Wednesday, April 20, 2016

The Digital Experience in Fitness Facilities Relies on These Four Pillars

About the author: Leon Rudge is the technology solutions manager for Life Fitness. He has extensive experience in the global fitness industry and is immersed in future technologies on behalf of the fitness industry.

Imagine if you were able to create an amazing health and fitness app—one that created memorable experiences and also was able to generate revenue. Would this perfect app become a guaranteed success? It’s not that certain in the commercial fitness industry where digital isn’t necessarily embraced.

There are four key factors/entities in the fitness industry to consider. Each one has to buy in to the importance of the digital experience in order for our perfect app to be a success.

Club Members

Statistics show that most of the members that enter a facility are equipped with a smart phone, fitness tracker, etc. And, their use of digital is increasing. So, exercisers appear to be in sync with digital trends, but many may not be aware of how they can use fitness apps and devices the fullest.

Equipment

Most fitness equipment available now connects to the Internet or integrates with smart phone apps to create a digital experience.

Facility Employees/Personal Trainers

It’s a safe bet that employees have a smart phone and use it extensively in their personal lives. But that doesn’t always translate into use in the gym. Exercisers seem to enjoy using the leading health and fitness apps, and personal trainers need to embrace them and make technology an important part of their interaction with exercisers.

Facility Owners/Managers 

Hesitation to embrace the digital experience can be a major roadblock. Cost and implementation can be intimidating, but starting small and putting a digital plan in place can make the transition easier. Adding a few pieces of connected equipment or creating a custom facility app with a partner like Life Fitness can enhance the exerciser experience without requiring a major overhaul.

Customers are increasingly connected and engaged, but the fitness industry doesn’t always possess the ability or sense of urgency to keep up with their digital needs or expectations. Fitness facilities need to keep this important area of the business in mind in order to thrive now and in the not-too-distant future.

See More At : https://www.lifefitness.com/blog/posts/the-digital-experience-in-fitness-facilities-relies-on-these-four-pillars