3 Mistakes to Avoid
When Combining Technology and Fitness
Provided
by American
Council on Exercise
The health
and fitness industry continues to become more technologically advanced, with a
steady stream of new apps, wearables and websites that promise to change the
core of your business. But given how fast these new technologies come to
market, it can be difficult to know which ones are the most useful for helping
your clients achieve their goals. To maximize your use of technology in your
dealings with health and fitness clients, be sure to avoid the following three
mistakes.
Mistake #1
- Believing that technology can replace the personal human touch.
Technology
can be great when used effectively, but it never should replace the human
touch. The advancement of technology has removed the four physical walls of a
gym, and trainers and coaches are using this to their advantage by training
clients across town, across state lines, even into different countries. Being
in the same room with your client may no longer be a requirement for training
or coaching, but the most effective trainers and coaches keep the “personal”
touch in their relationships with their clients. And it’s important to realize
that there will always be individuals who simply don’t want technology to be a
part of their journey to better health. That’s a perfectly legitimate choice,
so don’t spend your time and effort trying to convince them otherwise. A better
course of action is to determine how your use of technology can enhance your
work as a trainer or coach, and don’t forget to always give your clients the
option to contact you and make it easy for them to do so.
Mistake #2
- Focusing on just one platform rather than being agnostic.
If
you only focus on the technology that you personally use, you are, in effect,
in effect ignoring a large potential market. The current
market share for mobile devices in the United States
might surprise you, with android comprising 55% of the market, followed by
Apple at 44%. Health and fitness professionals that only target those who use
an Apple device are limiting their potential market by a majority of smartphone
users in the U.S. Rather, look for apps, wearables or technologies that can
work across any platform. By doing so, you will not limit your potential client
base and will instead have the ability to reach those that may need your
expertise. This doesn’t mean that you personally need to own or understand both
Apple and Android platforms—the apps and wearables will do that for you.
Mistake #3
- Failing to embrace the full potential of technology.
You
will spend plenty of time and effort learning whatever technology you decide to
use. First, look at how the technology can help increase your productivity and
enhance your effectiveness as a health and fitness professional. Then examine
the technology from your clients’ perspectives. If they don’t understand the
benefits of using a technology, or simply can’t figure out how to use it, then
the technology may become a hindrance rather than a help in their efforts to
maintain a healthy lifestyle. Remember that not every solution will “fit” with
every client. Technology is not a solution, but rather a tool that you can use
in helping your clients along their path toward better health.
Before
jumping right in and using any piece of technology for your business, take some
time to identify your business goals and objectives, try out a variety of
possible solutions and then create a long-term strategy. Both you and your
clients will see the rewards of your technology success.
AUTHOR
Ted
Vickey
Dr.
Ted Vickey, MS, is the ACE senior consultant for
emerging technologies and a long-time ACE Certified Personal Trainer. Referred
to as "one of the most connected men in fitness," Vickey
served as executive director of the White House Athletic Center under three presidents before starting FitWell
Inc., a fitness management consulting company.