The Effect of Mobile Fitness Applications on the US

Fitness Industry (A Financial Review)

Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2

1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................2

1.1. Overview...........................................................................................................................3

1.2. Business Analysis.............................................................................................................4

1.3. Research Question.............................................................................................................4

1.4. Research Assumptions......................................................................................................5

1.5. Hypothesis.........................................................................................................................5

1.6. Dependent and Independent Variables.............................................................................5

1.7. Conceptual Framework Diagram......................................................................................6

2. Literature Review.....................................................................................................................7

2.1. Potential of Fitness Technology........................................................................................8

2.2. Accuracy of Fitness Technology for Measuring Physical Activity..................................9

2.3. Strategies to Improve Fitness Technology for Inactive, Vulnerable Population............11

3. Research Discussions.............................................................................................................12

3.1. SWOT Analysis of US Fitness Industry.........................................................................12

i. Strengths.............................................................................................................................12

Top Class Facilities:..................................................................................................................12

Capital:.......................................................................................................................................13

Qualified Trainers:.....................................................................................................................13
 Celebrities:.................................................................................................................................13

ii. Weaknesses.........................................................................................................................13

Poor Financial Management:.....................................................................................................13

Underestimation of Competition:..............................................................................................14

Change of equipment:................................................................................................................14

iii. Opportunities......................................................................................................................14

Growing Demand:.....................................................................................................................14

Value-added Services:...............................................................................................................14

Mobile Fitness Applications:.....................................................................................................15

iv. Threats................................................................................................................................15

Busy lifestyle of American People:...........................................................................................15

Price:..........................................................................................................................................15

3.2. Using Fitness Technology in Intervening Research.......................................................16

3.3. Financial Analysis of US Fitness Market.......................................................................18

3.4. Making Fitness Technology Accessible.........................................................................21

4. Summary and Future Directions.............................................................................................23

5. Conclusion..............................................................................................................................25

References......................................................................................................................................26
 Abstract

This research is focused on the effects of mobile fitness applications on the fitness industry in the

United States. With the development of technology, mobile phones are being upgraded

constantly. New applications are being introduced for android as well as IOS for the ease of the

user. These applications include the ones for entertainment, traveling, education and fitness

purposes. The fitness applications are focused to introduce the exercises and other ways which

can be adopted by the users to improve their fitness and meet their goals. Applications have their

database systems which record the overall record of the users and suggest them the ways to

improve their record in order to meet their goals effectively. There are many such mobile

applications such as Samsung Health, ClassPass, Fooducate, My Fitness Pal, etc. But there is a

question arising in recent times whether the usage of these applications has increased the

business of fitness industries or has a negative impact on their business. The answer to this

question will be focused on this paper and we will focus on the effects of these applications on

the business output fitness industries in the US in recent years. The statistics and figures will be

discussed and a final conclusion will be made in this paper.

 LIST OF FIGS

Fig 1 Conceptual Framework Diagram......................................................................................9

Fig 2 Increase in the membership of US health clubs..............................................................13

Fig 3 Comparison of application download and usage............................................................25

1. Introduction

In recent years, mobile phone technology is evolving and has emerged as one of the leading

industries in the world (Kahn & Wansink 2014). Not just mobile phones but mobile applications

are also taking the place of other services in the world whether it be entertainment service,

education services, travel services or communication services. Fitness services are also affected

by the advent of mobile phone applications (Maguire 2018). In recent times, there are many

fitness applications available on various platforms including the android app store and the Apple

app store. These applications include exercising techniques, suggestions according to body type

and reminding you to perform the exercise tasks every day (Luo 2018). The database of these

applications can keep a track record of the user’s exercise data and suggest them exercises and

other ways in order to achieve the body goals (Kahn & Wansink 2014).

