Wearables: Personal Data & Sharing

Since writing the first 2 articles of this series, the GDPR has come into force in Europe. Most people have seen this as a hassle; being asked to opt back into a plethora of email newsletters. But there is a wider effect in terms of storing and sharing personal data.

To get tangible rewards for exercising, you need to store your data somewhere, and you can (and should) get more rewards for sharing your results with your friends. After all, you’re helping to motivate them to exercise too (or use the same app or wearable). But at the same time, there’s a question about how the data is used, from selling you a new pair of running shoes, to reducing your health insurance premium.

Tim Berners-Lee says we need to take back control of our data. Sure, it needs to be stored somewhere, but we, the user should be able to define exactly who our data is shared with, and how it is used.

Wearables: Data, Devices and Clubs

Wearables have been around long enough now for us to dispel the myths that they will replace gyms, supersede personal trainers, or kill the health club industry.

Like budget clubs, they might provide a route into fitness for some people, who then move onto ‘harder drugs’, i.e. a gym membership. For athletes and experienced exercisers, they add another layer of measurement, or the chance to level up what they’re already doing.

From a club operator point of view, the plethora of wearables and fitness apps is a minefield.

Wearables: Devices & Motivation

In terms of motivation for exercise and all-round wellness, the Fitbit is a great wearable device. You need to bear in mind that my personal exercise motivation was already good; I run 2-3 times (averaging around 15km) per week, I also go to a Pilates class and do a Taekwondo session once a week, swim and play golf 2-3 or times per month, and am generally very active, preferring to walk or cycle to get around where possible and practical. 

However, the Fitbit has given me another boost in terms of measuring my activity and motivating me to do a little more. Targets, reminders, warm-up, workout and chillout functions all add to the overall wellness experience.

Retention Conference announces 2018 date & speaker line up

GGFit has announced the launch of RRR – a dedicated Retention Conference focused on providing operators and gym owners with data insight and expert advice focused on improving member retention rates.

The event will take place at the Oxfordshire, a prestigious golf, hotel and spa venue, conveniently located just off Junction 7 of the M40, on Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

With a packed programme of expert speakers, opportunities to share best practice and a full complement of food and refreshments, the event is a must for anybody keen to retain members for longer and positively influence profit margins.

Speakers already confirmed are Alina Cooper, MD and Co-Founder, FitLinks, Paul Roberts, Founder of MyCustomerLens, plus Adam Whitchurch, CEO of Customer Clever. Event Founder and Director of data specialist company, GGFit, Guy Griffiths, will compère the day and will also share valuable insight and examples of best practice from his extensive work within the sector, working closely with operators on the ground, influencing retention rates.

Commenting on the event, Guy Griffiths, says: “This Conference is the product of our previously successful biannual Sales & Retention Convention.

“Retention remains a challenge for the sector with the industry reporting an average length of stay of 10.9 months (according to GGFit & the DataHub). We want to help operators to get their members to stick around longer.

“With a particular focus on the utilisation of new technologies and techniques, this conference will provide operators and gym owners with a wealth of data insight and practical solutions which can be easily applied with immediate effect to keep members engaged for longer. We have scheduled a mix of seminar sessions, workshops and networking opportunities to ensure attendees leave with a clear idea of how they can apply what they have learnt to their own business.”

RRR – Retention, Retention, Retention early bird tickets are available now, with discounts available for ukactive members. A free to access webinar series is also planned in the lead up to the event. More details about these can be found at ggfit.com/events

To enquire about the event or to book your tickets, visit ggfit.com/rrr. Preferential rates have been agreed with the venue for those who wish to incorporate an overnight stay on October 8.