The Digital Health market in Southeast Asia is on target to grow substantially in the coming years, starting with USD 6.07 billion in 2024 and reaching USD 8.44 billion by 2028. Its largest segment looks set to be Digital Fitness and Wellbeing, with an expected total revenue of USD 2.76 billion in 2024. This surge is primarily due to how innovative fitness technology is revolutionising the sector, introducing a different way to get healthy and fit.
Physical activity is a cornerstone of good health, and it improves immunity, muscle strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility, and fitness levels. An exciting aspect of fitness technology is the incorporation of gamification in training tools and apps. This feature keeps users engaged, allows for the tracking of fitness data and enhances interactivity with device interfaces.
The fitness tech industry is not without its challenges. Privacy concerns, device failures, cybercrime, unpredictable internet infrastructure, and extensive personal data collection are some hurdles it faces. Additionally, some companies share data with third parties without customer consent. Lastly, the sector's funding could be improved to support innovative startups in the health ecosystem.
Below are five fitness technologies that are shaping and influencing Indonesia's approach to a healthy lifestyle:
Wearable fitness trackers and other accessorised wearables
Smart wearables include smartwatches and fitness trackers from companies like Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit. These devices are internet-capable, have sensors, and connect to apps and other smart products. They can provide real-time information on sleep quality, exercises, heart rates, stress, and more.
People increasingly adopt wearable tech due to industry-related advancements, disposable income, and increased health awareness. Furthermore, the devices have become more affordable and offer an opportunity to express fashion tastes by picking different designs and colours.
Virtual fitness classes
The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic opened up a new avenue for the fitness industry to help users reach their health and body goals. Virtual classes enable trainers to connect with exercise enthusiasts and provide quality guidance on getting fit and using the proper techniques to avoid injury.
Customers can enjoy these services in the safety and comfort of their homes and, thanks to virtual reality (VR) hardware, still participate in immersive training sessions.
Smart gym equipment
Gyms are also joining the digital transformation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by stocking smart equipment. These devices have built-in displays, internet connectivity, and on-demand classes that give trainees easy-to-follow exercise sessions.
They can also store data on training, helping track what exercises users need to do on different days to achieve their goals.
Mobile fitness apps with social integration
Smartphone fitness apps enable users to access training videos, coaching, online exercise platforms, and on-demand workout content and resources. Mobile applications also have social integration tools to connect to social sites like Facebook, Instagram, and others to share content with friends, family, and larger fitness audiences.
Telefitness tools connect coaches with students for personalised guidance and convenient training at home. Gamification works well on mobile apps as users can compete with other social media users to reach fitness milestones.
AI-powered fitness trainers
Artificial intelligence (AI) allows for personalised workout sessions, nutritional and diet planning, and food or goal tracking. While AI-powered fitness apps and tools may not be as affordable as other technologies, tech advancements are making them more accessible and lowering costs.
Data collection enables performance tracking, heart rate checks, exercise reviews, and sleep monitoring to generate fitness reports. These AI-powered analytics can help coaches and trainees make data-driven decisions about improving or meeting their goals.
Outlook for Southeast Asia's health and fitness landscape
Advancements in digital health technology in ASEAN mean the products will be more affordable in the future and efficient in helping trainees succeed. Residents in the region are seeking healthier solutions for their lifestyles since the COVID-19 pandemic prevented gym visits or created a need for convenient exercise options at home.
Manufacturers and retailers need to move toward selling eco-friendly fitness tech. They should use sustainable raw materials, design processes, and energy. They should also use product packaging that does not harm the environment. Moreover, exercise experts can encourage fitness enthusiasts to do more activities outdoors.
Health stakeholders can collaborate with the government to address data and privacy concerns and set up robust systems and platforms to prevent cybercrime. More internet infrastructure improvements should bring 5G technology accessibility to the countries of Southeast Asia.
Additionally, regional governments must ensure policies address personal data collection and third-party sharing. Leaders can also set aside adequate funds and encourage investment companies to fund the fitness technology sector. Spending on health solutions will create a healthier population and lower hospital visits and treatment costs.
The growth of the health industry and the use of personal fitness devices will improve wellness in the entire region in the long term.
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