Various aspects of the fitness industry are also linked to these mobile applications and other

technologies. The mobile fitness apps have motivated a number of people and now the number of

people who are motivated about their fitness and health is far greater as compared to the previous

years (Luo 2018). A suitable mobile application downloaded on your phone or tablet can give

you gentle reminders about your exercise routine which has reduced the toiling which was

required to be motivated to follow the exercise and fitness routine. These mobile applications

have also reduced the workload on fitness trainers (Kahn & Wansink 2014). They can now share

their expertise by developing a mobile phone application rather than being physically present at a

place. Health and fitness are one of the top priorities for many people around the world

nowadays which has certainly affected the business of the health and fitness industries (Maguire

2018). The people are eating healthy and adopting a healthy lifestyle in a greater number as

compared to the past, courtesy to these mobile fitness applications (Luo 2018).
 1.1. Overview

When we look at the numbers and figures of the recent years, there has been an increase in the

customers using the mobile phone and mobile phone applications (Kahn & Wansink 2014). The

number of mobile customers has reached above 500 billion in 2019. About 194 billion apps have

been downloaded in the year 2019 from both Google Play Store and Apple App store. A large

percentage of these applications include the entertainment applications. And about 30 billion

downloads were of the fitness and health applications. The statistics of inactive people is also

decreasing by the introduction of these applications (Maguire, J.S. 2018). Where the number of

these applications have been increasing and a lot of people are being attracted towards these

applications, the statistics suggest that there is an annual increase of about 3-4% in the revenue

generated by the fitness industry of the US. The US is one of the leading country where the

people are suffering from obesity and obesity related diseases (López & García 2016). But the

fitness industry and applications are playing their role in the US to decrease these horrific

numbers and increase the fitness of the US citizens.

1.2. Business Analysis

Business analysis includes the tools which recognize the strengths and weaknesses of a business

model (Kahn & Wansink 2014). The business analysis identifies the needs according to the

modern time and suggests for the improvement and necessary steps which can improve the

business and can turn it into a more profitable one (Maguire, J.S. 2018). There are many tools

used in the business analysis including the SWOT analysis and other techniques which in the end

helps in the better understanding (López & García 2016). The holistic overview of the business

can also be included in the business analysis. In this paper we are analyzing the business of the

fitness industries of the United States. The business analysis of the fitness industry will also look
at the effect of the newly introduced mobile fitness applications on the US fitness industries. The

SWOT analysis of the fitness industry will be carried out and we will look whether the mobile

fitness applications are an opportunity or a threat to the business model of fitness industries.

1.3. Research Question

The main topic of research in this paper is the mobile fitness apps and the fitness industries of the

United States. The research question is mentioned as below:

“How is the fitness industries of United States being affected by the introduction and increases

usage of fitness related mobile applications such as Samsung Health, ClassPass, Fooducate, My

Fitness Pal, etc.?.”

1.4. Research Assumptions

Research assumptions taken in this research is the increased number of people visiting the fitness

centers after the usage of mobile applications. We have assumed that the fitness industries have

been positively by the increased usage of mobile fitness applications. The people are now more

motivated for their health and fitness and are joining different clubs which is increasing the

business output of the US fitness industry (Maguire, J.S. 2018).

1.5. Hypothesis

The hypothesis generated in the fitness industry scenario is discussed below:

“The increased usage of mobile fitness applications have motivated the people and they are

joining the clubs and gyms in a greater number which is benefiting the US fitness industry, so

these fitness applications have a positive impact on the US fitness industry overall.”
 1.6. Dependent and Independent Variables

Dependent and Independent variables are important aspect of a research. The dependent

variables are being tested in the research and is dependent on the magnitude or the statistics of

the independent variables (Hentges 2014). On the other hand independent variables are the ones

which are responsible for the changes in the dependent variables. This research is based on the

increased number of mobile fitness applications and its effect on the business and outcome of the

US fitness industry (Maguire, J.S. 2018). So the dependent variable in our case study is the

business revenue and outcome of the US fitness industry. The outcome of the US fitness industry

is being tested for the increased usage of mobile fitness applications so the number of people

using the mobile fitness applications is the independent variable. There are many other

independent variables which affect the dependent variable i.e. the outcome of US fitness

industry, which are not our area of focus in this research. So, the independent variables include

the usage of mobile fitness applications and other factor with the focus on the usage of mobile

fitness applications such as Samsung Health, ClassPass, Fooducate, My Fitness Pal, etc.

These applications and many other applications introduced by different android and Apple

application developers and are being downloaded by the people in their phones and their usage is

being increased continuously which is affecting the business of US fitness industry including

different clubs and gyms which will be studied in this research paper.

