Fitness tech goes large in USA

Research by the Consumer Electronics Association has revealed that more than half of U.S. online consumers used a fitness technology in the past year, and more than one-third anticipate purchasing a fitness technology in the next 12 months.

The Getting Connected with Emerging Fitness Technologies report shows the number of consumers who used a fitness technology in the past year increased eight percent from 2010.

According to the study, 46 percent of consumers who do not exercise cite lack of motivation as the main reason for not exercising. For those who do exercise, the top reasons are to improve overall health (76 percent) and to lose weight (58 percent). The study found the primary benefits owners attribute to using fitness technologies are to stay motivated, monitor physical activity and make exercise more enjoyable.

‚”We continue to see technology play an increasingly important role in health and fitness,‚” said Kevin Tillmann, senior research analyst, CEA. ‚”Fitness technology is empowering consumers to assess their fitness levels, set achievable goals, track progress and make exercise more rewarding.‚”

A wide variety of fitness technologies are available, from standalone devices to apps and programs. Pedometers remain the most popular health and fitness device, but fitness video games saw the most dramatic increase in usage, almost doubling from nine percent in 2010, to 16 percent in 2012. However, heart rate monitors and body mass index scales both saw a six percent decrease in usage from 2010.

‚”Wirelessly-connected devices have allowed for major strides within digital health and fitness,‚” said Tillmann. ‚”Consumers already own devices, such as smartphones, that are capable of being used for exercise and fitness. This year we saw considerable growth in fitness apps. This enables the devices we already own to turn into pedometers, accelerometers and distance trackers.‚”

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