How BIG DATA benefits the fitness industry
What does BIG DATA mean for the everyday consumer? For most, it means absolutely nothing, and they don't even realise their information is being tracked and stored every step they make. Big Data for fitness companies is the behind-the-scenes activity to understand their customers better and gives them opportunities to grow their business by tailoring their content to fit their target consumers.
Big data brings
personalisation to the fitness industry. With numerous fitness trackers and
apps, companies have 24/7 access to their personal activities. Fitness data
generated from these sources can be used by businesses to make better decisions
based on their client's activities/ fitness levels and desired goals.
Personalising Gym Workouts
Wearable devices are
continuously tracking an individual's activity. These devices collect data
related to your sleep, diet, heart rate, and physical activity. Personal
trainers can use the data provided by these devices to get accurate details
about how often their clients exercise, how long they exercise, and the number
of calories they burn during training. Fitness trainers can track an
individual's progress by comparing it to a predefined goal. Then, they can
customise their diet and workouts so that the individual achieves the desired
results as planned.
Nutritional
consumption tracking
The food and
nutrition industry could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of fitness big
data. People can now log their daily food consumption onto their fitness apps
like an electronic food diary. These apps can scan the product barcodes and log
the amount and type of food consumed. Personal trainers can monitor this
real-time data, even when you're not in the gym. They can suggest dietary
changes and adjust accordingly based on their fitness plan.
To conclude, BIG
DATA is like Big Brother, constantly watching and tracking our every move!
The fact that pretty much everyone has a wearable device or a built-in app on their phone means there is quite a lot of data that can be tracked. Did you see recently in the BJM that supposedly those people who have a wearable device take on average 1,200 steps more per day? There is definitely a marketing campaign in the future that will use these studies to show the benefits of wearable devices. I agree with your point that it does feel very ‘Big Brother’ that literally every step you take is being recorded somewhere to be analysed at a later date. -Helen Mc
ReplyDelete"BIG DATA is like Big Brother, constantly watching and tracking our every move" - True - but also only if you let it but I also say that cautiously because I'm not sure the extent of how much you can switch off and still use a product to its full capacity since I know from experience so many apps won't allow you to use them until you agree to certain cookies or terms of use.
ReplyDeleteI'd be the type who isn't bothered by the tracking because I don't actually do anything that is exciting enough to hide - realistically what will they find out - my daily routines and how I also opt for a lift rather than the stairs, I know I'm not the only one.
Lots to think about after reading this blog. For me, wearable devices just don't appeal to me, but, I can totally see why so many people use it as a motivation. And, great point regarding being able to track progress if goals have been set. It's definitely a positive if businesses are using this data to inform and improve their products and services for the benefit of those consuming/using them. I agree with the Big Brother feel about it all, if you opt in to have your data recorded then your every move, literally is being tracked...Eeeek!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I'm a little paranoid now understanding just how much data can be collected from me as a consumer and how I had no idea. The Big Brother comparison is spot on! Tempted to ditch the Fitbit now, LOL. From the business side though, you can really see just how valuable this data is and how easy it is to collect - there's really no logic to businesses not taking the time to gather and analyse big data if they want to make big moves in their business.
ReplyDeleteWe really don't release all the data we give anyway daily do we? Rebecca I agree with your comment, it would make you paranoid! However, since I have started to wear my Fitbit I have become more conscious of my movement or lack thereof having a sedentary job! The data from a Fitbit combined with a Food tracking app such as My Fitness Pal is very beneficial for nutritionists and health experts in understanding our needs and how we can make alterations to better our health and wellbeing.
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