1.7. Conceptual Framework Diagram

The conceptual framework diagram discusses the dependent and independent variables and their

effect on the dependent variable (Kahn & Wansink 2014). The research paper deals with the

number of mobile fitness applications and the effect of these applications on the business of the
US fitness industry. The following diagram discusses the conceptual framework of the research

paper:

number of
mobile phone
fitness
applications
(independent)
Business of
US fitness
industry
(dependent)
other factors
(independent)

Figure1: Conceptual Framework Diagram

2. Literature Review

Physical action is extensively helpful for physical, mental, and psychological parts of wellbeing.

However, just one out of five grown-ups in the US meets the CDC physical action rules of 150 

min of high-impact action and 2 days of muscle reinforcing action every week. This pattern of

inertia increments with age, as not exactly 50% of grown-ups matured 65–74 years and around

33% of grown-ups matured 75 years and more established meet these suggestions. An inactive

way of life is likewise progressively common among those with low financial status (SES). Such

powerless populaces are at expanded hazard for medical issues, and they face one of kind snags

to meeting physical action suggestions. Making physical movement available and attainable for

all gatherings is a significant general wellbeing target that is inside reach with the privilege
social and natural backings. Unique contemplations ought to be made to address the key

obstructions in powerless, dormant populaces, for example, more seasoned grown-ups,

particularly those low on the SES slope (Maguire 2018). These incorporate ecological deterrents,

for example, not realizing where to work out, time imperatives, for example, accepting there isn't

sufficient opportunity to exercise, and social confinements, for example, not having support for

work out.

2.1. Potential of Fitness Technology

Fitness technology is as of now generally utilized and shows potential for improving general

wellbeing, there are as yet numerous unanswered inquiries. It is obscure to what degree this

innovation prompts increments in movement levels over either the short or long hauls. Further

examination of the handiness of this innovation for supported conduct change is justified. To

empower long haul changes in physical action, the methodologies consolidated into innovation

ought to incorporate proof based procedures got from conduct change speculations (Kahn &

Wansink 2014). These systems ought to straightforwardly deliver the extraordinary boundaries to

expanding movement in powerless populaces who are at most noteworthy hazard for a stationary

way of life, for example, more seasoned grown-ups and those low in SES. This incorporates

helping latent people to choose how, where, when, and with whom they can work out. It is

additionally not clear under what conditions these different gadgets give the most exact

information. A few vulnerabilities remain with respect to the best individual trackers, cell

phones, or applications, their best areas for positions on the body, and whether exactness

fluctuates crosswise over clients of various ages and wellbeing status (Kahn & Wansink 2014).

We inspect both the advancement and estimation of physical movement using conduct change

methodologies and fitness innovation. On the off chance that this innovation facilitates conduct
change as time goes on, there is extraordinary potential for empowering populace wide changes

in practice propensities and at last wellbeing. While a few investigations have utilized fitness

innovation fundamentally to report and gauge movement level, others have joined it into conduct

mediation with extra segments. We assess the nearness or nonappearance of explicit conduct

change procedures got from intellectual social points of view, with an exceptional thought of

which strategies are generally valuable for stationary grown-ups. We audit ongoing examinations

that have inspected the degree to which fitness innovation, including trackers, cell phones, and

applications, gives precise estimation. Innovation that gives legitimate and solid information

shows a lot of guarantee for their application to both research and individual settings (Hentges

2014).

We have inspected the viability of fitness innovation for advancing conduct change and assess

whether these progressions are dependable. Without a doubt, late reports have recommended that

movement trackers are utilized uniquely for brief timeframes. Some have even recommended

that the greater part of fitness tracker proprietor’s desert their gadgets inside the primary month.

It is conceivable that the privilege conduct supports would prompt progressively continued use,

and along these lines long haul social changes. At long last, we think about the potential

downsides and impediments of this innovation, just as their guarantee for improving general

wellbeing. This incorporates a thought of which populaces are less inclined to utilize these

screens, and potential approaches to carry this innovation to the individuals who could profit by

it the most.

