Using Technologies Old And New For Fitness

New advancements in technologies spell for great innovation and productivity ahead. SgFitFam’s very own founder, Gina Chan, has been advocating that the adoption of digitalisation is as vital as is beneficial.

Newspaper article on SMEs in Singapore going digital, featuring Gina Chan from SgFitFam - The Business Times

There are technologies easily available to digitalise information be it for personal or professional use. Here are 3 interesting applications that we would like to share with you to assist you in your fitness goals.

1. Fitbod (gym)

User-friendly exercise replacement finder, muscle-recovery calculator, record sheet of exercises, weight lifted programs, large exercise library, targeted training.

If you are an avid gym-goer, you will find this app useful to plan and track exercises. Fitbod is an excellent exercise replacement finder and muscle-recovery calculator. You are able to track your workouts over the course of the week to determine an estimation of how well your body is ready to train again. Do keep in mind that it is just an estimation and does not take into account other variables of recovery. However, it is still a good tool to utilise if you have trouble remembering when and what you did during your last workout or if you want to optimise your training routine.

It can also exclude injured body parts in your workout (e.g. knee or shoulder) if you are unable to do certain lifts for whatever reason. This is fantastic if you have existing injuries or conditions that prevent you from moving certain body parts or doing certain exercises. It has a large exercise library to provide you with alternatives to ensure that you are possessing ways to remain active despite certain limitations!

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For example, if you do not wish to do chest dumbbell presses for whatever reason (Screenshot 1), swiping to the left of that exercise will reveal a ‘replace’ function (Screenshot 2). Clicking on it will display a full list of similar exercises that you can do instead (Screenshot 3).

It is very useful for training logs as I have personally used the application for nearly a year and the app allows me to review my previous workouts from months ago smoothly without crashing.

Lastly, due to its targeted training implementation, it has fully-formed programs for times when you do not want to plan your own workout and just want an exercise routine to simply follow. I would say, for a few dollars every month, this is one of the best fitness applications available at the moment.

Download (USD $59.99/year or USD $9.99/month)

2. Exer AI

Form checker, rep counter, movement analysis, social connections with a community and coach.

Exer AI enhances physiotherapy and personal training to a whole new level. The application utilises artificial intelligence and machine learning to study biomechanics and kinesiology to perfection. It then analyses joint angles and exercise techniques in accordance with your own form whilst exercising through your front camera. A voice-activated digital coach will speak to you in real-time to inform you about your human errors!

Great for both beginners and advanced athletes as even the best falter sometimes under fatigue. It is fully customisable to each individual’s body leverages, shape and size, and is able to count your repetitions as you perform them! The app also goes hand-in-hand with social factors as it syncs your workouts with the online community using the app, allows for feedback and tracking for your real-life coaches!

However, it currently only has one version out for plank exercises but there are plans to have a more comprehensive app that will hopefully encompass over hundreds of exercises in the near future.

Currently only available on the App Store (Free To Download)

3. 18Birdies (Golfers)

Swing analysis, feedback, video log, performance report.

A must for golfers! The app works by placing lines onto joints and is able to differentiate your face from other body parts. As all golfers know, a steady spine angle makes for a very powerful swing and output. Taking this concept into mind, the app tries to align your body to be as solid as such. If there are big discrepancies between the intended vs actual swing, it will be able to detect and inform you of what you should improve upon for a better swing.

This looks at your base of support, the tempo of swing, hip hinge and rotation as it condenses all of these important techniques to give you an objective rating out of 10. It is able to break down your entire swing phase into segments so that you will know what to improve upon. One of the best golf apps I have ever come across with accountability to the very second detail of the swing phase. All you would need is a phone and a tripod stand to set this up.

Available on both the App Store & Google Play (Free To Download)

Technology is moving at an exciting and rapid speed. Using data science and machine learning creates artificial intelligence that can complement every industry and each profession and with my demonstration on the fitness world, it is definitely a fine time to consider the embrace. At SgFitFam, we have been offering online personal coaching services and virtual corporate health programs since April 2020 for over 2000 clients and counting. Our services can be easily accessible at a simple click of a button to connect you with our trainers and instructors in real-time.

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This article is written and contributed to SgFitFam by freelance writer, Niklaus Quek. He is currently a student physiotherapist, ACE Personal trainer (2016), HFE Pilates instructor (2020), and SWF Olympic Weightlifting Coach Level 1 (2014).

Edited by the SgFitFam Team.