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A new eBook from Matrix Fitness explores new technological trends and how they will impact the fitness industry over the remainder of the decade, outlining what a successful club will look like in 2020.

Available for free download, The Club of 2020 – How Technology is Shaping the Fitness Industry assesses current fitness club business models and how they will change, presents tips on how clubs can maximise their clubs potential in future years and considers why technology plays such a pivotal role in the fitness industry.

In a Blog looking into the issues considered in the eBook, John Mullen, Commercial Sales Manager for Australian Matrix distributor Johnson Health Tech, explains “technology is constantly changing and shaping the way the world works, especially businesses and how they interact with customers/clients.

“Naturally then, it’s no surprise that the last decade has redefined the fitness industry with major leaps in wearable technology, advanced workout equipment, and more data/metrics at business owners’ disposal than ever.”

Looking forward, Mullen (pictured below) sees new technological trends as being “game changing” for the fitness industry, suggesting “new business models will emerge and operators that are motivated to innovate will be the biggest successes (while) classic ‘mom n’ pop’ gyms are going to have evolve or get left in the dust as technology advances.”

He continues “take for example the iPhone, which launched in 2007; five years later more than 20 billion apps were downloaded. Those who were ahead of the ball capitalised on the smartphone industry big time. If you’re strategic, you can do the very same thing with your fitness business in the coming years.

“The business models that fitness clubs will likely adopt by 2020 include things such as premium classes, pay-as-you-go options, at-home services, and time-based pay. All of these models are ways that startup companies will shake up the traditional gym business model of just having members pay a monthly fee for club access. Many gym-goers want personalised service and will pay a premium if the right options are available.

“Moreover, data and smart devices - like wristbands that keep track of your calorie burn - will inevitably continue to grow and shape fitness trends. Not only will things like smartwatches and fitness bands become increasingly more affordable and abundant, but innovative leaps such as smart outfits that track all the physiological data from your body will become the norm.

“In turn, this could lead to a myriad of personalisation options and also towards creative ways to reward gym-goers based on how much they accomplish fitness-wise - i.e. walk 20 miles and receive a free smoothie.

“Even fitness equipment will make major leaps forward in how we experience a simple walk on the treadmill. Gone are the days that a treadmill is just an inert piece of metal that you walk/run on; new technology will bring about treadmills - and other fitness machines - that are internet-based and compatible with smart devices so they can tailor the experience to the user.

“And we can’t discount the finer points when it comes to running a gym, where things as tedious as a cardio machine being out of order will quickly become easy remedies thanks to data transmission over the ‘nternet to club management and the manufacturer. We’re not too far off from clubs even offering seamless check-in processes with mobile apps, meaning the days of carrying around a plastic barcode on a keychain will soon be obsolete.

“To sum up successful fitness clubs of 2020, the most fitting word is sophistication. Operators who wish to thrive will need to embrace technology and be more comfortable with engaging members and introducing them to the latest trends. We’re rapidly approaching an era of seamless connectivity between consumers and business owners, so the more in touch you are with technology, the greater the experience for club members.”

The Club of 2020 - How Technology is Shaping the Fitness Industry has been co-written by Netpulse and fitness futurist Bryan O’Rourke.

Click here to download, The Club of 2020 - How Technology is Shaping the Fitness Industry.

Click here to contact Johnson Health Tech Australia via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

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