The Future of Fitness

Yesterday, I went for a bike ride around Lake Lungern in Switzerland, pictured above. Over 4,000 miles away, with the Atlantic Ocean in between, I was able to ride through one of the most beautiful towns in the world.  How?  Thanks to the incredible innovation from companies like Peloton, NordicTrack, and iFit.

What was once an ordinary stationary bike or treadmill, trapped in a corner of a gym or stuck in a poorly ventilated basement, has been transformed into a limitless portal.  A ride of 9.36 miles for 41-minutes.  What should have been a debilitating iteration of iFit's "Around the World Challenge", the ride with trainer Ashley Paulson was a breeze.  In fact, it didn't feel like a workout at all.

Instead, it felt like I was transferred in to a daydream, a fairytale.  Passing through the lush green grass and classical Swiss chalet farmhouses, entering the historical town of Lungren, circumnavigating the pristine turquoise-cyan lake, all nestled within the high valley of the Western-Alps.  However, as intoxicating of an experience it was, it only left me wanting more. What if instead of a screen, we had a fused augmented-virtual reality system that actually put us in the environment we were working out in? Allowing us to invest in our health and wellbeing in a cost-effective, relaxing, and most importantly safe way.  

Now, I can ride or go for a run outside. But even though I can, I am limited by my surroundings and car-dependent suburb environment.  Limited to ~3-5 nearby "wilderness" or non-urban environments.  If I wanted to run, I would be limited to my immediate surroundings or the same non-urban environments if I wanted to have a more natural workout. Thanks to NordicTrack, I can ride anywhere in the world.  One of the great things about my NordicTrack bike is that I can ride through the tallest mountain ranges in the world or down the city streets of Boston. Typically, those two very different environments would require two different bikes. Instead, I get one stationary bike that adapts to the incline and resistance desired. So while the initial cost of a NordicTrack or Peloton at ~$2,000 is indeed expensive, the cost of different bikes, tires, protective gear, and other unrealized costs will add up. Furthermore, there are plenty of people that can't workout outside.

Cycling in the United States is a near death sentence thanks to America's love-affair with SUVs.  Seen here in this article by David Zipper from Slate, the all-time high and continuously progressing cyclists and pedestrian deaths are directly correlated with the rise of SUV ownership starting ~20-years ago.

Unfortunately, there is another safety issue that men rarely have to ponder.  Violence against women.  The horrific murder of Eliza Fletcher that paralyzed the city of Memphis and sent shockwaves across the country.  A 34-year old mother of two decided to go for a morning run that ultimately led to her death.  Kidnapped, beaten, and murdered.  A tale that may seem isolated, but is one that terrorizes women no matter the circumstance or location. While awful things can still happen in one’s own home, working out in their own environments can allow individuals to have a greater sense of self control.

Peloton, iFit, and NordicTrack have made great strides, but I pray the rapid transformation does not slow down. As intoxicating and immersive as my NordicTrack bike is, it is still just a screen.  As noted earlier, I am yearning for a future of fitness with a fused augmented and virtual reality landscape.  Instead of a screen, you have a bike/treadmill and some sort of glasses.  Not a bulky virtual reality headset that completely negates your spacial awareness.  Now, I’m not apart of R&D for these billion dollar companies, so my ideas, thankfully don’t have to be well thought out. I’m sure there are issues such as data processing speeds, download speeds, other technical issues, and total costs. As I said before, I’m not in R&D, I’m just a daydreamer.

What if, as I was riding through the classical Swiss town of Lungren, I could turn my head to the right to inspect the local livestock.  Or turn my head to left as I was circling Lake Lungren to admire the native birds passing over the water.  Think of the possibilities of being able to run through the Serengeti. Alongside a great migration of gazelles and passing by a pride of lions basking in the sun. A life-changing experience that you could never do before.

Some might say a miniscule, or even unnecessary step forward. I say it’s the evident future of fitness evolution. Being able to workout “outdoors”, regardless of your immediate physical or weather environment year-round. It’s raining outside? Put on the glasses, hop on the treadmill, and run along the Moroccan coast. Do you love the sound and sight of rain but don’t want to get cold or wet? Hop on the bike, put on the glasses, and you’re cruising along the rainy Oregon cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

We have seen how the Peloton cult has spread through the fitness world. Imagine if Nike’s new Nike Run Club allowed you to go for a run alongside your friends through the Andes Mountains. Instead of being a fitness social media app, it’s a lifestyle app. You are actually experiencing the world with anyone you’d wish to. As opposed to sharing and tracking data with your followers and friends. Important to note that those responsible for the development and implementation of Nike Run Club would strongly disagree with my characterization of the app.

These future developments could lead to a massive upheaval in the fitness and lifestyle industry landscape. A company that caters to each individuals specific workout routines AND environments. Unlocking the spirit of the athlete.