2.2. Accuracy of Fitness Technology for Measuring Physical Activity

Previously, many research considers on physical action have depended on self-report instruments

to survey practice conduct. In any case, such emotional proportions of action can be profoundly
inconsistent, uncovering both higher and lower gauges than goal estimation. Individuals may

overestimate movement power or time spent to display a great impression. It is additionally

conceivable to think little of action, the same number of exercises that are a piece of regular day

to day existence (getting things done, strolling from the parking garage to a store or office,

playing with a grandkid) may not be accounted for as exercise, as such, despite the fact that

means are collected. Self-reports frequently center around discrete exercises, for example, going

for a run or working out at a rec center. Target estimation of physical movement can record

action that might be missed in a poll or self-report. This might be particularly applicable for

more seasoned grown-ups who are less inclined to go to a rec center all the time. In this way,

there is an expanded enthusiasm for utilizing target movement screens. The expense, in any case,

might be a hindrance. For instance, an ACTi-graph GT3X—one of the most generally utilized

instruments in physical movement inquiries about—costs about $250. Most financially

accessible wearable fitness applications(e.g., Fitbit, Jawbone, Garmin) are more affordable, in

the $100 territory, and are more easy to use than the gadgets structured exclusively for inquire

about purposes (López & García 2016).

In addition, fitness applications regularly give data about movement levels and objective

advancement to the individual wearing the gadget. This gives potential persuasive advantages

over the more costly research models, which normally don't show data to the client. Despite the

fact that specialists are progressively utilizing purchaser fitness trackers, there are a few

disadvantages. One significant issue with fitness applications as opposed to Actigraphy is that

the calculations that change crude information into important data are frequently not openly

accessible. Hence, it isn't clear how information were designed, making it hard to contrast results

crosswise over investigations or with change dependent on attributes of the members. In reality,
contemplates have discovered that shopper fitness application shave more prominent estimation

mistakes for more established grown-ups with medical issues or moderate strolling rates and a

portion of the various outcomes could likewise be because of varieties in calculations crosswise

over instruments. There is additionally banter over the best areas for position on the body, with

certain regions more precise than others, and prescribed situations may change with age (Zhang

2016).

2.3. Strategies to Improve Fitness Technology for Inactive, Vulnerable

Population

Taken together, results for different conduct change methodologies recommend that

hypothetically inferred conduct change strategies are viable for improving physical action and

wellbeing. Numerous fruitful physical action intercessions incorporate more than one conduct

change procedure at the same time, and their positive outcomes recommend that a blend of these

conduct change systems is likely best. It is empowering that fitness innovation regularly

incorporates conduct systems; in any case, it is vague which of these techniques individuals are

really utilizing. Advancing ordinary and proceeded with utilization of these procedures would

almost certainly prompt more prominent changes in movement, particularly for the individuals

who are as of now inert. Conduct change mediations, fitness trackers, and cell phone applications

can consolidate different techniques, for example, boundary distinguishing proof and activity

intending to persuade people to build action levels. Cell phone applications are more averse to

incorporate conduct change systems contrasted with trackers, particularly when they are

reasonable or at no expense. It is significant for tracker or application engineers to guarantee that

the projects that go with these fitness applications are gotten from proof based procedures that

evoke conduct change. While the primary focal point of fitness innovation is regularly on
evolving practices, consideration ought to likewise be paid to changing contemplations about

one's capacity to work out (Maguire 2018).

3. Research Discussions

The research is focused on the performance of the US based fitness industries. The fitness

industry include the fitness clubs, sports clubs, riding clubs, gyms, swimming pools and other

clubs related to health and fitness (Maguire, J.S. 2018). The question of the future of this fitness

industry is always a tricky one. With the advancements in the technologies, the mobile phone is

taking the place of different gadgets. Similarly, in the case of fitness industries, the mobile phone

applications is also increasing. The research discussions will be focused on the SWOT analysis

of US fitness industry, the financial outcomes of fitness industry in the recent time and relating

the fitness application usage with the business outcome of the US fitness outcomes.

3.1. SWOT Analysis of US Fitness Industry

SWOT analysis is performed in order to observe the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and

threats faced by a particular industry and how can the industry capitalize over them in order to

succeed and become a profitable institute (Dodge, Y. 2003). In our case, we are performing the

SWOT analysis of fitness industry and will see whether, the increased usage of mobile fitness

applications lie within the opportunity, weakness or the threat section of US fitness industry.

Following are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the US fitness

industry:

i. Strengths

Top Class Facilities: The US fitness clubs provide top class facilities to the consumers as

compared to other countries. People within the States are quite satisfied with the facilities
provided by the fitness industry such as clubs, gyms, etc. (Maguire, J.S. 2018). Moreover, most

of the fitness brands are related to America which have partnered with various fitness facility

providers which have also increased the quality of facilities provided by these fitness clubs,

gyms, etc. (Kahn & Wansink 2014).

