Big Data & Big Muscles: The Importance of Big Data in the Fitness Industry

Right off the mark, what is Big Data? 

Big Data refers to large, complex datasets with emphasis on those generated from newer sources like social media networks, "smart" home devices like Amazon's Alexa and other devices connected to the internet. These large datasets are so complex that traditional processing software can't analyse them efficiently. Think powerlifting champion in a commercial gym - it often doesn't meet their needs.  

Analysing Big Data will help you uncover hidden patterns, correlations, market trends and customer preferences that will help your business make more informed decisions. Would you plan an exercise program for a new client without knowing their goals, history and abilities - their data? No. Making business decisions should follow this same concept. Get the data to make informed decisions. 


Big Data is influencing the fitness industry in a lot of ways, namely through fitness tech and gym memberships. 

Let's touch on fit-tech. Data collected by fitness trackers, such as FitBit and Apple Watches, is so influential when it comes to developing the health and fitness industries. All of this data on people’s lifestyles, health habits, fitness, and diets is providing wealth of information to organisations and helping them make predictions for what comes next. 

Besides wearable fitness trackers and mobile apps, big data in the fitness industry is also being collected by gyms themselves. As a small fitness business or private gym owner this where you can make real gains. Almost all gyms use a ‘card swipe’ or "fob" entry system that members must use when entering and exiting. The data collected by these systems can help gym owners to learn more about their members, including:

- How often they attend the gym
- What times are busiest/quietest and
- How long members are spending at the gym

Analysing this real-time data that is so readily available will help you grow and scale your business, segment your customer base and market correctly. Offer free passes for friends of members that don't attend regularly to make the gym less intimidating, exclusive hours for the regular who come early morning/late night. 

Big Data means Big Opportunity, don't miss it. Just like "leg day". 

_______________

Rebecca McGrath


Comments

  1. Helen Mc2 February 2022 at 13:00

    Rebecca, great title. It really makes you want to read and definitely encapsulates the need to use big data in the fitness industry. You may find Ciara’s article interesting, she highlights how all the information collected can be used to improve the daily operations in a gym. I have included a link if you didn't see it.
    https://rhockcreative.blogspot.com/2022/01/swipe-for-big-data.html
    Opportunity is the importance of big data. It really offers so many ideas to drive efficiency in running a business and ideas on business development. If it can be harrassed and the right information gathered it offers the potential for business to be seeing early trends. Don't want to be missing that or ‘leg day’.

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  2. OxanaM4 February 2022 at 06:35

    I agree with Helen, great title! A good read and definitely lets the reader understand the importance of big data - in this case for fitness but also makes you think of other industries this would be effective in. I obviously knew about wearable tech tracking our information but I never stopped to think that simple things like gym passes and fobs also contribute to the data collection. Bottom line though - our information is easily collected and can be turned into something useful. No wonder big corporations now see data as currency... and its not cheap either.

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  3. CiaraG5 February 2022 at 08:59

    Really enjoyed the blog, Rebecca. Especially interested in your points regarding fit-tech, it's fascinating to think just how much information is collected through the likes of a FitBit and Apple Watches given how obsessed people can get about getting those steps in, etc!
    Information given away without anyone having to fill out a survey.
    For more on this, Helen has a great blog about how insurance companies are capitalising on this data - https://rhockcreative.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-importance-of-big-data-analytics-in.html

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  4. Kelsey S14 February 2022 at 12:24

    Rebecca, I love how you have made this article so relatable and easy to understand for those of us who are new to the realm of Big Data and what it entails. I agree that business owners do need to look at the data to make informed decisions in their company. It really helps give an insight into what works and what doesn't, knowing who and where your customers are and how well your managing to retain them! Gyms need to learn to use all the information they have to grow their business and know their market.

    Your end line is very true - leg day cant be missed and neither can Big Data - it is the future after all. i look forward to checking out your future blog posts in this area!

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  5. Dervla McBreen24 February 2022 at 03:47

    Big Data means big opportunity and you’re right it’s not to be missed. Great insights into how the fitness industry and small gym owners can benefit from Big Data. Membership fobs and swipe cards are a great way for gyms to analyse when their customers are attending and the duration of their workout. This real-time data is valuable information for gyms learning who their customers are, it allows them to tailor their programs and in time will help grow their business. Thanks for the great blog, it was easy to read and really simplified Big Data.

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