (winner of most weight lost, most miles run in a week, most visits to club in one month, etc.). The winner of the competition wins a fitness tracker.
Another idea is to use fitness trackers as case studies on your Group X or personal training programs. Find a volunteer member who is willing to track their stats (calories burned, heart rate), during a Zumba or bootcamp class, or personal training session. Then, post the fitness tracker’s findings on a poster in the main lobby, showcasing exactly how many calories the volunteer member burned, how high their heart rate was, etc. Use fitness trackers to show members that your programs are effective!
Have you noticed your members wearing more fitness trackers? If so, do you know what kinds they are drawn to? Share what you’ve seen in the comments section below!
Rachel Zabonick is the Assistant Editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
