Pat Panaia, the CEO of Kinotek, shares how tech updates can help fitness professionals lead the way to radically better health.
The U.S. is the largest fitness market in the world, with 64 million Americans holding some kind of club membership.(1) In 2021, 262 million Americans took part in some sports or fitness activity.(2)
Yet, according to the Bone & Joint Initiative, musculoskeletal (MSK) dysfunction is pervasive, with 50% of Americans reporting some MSK pain.(3) WHO reports that MSK conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide.(4)
For the aging population, normal wear and tear is a big contributor to pain. Still, with all this activity to keep healthy, why is there a disconnect?
The Pain is Not Inevitable
According to the Bone & Joint Initiative, such dysfunction and pain is not inevitable. We already know a great deal about how to prevent and treat these problems, but our knowledge is still incomplete. What we do know is not optimally shared with the public and providers.
The disconnect is in the how. How we keep fit. How we exercise. How well we know, or don’t know, our bodies. Unfortunately, because of how individuals move in dysfunctional ways today, they end up at the doctor’s office, then see a physical therapist and/or chiropractor. The data shows the top healthcare spending category is for MSK, at $450 billion/year, or 25% of total spend. (5)
The Power of Technology
With the right technology, who better to take the lead on radically better health than professionals on the front lines in the fitness industry? Today, the tools are available to measure MSK function so the early detection of issues is possible.
At Lake Nona Performance Club, all new members are launched with an assessment to measure strength, aerobic capacity, body composition and MSK function. The MSK scorecard and 3D visualizations enable professionals to educate members about restricted mobility, imbalances and more. This baseline is then used to establish a personalized improvement plan.
One source of hip and knee pain is weak hamstring or glute muscles. Not only would new technologies to perform MSK analysis help identify this weakness early, but 3D visualizations and a scorecard support a personal training program and help educate and motivate individual club members to make improvements.
A New Way to Radically Better Health
Imagine the impact if all fitness clubs across the country adopted technology and programs to address the leading healthcare issue globally. In fact, fitness professionals — with their experience and with the help of today’s technology — are on the front lines to take the lead and reach millions of people to obtain radically better health.
References: (1) 2023 Zippia Home Workout and Gym Statistics, (2) SBJ, “Participation Numbers, Gear Prices Grow,” 13 June 2022, (3). “The Hidden Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Americans” from the Bone & Joint Initiative, (4) WHO “Musculoskeletal Facts”, 14 July 2022, (5) 2022 Evernorth , “Americans in Motion”.
