It wasn’t long ago that we used to be amazed that our phones could keep track of the number of steps we took each day. People used to document it on social media and challenge others in little groups to step-offs. Fast forward to the present day, and wearable fitness technology is beyond what most originally thought possible. 

For the third year in a row, wearable technology has claimed the number-one spot in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Worldwide Fitness Trends survey. About half of all adults in the United States now own a fitness tracker through their smartwatch, phone, or other device. 

There has been plenty of research completed that shows people who are using technology in their fitness are 47 percent more likely to keep heading to the gym. This will help gym owners attain better retention with their members as they help reduce churn rates. Gym owners must recognize this isn’t just a fad and instead treat it as an opportunity to create new revenue streams.

What Data Can Be Collected on These Fitness Devices?

The days of just tracking walking distance are long gone. Now these fitness devices can also monitor heart rate, record sleep quality, provide recovery scores, rate activity levels, track skin temperature, monitor blood oxygen levels, and record straining and strength improvement during exercises. 

What is this witchcraft? Some of these devices can also keep track of blood glucose levels, blood pressure, calories burned, and then compare this data to previous workouts. It really is astounding how the tech keeps evolving. But the main question on your mind as a gym owner should be, “How can this make me money?”

The Simplest Way: Coaching

While wearable technology is providing people with all this data, many don’t know how to exactly interpret the information. I have three friends who have fully bought into the fitness tracking tech, yet every week they come to me to ask what all this data is showing and how to use it correctly to improve their workouts. 

Gyms could provide this service through a modest fee or even adding this as a premium service to memberships during personal training sessions. Trainers and coaches would use their expertise to explain what the data is showing to the members and make recommendations based on the information attained by the wearable technology. 

Creating a “Train Smarter with Your Data!” campaign at your gym could allow you to create a new revenue stream without having to hire new people or really do anything different.

Rentals and Retail

Not every person who trains at your gym will have such a device, so offering a rental or purchase option could create more profit. Something as simple as renting out a chest-strap heart-rate monitor for high-intensity cardio or classes could yield more income. Other specific brand name options would be Myzone MZ-Switch, as it can fasten to the chest, wrist, or just be worn like an armband. The long battery life allows it to last for months, is easy to sanitize, and is simple to gather data from. 

In addition, providing members the chance to purchase wearable technology through your gym’s retail department should be one of your immediate goals. After all, you can make money selling these devices and then create additional revenue by coaching members on what the data is showing and how to use the gathered information correctly. Think of it as similar to a monthly subscription model.

Recovery Tech

As written about previously, recovery equipment in commercial gyms is growing immensely. Gyms are often focusing on three specific areas now:

• Cardio equipment
• Strength training equipment
• Recovery equipment

Leaving one of these out of the equation could be costing your gym serious revenue. With wearable fit tech, people are seeing real-time feedback in all areas, with some apps sending out personalized messages such as, “After a great night of rest, your recovery score is high today! Consider a strength training session for your workout!”

However, if a member is experiencing low recovery scores, the gym can offer solutions through upselling. Consider paid add-ons such as infrared sauna sessions, cryotherapy, compression boots, massage, nutrition coaching, and even assisted stretching to combat pesky inflammation issues.

Start Members with Free Fitness Tech Apps

For those who are not quite buying into wearable fitness tech yet, promote free apps at your gym such as Apple Health just to ease members into it. It is already on iPhones anyway, with most people unaware that they already own it. It will track steps, nutrition, sleep, heart rate, and more. Plus, people can share the data with others as a way to start group training or competition. It is not difficult to use, and there are a few really helpful videos available to get started. Plus, with some planning as a gym owner, members can share their data with your trainers as a way to establish goals and become healthier. 

Wearable technology will never replace excellent coaching or a strong community, but it will add to it. Helping members turn the acquired data into meaningful action will only improve relationships.

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