The wellness edit: dumbbells and data

In 2024, we have no shortage of tech to support our journeys of health and wellness. If you are setting goals or attempting to track something, there is probably technology to do it for you. The technology available currently is so vast, from fitness apps to Wi-Fi enabled bathroom scales, all aiming to improve our lives one piece of data at a time. For many of us, they can be a blessing, making life easier and encouraging us to work on our fitness with that little bit of extra support and motivation. But how far can this technology go, and are the benefits worth the costs that may come with it?

Whether your goal is to gain muscle, run faster, sleep better, or lose weight, the technology we have available can make this much easier

In terms of everyday usage of tech, this might range from apps like Strava, or even machines at the gym that can connect to our phone. But technology has also advanced to things like the popular Pelaton bikes which provide virtual training, or Lululemon’s Mirror which offers workouts integrated into a mirror for space saving at home. These are some of the top tech developments for fitness but of course, these bring high price tags, with Lululemon pricing their mirror up to $1,895 before it was discontinued. Even products we might see as more common on social media and amongst peers, such as fitness bands and watches, can be pretty pricey. Although cheaper fitness trackers can cost £25 and offer basic step and activity tracking, brands such as Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple can easily reach a few hundred pounds. Similarly, the price of the expansion of trackers to rings and bands rather than watches such as Oura reaches over £300 with an additional monthly subscription cost. But even with these prices, these tech products are getting more popular by the day.

Ultimately goals are often a numbers game and so having the technology available track them can mean our goals seem just that bit more in reach

One thing that all these pieces of tech, (no matter how expensive), have in common, is their ability to provide us with data to reach our goals. Whether your goal is to gain muscle, run faster, sleep better, or lose weight, the technology we have available can make this much easier. There is technology that can track sleep recovery rates, changes to cardio recovery, and how our overall fitness is changing over time. This is a step up from the original pedometers that could track steps (not very successfully). With constant advancements, these tools now offer personalised insights and offer real-time feedback, helping us make more informed decisions about our health. As technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to revolutionise the way we approach our fitness journeys even further.

Ultimately, goals are often a numbers game, and so having the technology available track them can mean our goals seem just that bit more in reach. To make the most of all that we have available without getting caught in spending hundreds on what the latest influencer is showcasing, it’s best to take a step back and consider our goals. Do you want to lift more weight, or are you training for your first 10k race? Then, evaluate what’s available and in your budget to understand what will be most effective. All the technology available is only great if it helps you meet your goals.