PTs need ‘better education’ to get to grips with wearable tech
by Jak Phillips | 21 Sep 2015
Wearables are able to produce an ever-growing array of metrics and information, but the interpretation of this data is where the opportunity lies for the fitness industry / Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com
Exercise professionals need better training to be able to adequately advise their clients on the booming wearable tech market, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
The organisation questioned 58,000 health and fitness professionals on wearable tech to understand how the industry is adapting to this growing trend. It found that 72 per cent of trainers are regularly asked by their clients for insight and feedback on such devices, but only 51 per cent felt prepared to answer those questions.
The wearable tech market has boomed in recent years and shows no signs of abating, with devices like the Apple Watch pushing wearables firmly into the mainstream. Currently worth around US$5.1bn (€4.5bn £3.2bn), the market is expected to triple in value over the next decade.
Wearables are able to produce an ever-growing array of metrics and information, however the interpretation of this data is where the opportunity lies for the fitness industry. ACE said the key takeaway from the survey is that better education is needed to ensure clients and trainers are making the most of their investments in wearable technology.
“Wearable activity devices can monitor everything from steps taken and heart rate to calorie expenditure and sleep quality,” said Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., chief science officer at ACE.
“However, it’s the trainer’s job to translate all of these data into a tangible action plan to drive sustainable lifestyle change.”
According to Graeme Hinde, managing director of LFX, it’s imperative that fitness professionals keep abreast of consumer trends to ensure that the gym remains a relevant and engaging environment for physical activity. Speaking at SIBEC 2015, he said instructors should become ‘tech geeks’ to be able to recommend pieces of wearable tech and apps to match clients’ training goals in the same way they would suggest exercises and nutrition plans.
Exercise professionals need better training to be able to adequately advise their clients on the booming wearable tech market, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The organisation questioned 58,000 health and fitness professionals on wearable tech to understand how the industry is adapting to this growing trend. It found that 72 per cent of trainers are regularly asked by their clients for insight and feedback on such devices,
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