Capital: Most of the fitness clubs in the US are rich in infrastructure and are a source of

constant capital generation (Hutson 2013). The gyms, fitness clubs and sports clubs collectively

contribute a significant amount of money to the US capital which is another strength of the US

fitness industry (Maguire 2018).

Qualified Trainers: Most of the fitness clubs and gyms have hired qualified trainers in their

clubs. The qualified trainers attract a number of customers towards the gyms and clubs. The

fitness trainers can better understand the body needs of the customers and can guide them in a

better way as compared to a mobile application which is developed by keeping specific body

types in mind. (Kahn & Wansink 2014).

Celebrities: Hollywood is the biggest film industry of the world which is in the United States.

Celebrities of Hollywood have to keep their body in shape to perform in the movies and attract

the viewers towards this industry (Hentges 2014). Hollywood celebrities and celebrities from all

around the world are attracted towards US and are spending quite a lot of money in the US

fitness industry to keep their body in shape according to the movie rolls. This is also the strength

of US fitness industry.

ii. Weaknesses

Poor Financial Management: Some of the fitness clubs and gym are the victim of poor

financial management. They are not contributing much towards the economy despite of a great
 revenue. This is all due to the poor management of the revenue and funds. The management is a

weakness for some of the fitness clubs and can be a weakness for the US fitness industry (López

& García 2016).

Underestimation of Competition: The US fitness industry is somehow overconfident and

is ignoring the fact that other developed countries are also working for the betterment in the

fitness industries (Hentges 2014). Thus this can give them a tough competition and the

celebrities can be attracted towards improved means of fitness providing facilities.

Change of equipment: With the passage of time, the equipment is being constantly

changing and new trends are being introduced in the fitness industries (Zhang 2016). The US

fitness industry is although adopting the change of trend constantly but this can be a weakness

for the US fitness industry as it requires a lot of cash investment in changing the equipment

constantly.

iii. Opportunities

Growing Demand: The fitness freaks are increasing in the world and especially US due to

the impact of the social media applications and the mobile fitness applications (López & García

2016). US is on the top of the list when it comes to the obese people and the diseases related to

the obesity. But now trends are changing and people are looking to improve their lifestyle

(Hentges 2014). This trend is an opportunity for the fitness industry of the US.

Value-added Services: With the advancement in the technologies, the need of gym and

fitness clubs are also increasing. In this era, the fitness clubs and gyms providing only sports and

gymming facilities are not enough (López & García 2016). People demand the value-added

services such as diet expert advises, nutrition plan, cafes, etc. The US is at the top of the list in
the value-added services provided by the fitness centers which is another plus point for the US

fitness industry.

Mobile Fitness Applications: There are many mobile fitness applications which have

increased the awareness amongst the people for their fitness and health styles. Although the

mobile fitness application can somehow be a substitute for the personal trainer but for the

equipment, the consumers have to go to the gyms and fitness centers which are cheaper as

compared to buying own equipment (Zhang 2016). Also the mobile fitness applications

constantly give the gentle reminders to the users which motivates them to follow the fitness

routine. So mobile fitness applications are supposed to be taken as an opportunity by the US

fitness industry.

iv. Threats

Busy lifestyle of American People: The lifestyle of American citizens is quite busy and is

focused on gathering the financial resources and improving it (Hutson 2013). The people are less

focused towards their health and fitness (Zhang 2016). So the US fitness industry must take the

steps to improve the lifestyle of the people. The mobile fitness applications are already playing

their role.

Price: The prices of US fitness clubs and gyms are a bit higher as compared to the other parts of

the world due to the better infrastructure facilities and equipment (Zhang 2016). This can be a

threat to the US fitness industry as a lot of middle class people are distracted by the fitness

industries despite their liking towards it (López & García 2016).

So, the introduction of mobile fitness applications have been placed in the opportunity section of

the US fitness industry. The increased usage of applications has increased the revenue of the US

fitness industry which is discussed in the paper below.

