AI and Connected Fitness Technologies: Faster Insights, Smarter Decisions

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to carve out its place for virtually every industry. For the fitness sector, AI’s impact continues to expand through multiple platforms and channels.

One of those is connected equipment, notes Anthony Radek, senior director of connected fitness at Life Fitness.

"The integration of connected fitness equipment has revolutionized data collection for health clubs by providing usage data across both cardio and strength equipment," he explains. "This enables facility operators to make informed, data-driven decisions about their equipment mix when purchasing new products."

The capacity to collect and instantly analyze large stores of data delivers advantages across the board but especially to brands with multiple facilities in different regions.

"Larger operators are increasingly utilizing usage data from all of their locations to identify regional trends and tailor decisions to their members’ preferences," Radek says. "For instance, our Facility Connect and Connect System platforms offer detailed usage data for both cardio and selectorized strength equipment, empowering operators to optimize their facilities. Gone are the days of relying on observational traffic or anecdotal feedback from members."

AI takes that data-gathering capability—and the production of related, useful insights—to entirely new levels, reducing the time required to obtain both from hours to minutes.

"Not only does it expedite data collection and analysis, but it also enhances the accuracy and depth of the results," adds Radek. "In addition, third-party tools can now analyze large datasets and identify trend correlations that previously required a data scientist's expertise. This enables any facility owner to utilize these capabilities without specialized training. Many platforms, like ours, now integrate complementary models that make data more approachable and digestible, empowering gym owners and managers to make smarter, faster business decisions with confidence."

Overcoming Data Management Challenges, Speeding Key Decisions

Historically, one of the biggest challenges for fitness facility operators has been the need for specialized skills and advanced education to analyze large volumes of fitness data. However, while data analysts remain a necessity across many industries, the latest software tools now enable gym operators to generate insightful reports without additional hiring or significant IT investment.

"This is particularly true for analyzing product usage data, such as identifying equipment use," asserts Radek. "Providers are addressing these challenges by continuously improving software tools to make data analysis faster and more intuitive. We also provide open APIs—interfaces that allow seamless data sharing—for our commercial buyers to integrate with their own business intelligence software.

"Among the most significant benefits of having more powerful fitness and usage data and insights is the ability to optimize the product mix and make smarter purchasing decisions," he adds. "For instance, by comparing the most- and least-used equipment on your floor—especially within similar categories or for targeted muscle groups—you can ensure your product mix meets member demand, reduces wait times, and improves customer satisfaction."

Looking ahead, Radek sees AI innovation as further enhancing product serviceability and lifetime value by focusing on preventative maintenance and service-related insights, helping operators maintain equipment while minimizing downtime.

Predictive Analytics to the Forefront

The tools and solutions Radek has outlined here represent a significant leap forward for managing operations in the fitness industry, but they're just the beginning of a major evolution in this space.

"As technology advances at an exponential rate, it's challenging to predict all the possibilities that lie ahead," he says. "However, we can expect AI and connected technologies to enable more predictive analytics, helping gym operators anticipate member needs and optimize equipment usage. At Life Fitness, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring our products leverage the latest software tools to deliver a world-class experience for facility owners and their members."