What is the Future of Fitness?
- My predictions of how “Personal Training” will become extinct
. How this could benefit YOU…
Before I tell you my thoughts, I was at the New Start Scottish business exhibition last week.
(Incidentally, last year had a futurologist and he wasn’t back this year so hopefully my predictions don’t force me into hiding! That’s just a disclaimer).
Anyway, two days in Glasgow is always good fun. I miss living there and it’s certainly where I matured professionally and personally (mainly thanks for my first boss in fitness).
I could tell you so many stories about the people and things happened down there (including dyeing my hair red) but those are stories for another blog!
I must admit my nutrition suffered last week as I ate out and tried new places down there. That included a fantastic little bar called The Raven. Amazing food and the hottest burrito I’ve had in my life (as well as some fantastic wheat beers too).
The exhibition was fantastic and it was great to meet new people and lots of new technology I learned about.
Obviously it’s not something that is designed for fitness professionals per se but as I’ve learned – you need to do what other people aren’t doing if you want success in business.
My days were filled with seminars, workshops and meetings. Many of the seminars I’ve attended before but with the pace of technology changing, there were numerous new ideas on how to do things more effectively. It’s amazing the pace that the world is changing.
Even ten years ago, Facebook was relatively small, smartphones were under development and the Internet was only really used for two things.
Now, if we can’t find something instantly we give up. If we can’t find something cheaper we go online, if we need to know how to do something, we watch YouTube.
I was lucky enough that I grew up on the cusp of the video game revolution (or a “millennial” if you read into the recent election terminology). I loved my video games but I also played a lot of sport outdoors too – unlike present day when it’s heavily weighed towards the former.
In fact yesterday, I was kicking a football around the park in Bucksburn with my wee cousin. I didn’t “win” apparently as half my goals were disallowed (much like playing against one of the two big Glasgow teams!)
So from travelling to Glasgow then Inverness to Aberdeen (I’ve had a busy week). It’s all going on in my life at the moment as I’ll blog about later this week. My head is buzzing with new ideas and I’ve already filmed two new nutrition vlogs today – expect lots more content too.
My predictions for the future then…
My little cousin will become a superstar footballer (if the rules continue).
Also, I predict that one to one coaching will become nearly obsolete. It will clearly still have a place as hands-on coaching is needed.
I was talking to a fellow personal trainer today who is also moving his business online and now is the time to do it.
As I learned at the business conference last week, you either move with the times or get left behind.
A business advisor that I spoke a while ago was ranting about how BHS (that high street store, remember them?) had failed because companies like Next were getting online from the mid 90's and they didn’t.
Everything is moving online whether we like it or not – technology was a big part of this exhibition as more and more entrepreneurs utilise the digital possibilities.
Furthermore, I think that virtual reality headsets will kick-off in fitness. This was an idea that I spoke to a client about a few months ago (Richard, if you’re reading!).
The prospect of being able to work out with somebody (without being with somebody physically) is something that has endless possibilities.
Could this be expanded into gym workouts? I certainly think so. There really are endless possibilities with the way that technology is going.
We barely need to leave the house to do anything.
On the flip side, we are also becoming less active.
That is why I am using the training app – it overcomes many of the pitfalls of one to one coaching, online accessibility and accountability.
Using the app, workouts are scheduled and I keep regular contact with my clients to ensure that the personalised plan is going well.
The cost is a lot cheaper than one-to-one personal training but also includes add-on services (as and when are required).
Furthermore, it ensures that you can be active wherever and whenever you go and regardless of your level of experience: it’s ideal for beginner’s home / gym workouts, for example.
It is certainly the way that I predict things will move and with the app being developed all the time (including new accessibility for nutritional planners via linking with myfitnesspal and fitness trackers).
Above all, with a month long free trial (and New Year Resolutions around the corner) why not get started TODAY?
Ross