3.2. Using Fitness Technology in Intervening Research

Fitness technology can possibly reform physical movement look into, enabling enormous scale

intercessions to be directed that assemble ongoing information about action levels, rest, and

nourishment over the globe. A significant thought in utilizing a fitness tracker in physical action

mediation is the way that it is right now indistinct in the case of giving somebody a gadget is an

intercession in itself (Zhang 2016). This could be risky in an intercession study in which both

mediation and control bunch both wear a fitness tracker. The benchmark group is likely as yet

utilizing the methodologies remembered for the gadget, for example, objective setting and

criticism, which makes it hard to decide if this is a genuine benchmark group. Further, such a

benchmark group may build their action more than if they were not wearing the tracker,

conceivably on the grounds that they realize they are being checked. Without a doubt, it may be

the case that giving somebody a fitness tracker is in itself a conduct mediation. It is additionally

conceivable that there could be a self-determination inclination for people who use or pursue an

examination that uses a fitness tracker, the people who need to be in physical action mediation

might be more dynamic and spurred than the all-inclusive community. In the event that the

objective is to enlist dormant people, there should be exacting prohibition criteria that consider

standard action levels.

One potential approach to use innovation in an ecological mediation originates from the

MapMyFitness App3. This application has made information open, which incorporates data

about clients, exercises, and courses that take into account investigation of progress in practice
practices after some time and geographic areas. With more than 20 million clients and 70 million

courses, it can feature zones with predominant walkability and territories where minimal

physical movement happens. As far as mediation inquire about, this information could be

utilized to set up gauge movement levels inside a particular area or look at basic exercises inside

a specific region (Zhang 2016). Further, data about clients inside a particular area, for example,

age, sexual orientation, and BMI can be evaluated. Such innovation enables specialists to figure

out which zones are generally dynamic or idle and inspect changes that happen after natural

mediations have occurred (Zhang 2016).

Fitness innovation may likewise be monetarily conservative for inquire about in light of the

sensible expense. Further, this innovation may give a precious mediation apparatus, since they

give data about objectives and self-observing of progress, while investigate grade screens, for

example, the Acti-graph don't. Self-checking of progress and objective accomplishment may

prompt increments in self-adequacy and feeling of control for work out, which could energize

long haul way of life changes. Fitness gadgets additionally make it conceivable to make and set

objective updates and encourage social mediations, for example, making rivalries as well as

groups. Fitness innovation can at the same time measure numerous wellbeing factors requiring

little to no effort, while enabling a member to screen changes in their very own conduct.

A portion of the downsides and restrictions of these gadgets incorporate the nonappearance of

openly accessible calculations, and reproducibility issues as gadgets and programming are

constantly developing. On the off chance that estimating physical movement with cell phone

applications, the brand of gadget ought to be considered as there might be estimation contrasts

between various sorts of cell phones. It must be clarified whether utilizing such a gadget is

mediation inside itself, or on the off chance that it is best when joined with different parts.
Indeed, even in view of these admonitions, fitness following innovation appears to be

particularly valuable for physical action investigate (López & García 2016).

3.3. Financial Analysis of US Fitness Market

US fitness market is one of the biggest fitness industry in the world (López & García 2016). The

total revenue generated by the fitness industry globally has a significant amount of share by the

US fitness market. The infrastructure provided by the US fitness clubs and gyms is one of the

finest in the world. Celebrities from all over the world and US itself are quite fond of the US

fitness facilities and services. The professionally educated trainers guide them well and

according to their body type and physique. According to the IBIS financial report of 2018, the

overall global revenue generated by fitness industry was about $90 billion out of which $27.8

billion was contributed by the US fitness industry. The revenue generated by the US fitness

industry was rising up at a rate of 3% annually but with the increased usage of mobile fitness

applications, this rate has creeped up to 4.5-5% annually. The revenue generated in 2018 is about

4.5-5% greater than the revenue generated by fitness industry of US in 2017.

The US fitness industry is greatly dependent on the gyms and personal trainers. The revenue

generated by these trainers was about $9.2 million according to the IBIS financial report. There

are about 599,992 individuals employed in the US personal fitness industry. These individuals

have to perform different tasks including the personal training services, nutritionists, equipment

maintainers, etc. The Association of Fitness Studios reported that about 6.5 million Americans

have hired the personal trainers last year. This all has come after the reported increased number

of personal fitness applications downloaded. An estimate of about 30 billion fitness apps were

downloaded in the last year out of total 194 billion applications downloaded. U.S Bureau of

Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated an increase of about 24% in the employment rate in the US
fitness industry during the tenure of last year. The rate of increase in the revenue has also gone

up to 5% from 3% which are quite astonishing figures as far as US fitness industry is concerned.

