From high-tech gadgets to digital exercise classes, technology continues to change the way we work out.
Tonal is an all-in-one fitness system that uses machine-learning to curate a personalized workout.
Whether you’re at home or visiting the gym, technology plays a crucial role in modern-day fitness. Fitness studios and gyms across the world have embraced technology — like virtual reality or integrated LED lighting — to create innovative, immersive workouts.
As the fitness industry continues to adapt, the home workout evolves even more rapidly. With virtual kickboxing classes, adjustable dumbbells, or comprehensive fitness apps, there are thousands of ways to work out from the comfort of your own home. “Technology has allowed the convenience of an at-home workout,” says Chris Stadler, CMO of Tonal. “At-home fitness equipment gives people a lot of time back, and time is increasingly our top commodity.”
While technology may decrease the need for face-to-face contact with a trainer, it offers a level of unmatched personalization. Technology can curate your fitness plan, track your form as you run, and adjust your weights digitally as you work out. “At-home fitness technology has evolved to meet consumers where they are and on their own terms,” says Amanda Murdock, director of fitness at Daily Burn. “Working out from home allows people a new level of convenience and customization when it comes to meeting their fitness goals.”
Live-Streaming Fitness
Digital workout videos — particularly live-streaming fitness classes — are a great alternative to guided, group fitness instruction. Working out alongside a
personal trainer in real time adds a level of personalization and comfort to a workout. Programs like Daily Burn make it easy to get the workout you want when you want. “At home, you can find any type of workouts that work best with your schedule and at your specific level,” says Murdock. There are many ways to stay active — whether it’s with Pilates, yoga, or high-intensity interval training. “Streaming and on-demand fitness programs like Daily Burn allow more people to begin their fitness journeys without a sometimes-pricey gym membership or access to boutique fitness classes.”
Total-Body Workout Machines
High-end technology allows for a superior workout with much less equipment. An innovative, compact device can remove the need for a room of exercise machines or a basement filled with big, bulky weights. Tonal uses digital weights that can be adjusted easily by a single pound — making for a more precise workout. Smaller than a flatscreen TV, the device makes thousands of calculations a second to deliver up to 200 pounds of electromagnetic resistance. “Tonal will know you better than any personal trainer would at a fraction of the price,” says Stadler. “We’ve seen Tonal completely change people’s lives and their fitness routine. It takes all the guesswork out of strength training.”
If cardio is more your speed, there is Peloton — another well-known, high-tech, total-body exercise machine. Whether you prefer the Peloton Bike or the Peloton Tread, the built-in touch screen and sound bar will make it easy to immerse yourself in the live-streaming workouts.
A subscription with Daily Burn offers digital workout classes and live-streaming fitness.
Fitness Apps
Modern-day technology has led to the creation of countless fitness and health apps, making it easier to work out from home. “Gym time can be hard to find, but more often there is time for a quick workout at home,” says Lisette Fabian, co-CEO of 8fit — a holistic health app that offers a number of fitness plans. A quick self-assessment on 8fit will help to match the user with a fitness plan, and interactive elements help to further predict your preferences and needs. “Apps like 8fit are providing a very personalized experience, so that the user gets the best results possible,” says Fabian. The app curates fitness plans that consist of 6 workouts — from yoga to boxing — within a 2-week period. Users also have access to healthy meal plans, as well as self-care guidance, stretching exercises, and sleep meditation.
Virtual Reality
High-tech fitness, like the power of virtual reality, is a great way to create an immersive, full-body workout for those who bore easily while exercising. The world’s first virtual reality gym, Black Box VR pairs virtual reality technology with resistance training, gaming principles, and high-intensity cardio to redefine your workout. Step into a Black Box room with a customized headset, where your fictional reality will come alive. “We are big believers in pairing the immersive power of virtual reality technologies with modern exercise science principles to help people stick to their fitness goals and ultimately level up their lives,” says Preston Lewis, CCO and co-founder Black Box VR — which has its first boutique gyms in San Francisco with plans to expand. “Innovations in the technology will also drive prices down, allowing Black Box technology to be accessible from the comfort of your own home,” says Lewis regarding the future of Black Box VR.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers and watches have made it easier to work out on your own without the help of a trainer. Whether you’re biking, running, or swimming, devices like Moov Now can track your form, offer encouragement and suggest improvements.
