The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term encompassing everything connected to the internet, but increasingly defines objects that connect. Essentially, an IoT device is any device with an "on/off switch" that connects to the internet, or to another device that uses the internet. Examples include smart phones, smart light bulbs, kitchen appliances, security cameras, wearable devices, industrial manufacturing robots, cars, navigation systems, GPS trackers, and so much more. A February 2020 report found there are 30 billion connected IoT devices on the planet, which is projected to double over the next five years.
Some examples of fitness industry IoT devices include wearable devices, internet-connected cardio machines, and even virtual reality headsets. According to a Statista report, the number of connected wearable devices increased from 326 million in 2016 to 722 million in 2019. The development and mass production of such devices has changed where and how people get exercise with devices that allow people to get a "gym-like" workout from the comfort of their home and innovative methods that make physical activity fun and engaging.
Wearable Devices
Modern wearable devices were first introduced in 1965, the Manpo-kei pedometer which translates to "10,000 steps meter" along with research that stated 10,000 steps per day along with the proper caloric intake, was the key to maintain a healthy body. In the 1980s, Polar watches introduced the wireless heart rate monitor. Today, wearable devices can track much more than just an individual's step count and heart rate. Some of the more advanced devices are able to detect body temperature, activity level, speed, calories burned, distance traveled, changes in elevation and sleep patterns. Sensors for collecting data have been added to various wearable objects transforming them into a data-tracking device, such as bracelets, rings, anklets, clip-on devices, and sneakers.
Wearable fitness tracking devices typically connect to a smart phone and share the collected data with its mobile application counterpart. Within the mobile application, the user can create an account where their data is stored and they can set personal goals for themselves. Mobile applications can include a journal of daily activity or charts of their collected data over a period of time, allowing users to identify when they are making progress towards their goals. Some wearable device’s mobile application allows users to share their fitness analytics with others, adding a social component that can be used to compete with friends and family. Data collected on wearable devices can also be shared with other applications such as apps that host virtual races or virtual fitness events and challenges.
Smart Cardio Machines
Cardio machines have progressively advanced into internet-connected machines with touch screens, interactive interfaces, and user accounts. By setting up an account on a smart machine, the user's data is collected by the machine's built in sensors and saved to their account. The user can then login to their account on any other machine, of that brand, and their data is always stored to their account. Some cardio machines with built in screens give the user the choice of viewing a scenic route as they workout, giving them the illusion of running or biking through different parts the world.
Additionally, many companies have developed subscription based applications that utilize live streaming technology or on-demand streaming, allowing people to participate in a fitness class from the comfort of their home. While a streaming app is not an IoT device, companies have implemented their applications into devices that connect to the internet, including, stationary bikes, treadmills, ellipticals and even rowing machines.
Virtual Reality Workouts
With the rise of virtual reality (VR) technology, an individual can engage in physical activity with a VR gaming headset, such as the Sony's PlayStation VR or the Oculus Quest. Utilizing the VR headset and controls held in each hand, a person becomes immersed in a computer-generated world that responds to the movement of sensors located in the headset and hand controllers, allowing them to interact with their virtual environment. Some of the games created for VR technology include dancing, boxing, racquetball, and rock climbing, which require the user to dance or move around as if they were actually in the ring, on the court or scaling the side of a mountain.
For the many people who enjoy gaming, the VR headset gets them off of the couch and into a simulated world, where they have to physically move around in order to progress through the game. Many of the games require the player to move laterally, jump or squat to avoid an object that is headed toward them, or swing their arms around, using motions comparable to a tennis swing, to engage with an object or another character in the game. While these types of games may not be considered “fitness” by a regular gym-goer, they certainly increase an individual’s physical activity, especially when the alternative for that individual is sitting on the couch and playing a video game.
Privacy and Security
IoT fitness devices have changed the fitness industry, empowering people to track their activity and find alternative ways to get active. However, as with any internet connected device, it is essential to be aware of the IoT device’s security and privacy settings. Wearable fitness tracking devices store basic personal health information. When such information is collected at a doctor’s office or hospital it is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); however, HIPAA does not extend its protections to health data accumulated by personal fitness tracking devices. While basic health information may not seem like much of a privacy concern, when wearable devices are used for long periods of time, the information collected begins to paint accurate picture of an person’s health, lifestyle, habits, and identity.
Fortunately, companies are building strong security measures into the devices, making the actual device difficult to hack. However, security weaknesses typically occur when user profiles within the device's corresponding mobile applications are not secured with strong unique passwords. Easy-to-guess passwords give hackers the ability to compromise a user's account. Therefore, when creating a password for your health mobile application, it is imperative to make it unique from other account passwords, and utilize a combination of upper and lower case characters, a number, and special character (i.e. !, @, #, &, *, ?, etc.). Additionally, enabling multi-factor authentication, if available, improves account security significantly.
Privacy is a major concern for a many people. While the IoT devices may be secure, and the user’s password may be strong and unique, to ensure the information stored within the account remains private, it is important to read the company’s privacy policy. While the data accumulated from fitness tracking devices alone pose no great risk to an individual’s privacy, when the data is associated with other information, there are greater privacy implications if the data is misused or shared with third parties.
IoT devices in the fitness industry are innovative and offer people new approaches to work out, giving them the freedom to get active outside of a gym. Plus, detailed tracking of various metrics, keep people informed of their progress overtime. The benefits of such devices outweigh the risk of security and privacy, when the user is informed of the privacy policy and settings and actively securing their user accounts.