If the market kept growing at the same rate, the US fitness industry is estimated to reach about

$40 billion dollars till 2023.

Similarly if we talk about the gym industry of US, it is also growing as compared to the previous

statistics. The gym membership rate has grown by 18.2% as compared to the statistics of 2014.

Following table shows the no. of gyms and clubs as well as the memberships from 2014-2019

according to the International Health, Racquet & Sports club Association (IHRSA):

TableNo.1: No. of gyms and memberships in last 5 years

Years No. of Gyms Membership

2014 30,500 59.75 million
2015 32,150 60.86 million
2016 34,460 62.87 million
2017 36,180 66.48 million
2018 36,540 69.3 million

If the growth rate is kept to be the same, then the no. of gyms are supposed to be increased up to

49,725 till the year 2023 and the number of memberships will increase up to 80 million till the

year 2023. These facts and figures can vary and will vary as the advancement of technology in

the following years has always increased the revenue and number of memberships as it can be

seen in the above table.

 Figure2: A bar chart showing the increase in the membership of US health clubs

The US fitness industry as an overall is also progressing a lot and is contributing its part in the

total revenue generated by the fitness industry globally (López, & García 2016). The revenue has

been increasing and still increasing after the introduction of various mobile fitness applications.

The reason is that the usage of equipment in gym is quite cheaper as compared to buying of

machines and equipment. Moreover, the fitness apps are more focused on particular body types

and the techniques applied in the mobile applications cannot be taken as a universal. Following

table shows the increase in the total revenue generated by the US fitness industry in last 5 years

according to the report issued by International Health, Racquet & Sports club Association

(IHRSA):

TableNo.2: Total revenue generated by US fitness industry in last 5 years

Years Revenue
2015 $26.6 billion
2016 $27.15 billion
2017 $27.83 billion
2018 $28.8 billion
 2019 $29.75 billion

From the above table, we can see that the revenue generated by the US fitness industry in the

years after the introduction of mobile applications has increased considerably as compared to the

previous years. If the revenue is continued to be increased at the same rate, then it is estimated

that this will reach at about $31.53 billion till the year 2021 which is quite a significant amount

of revenue. Hence, the US fitness industry is progressing and we can see the increase in the total

generated revenue even after the introduction of these new mobile fitness applications.

3.4. Making Fitness Technology Accessible

Urging latent populaces to expand their physical action is a significant general wellbeing

thought. On the off chance that fitness following innovation can possibly energize long haul

increments in physical action, making it promptly accessible is a significant objective. This is

particularly valid for the individuals who don't have budgetary assets to purchase a tracker, or

don't claim a cell phone that is fit for downloading a fitness application (Hutson 2013). There are

some suitable choices for giving fitness applications to huge, differing gatherings of individuals

all through the nation. For example, numerous organizations have begun giving fitness

applications to their workers for nothing or at a marked down cost. The social parts accessible in

these gadgets can possibly cultivate a more noteworthy feeling of collaboration inside the work

environment. This might be particularly pertinent for low-SES people or more seasoned grown-

ups who are in the workforce. In one investigation, fitness applications expanded profitability

and diminished the measure of days off taken, recommending the ground-breaking potential

whenever embraced by more organizations. Fitness applications can possibly improve the

prosperity of representatives, while likewise being valuable in expanding profitability and work
environment joy, which is advantageous for the two workers and bosses. Following is a graph

showing a comparison between the application usage in 2014 and 2015.

Figure3: Comparison of application download and usage

The graph shows that there was an increase of about 52% in the download and usage of the

health fitness applications.

