Introduction to Augmented Reality in Fitness
Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing the fitness industry, and it isn’t nearly selecting between smart glasses and gym memberships. AR is being integrated into traditional fitness technology, making workouts more engaging and fun. As the previous CEO of a mobile gaming company, I’m excited to see the potential of AR in fitness.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Fitness
The pandemic has been a game-changer for the fitness industry. With gyms closed and folks stuck at home, the demand for home fitness equipment has skyrocketed. Sales of home fitness equipment have doubled to $2.3 billion. As vaccinations proceed and lockdowns are lifted, persons are wanting to return to physical locations and socialize while exercising. Successful post-pandemic fitness technology will allow people to do each, and AR is making that possible.
AR in Fitness Applications
Companies like PhotonLens are creating AR headsets for various fitness applications, resembling boxing, ping pong, and yoga. These apps add a brand new level of interaction and gamification to traditional sports activities. At PhotonLens, we’re serious about gamification, and our founders are all former mobile gaming company leaders. Our AR headsets allow users to interact with celebrity trainers, immerse themselves in lively gaming environments, and make their fitness routines more enjoyable.
The Science Behind AR in Fitness
Neuroscience research shows that individuals usually tend to make habits of activities they enjoy. Studies suggest that 44% of inactive people don’t exercise because it isn’t fun. The pandemic has led to a 32% decrease in physical activity, and obesity amongst young people has increased. Previous fitness technology has focused on simulating activity or providing information, but AR has the facility to make exercise more exciting by gamifying workouts.
The Power of AR in Fitness
AR could make exercise more engaging by adding virtual elements to physical activities. Anecdotal evidence and studies have shown that 15% of VR games burn enough calories to qualify as medium to intense exercise. Fitness and sports games are among the many top-selling games on the Oculus Quest store. AR builds on the strengths of VR fitness, with practical benefits like safety and awareness of the physical environment.
The Future of AR in Fitness
To make AR a reality in fitness, three things must occur: the technology must work, consumers must buy in, and corporations must deliver. The tech is already working, with advances in AR hardware opening doors to latest possibilities. New AR headsets are lightweight, allowing for more airflow and easier cleanup. Controller capabilities have also improved, with dual, wireless, and 6 degrees of freedom (6 DoF) controllers enabling precise tracking of movement.
The Technological Gateways to AR Adoption
The widespread adoption of AR in fitness requires several technological gateways to be passed. Computing power, SLAM technologies, and connection speeds all play an important role. Next-generation platforms just like the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 are crucial for AR hardware. SLAM technologies need to acknowledge hand gestures and create maps of the user’s environment. Connection speeds, including 5G, will support advances in SLAM, higher AR software, and light-weight standalone AR headsets.
The Path to Mass Consumer Adoption
Like any emerging technology, AR still has some method to go, however the path to mass consumer adoption is clearer than ever. We’ve passed many technological gateways, and the numbers back up the potential of AR. Between 2007 and 2012, global smartphone shipments saw a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42.8%. In comparison, mobile AR is projected to realize a CAGR of 39% between 2019 and 2024.
Conclusion
AR has the potential to revolutionize the fitness industry, making exercise more engaging, fun, and accessible. With the technology and market coming into line, we’re waiting for firms to steer the advance of AR into latest industries. At PhotonLens, we’re committed to using AR as a force for good, making latest modes of exercise possible, creating latest sports, and broadening the community of individuals for whom fitness is a hobby. Join us in shaping the long run of fitness with AR. Learn more about PhotonLens and support our product launch on Kickstarter to be a part of this exciting journey.