High-tech equipment like the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells make it easier to workout at home.
Adjustable Dumbbells
Whether you don’t have the space to store a full set of weights or you simply love the ease of high-tech fitness, it may be time to invest in adjustable dumbbells. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells will replace 15 sets of weights; technology allows the dumbbells to easily adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds. Users can quickly modify their resistance and gradually increase strength while using the app. “Right now, adding structure is more important than ever — especially when it comes to staying active,” says Tom Holland, Bowflex fitness advisor. “It’s vital for your well-being to establish healthy habits now, which is where technology steps in to support.”
Whether it’s reducing stress or improving concentration, eating outdoors has proven to have many health-related benefits.
Photo courtesy of DooArchitecture
Private terraces with al fresco eating spaces not only offer a unique setting for entertaining and barbecuing, but also a relaxing, peaceful environment. Dilip Barot, founder and CEO of Creative Choice Group — the developers behind Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences, understands the importance of designing a development with outdoor space in mind.
“Some of the benefits (of spending time outdoors) are improvement in the ability to focus, mood elevation and you get to exercise more,” he explains. “Being out of doors can help one return to a natural state of balance with a simple deep breath of fresh air to feel a sense of renewal.”
While enjoying a meal outdoors can provide a natural mood boost, it can also fight chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Barot also notes that spending time outdoors can lower the risk for seasonal affective disorder, which is attributed to a lack of sunlight creating feelings of sadness and depression.
“Amrit’s location and year-round warm, sunny climate contribute to a natural stress reducing mood enhancing experience,” he says. “With our South Florida sunshine producing melatonin, serotonin and Vitamin D in the body, stress is reduced and happiness naturally shines through.”
Keeping this information in mind, many developments are beginning to embrace outdoor dining. Here are just a few from the Sunshine State:
Photo courtesy of Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences
Located on the exclusive shores of Surprise Lake, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach offers a unique outdoor space with vast terraces and balconies to enjoy the outdoors at home. This waterfront property has a rooftop pool deck with spacious cabanas and poolside grille, lush meditation garden and deeded boat slips on a private waterway. This peaceful oasis also has a spa and state-of-the-art fitness center to enhance day-to-day living.
Photo courtesy of Prive at Island Estates
In Oceana Bal Harbour’s penthouse, the wrap-around terrace and rooftop deck boasts 9,950-square-feet of outdoor living space, including an elevated pool and sunset deck, a heated infinity pool, a summer kitchen and an elaborate dining area. The entire pool area is adorned with lush vertical gardens designed by famed landscape architect, Enzo Enea. Every one of Oceana Bal Harbour’s spacious homes and terraces are designed to offer al fresco dining experiences and breathtaking views; whether it’s the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Biscayne Bay and the Bal Harbour marina to the west, or Miami’s intoxicating city skyline to the south.
Photo courtesy of Brickell City Centre
Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences will introduce a new way of mindful living in Palm Beach, Florida with its enhanced lifestyle experiences and customized programs that will be focused around the “Five Pillars of Wellness,” which are nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, sleep and relaxation.
Upon entering the grounds through a private ramp, guests and residents will be brought to an elevated level where they will find a captivating water wall and seven acres of beautiful terrain.
With countless features, the property will be comprised of two towers, each offering indoor and outdoor living with modern cabinetry, state-of-the-art appliances, designer fixtures and large sliding glass doors that open to covered terraces with spectacular water views.
Photo courtesy of DooArchitecture
Prive at Island Estates feature expansive terraces ranging from 760 square-feet to 1,800 square-feet in size with outdoor summer kitchens and elaborate views of the azure intracoastal, Sunny Isles’ dotted skyline and beyond. Its penthouse terraces also include rooftop infinity pools, dining greenery spaces and full outdoor summer kitchens.
Photo courtesy of Ocean Bal Harbour
RISE, one of the two sleek, 43-story premier luxury condominium tower that sits atop of Brickell City Centre, allows residents to enjoy the fresh outdoors and tropical Miami weather with an expansive half-acre amenity deck including tropical gardens, barbecue grills, heated lap and social pools, outdoor fitness areas and children’s play area.