Another conceivable answer for making fitness applications all the more promptly accessible

could be in social insurance settings. Late reports propose that numerous specialists are presently

endorsing activity to their patients with ceaseless wellbeing conditions, for example, diabetes,

hypertension, or cardiovascular infection (Hentges 2014). Fitness applications can be a fruitful

segment in social insurance mediation, expanding physical action while diminishing circulatory

strain and BMI. In the event that fitness applications were secured by means of medical

coverage, it could support the two specialists and patients track everyday exercise, alongside

different measurements like eating routine, pulse, or rest. Such projects might have the option to
associate specialists to patients in manners that were not already conceivable. This sort of day by

day checking may likewise give the possibility to customize social insurance following and

suggestions (Hutson 2013). This might be especially useful for a more established grown-up

populace, for whom doctors appear to assume a key job in the commencement and support of

sound practices, for example, low fat eating routine and physical movement. Low-SES people

appear to put a comparative load on doctor suggestions, as a medicine for practice from a doctor

is frequently referred to as a facilitator of physical action. While it might appear to be an

exorbitant speculation to give these screens to enormous quantities of individuals, it might be a

venture that spares billions of dollars in social insurance costs every year. The CDC gauges that

physical idleness is related with roughly $117 billion dollars for each year in human services

costs. Health care coverage organizations might subsidize these gadgets as a type of deterrent

drug, much like they frequently give a stipend to a rec center enrollment (Hentges 2014).

4. Summary and Future Directions

The significance of ordinary physical movement is very much recorded and all around exposed.

There is a distinction, be that as it may, as just a little level of grown-ups take part in the

prescribed sum. This is especially so for more seasoned grown-ups and those from low-SES

foundations. A key inquiry is the manner by which to change practices to increment and support

physical action, particularly for the individuals who are stationary. The utilization of innovation,

including fitness applications and cell phone applications, show a lot of guarantee for estimating

and empowering physical action. Furthermore, when these gadgets are joined with social

procedures, they show more noteworthy advantages (Hentges 2014). While look into has started

to answer a portion of the significant inquiries regarding how fitness innovation can increment

physical movement, significant holes in the writing remain.

Research underpins the handiness of movement trackers for estimating steps, while different

measurements, for example, EE may not be as precise. There are still a few irregularities in

evaluations of physical movement and rest over 24 h, proposing that upgrades are as yet

required. The best arrangement for wearing these gadgets, i.e., regardless of whether screens are

progressively exact when worn on the wrist or the abdomen is likewise not settled. While explore

will in general support the exactness of the hip position, buyers appear to incline toward the

wrist-worn screens. There is additionally some vulnerability staying with respect to exactness as

strolling speed diminishes. These estimation mistakes might be most significant when thinking

about action in more established grown-ups. As the calculations utilized by these gadgets are not

openly accessible, it is hazy whether they consider as progressively modern research gadgets do.

Future application and fitness innovation engineers should take care in guaranteeing the

exactness of their calculations with various populaces (Maguire 2018). Other unanswered

inquiries incorporate whether steps are the most helpful measurement for estimating and

persuading movement. More research is expected to inspect approaches to spur idle people to be

progressively dynamic, to decide if fitness innovation prompts enduring changes in conduct, and

why individuals quit utilizing this innovation. We analyze the ramifications of these inquiries

and give a few recommendations to how these inquiries can be replied with future research

(Dodge 2003).

Future work ought to guarantee that fitness innovation keeps on including hypothetically inferred

conduct change methods that are valuable for their planned populace. Systems, for example,

objective setting, self-checking, input, rewards, social help, and training appear to be particularly

useful in expanding action and sound practices. We suggest including different techniques, for

example, recognizing hindrances, rebuilding negative demeanors, activity arranging, and

adjusting natural variables to rouse dormant populaces who may not know how, when, where,

and with whom to begin expanding their action levels. Despite the sort of mediation, an exertion

ought to be made to address the specific obstructions that keep inert individuals, particularly

more established grown-ups and low-SES populaces, from participating in standard physical

action. While there are numerous inquiries that remain replied, the general wellbeing

ramifications of utilizing fitness innovation to advance conduct change is very encouraging

(Hentges 2014).

5. Conclusion

So, from the above research it is evident that the usage of mobile fitness applications increased in

the years from 2014-2019. Similarly, if we compare the US fitness industry statistics, the overall

revenue of fitness industry also increased as well as the rate of employment in the US fitness

industry has increased by a considerable margin. The research hypothesis also suggested that the

usage of mobile fitness applications has motivated people to join the fitness clubs and hire

personal trainers. There is always a discussion that mobile fitness applications serve as a

personal trainer and the need of trainers is diminishing but the statistics show the opposite of it.

So, our research hypothesis was correct and the research assumptions were also taken to be

correct. And the US fitness industry has been benefited by these fitness applications and their

business has increased.

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