Now that Apple is jumping into the health and fitness game, it seems like only a matter of time before we’re all wearing devices that let us obsess over our vital signs. Is it the beginning of a health revolution? Or just another fad?
Eager for answers, we asked our resident expert Joe Crupi – our Associate Creative Director, and certified personal trainer who runs the Team Panda Fit Camp, to weigh in.
Joe has checked out countless smartphone apps like Nike+ Running and MyFitnessPal, plus wearable devices such as the Samsung Gear Fit Smartwatch, JAWBONE Up and the new Apple Watch. He’s even keeping an eye on new developments like smart clothing, most notably from venture-based startup Athos.
All of these technologies have the same goal: inspire people to get fit by helping them record their activities, monitor their progress, and compete with friends.
As marketers, we’re intrigued by all the data that companies could collect (about a person’s health, activities, locations) and the targeted ad opportunities that might follow. But what about the average person who is trying to get fit? Do they really need all this high-tech help?
Joe says, “There are a lot of skeptics out there who believe this technology is a gimmick. They think these brands are manufacturing a need in order to sell their products. But from my own experiences working with members of my fit camp, I know most of us need some help finding continuous motivation.”
We know the feeling. You hit a plateau, lose focus, feel defeated, then walk away. Joe feels the value of these apps and devices is that they let you see the progress you’ve made – in numbers – when you can’t see it in the mirror. With this additional information/motivation readily available, walks can turn into jogs…then runs…even marathons.
For prospective fitness enthusiasts, Joe offers the following advice:
Start cataloging your workouts and meals. Experts have shown that those who do have a substantially higher success rate.
Record it in a way that works for you. Want to scribble in a notebook? Great. Want to automate the process with a device and get more details (your steps, pace, heart rate and so on)? That’s great, too. And now that Apple’s Health app can unify information gathered from multiple apps, it’s even simpler – we love when things are simplified.
Share your data with friends and family. And have them do the same. Some healthy competition will keep you motivated.
Let us leave you with a final pep talk from Joe: “Don’t give all the credit to your technology. You’re the one out there moving, and improving, day in and day out, making your life better. You are amazing. We’re proud of you. Never quit.”
See what they have to say