W
earable devices and phone-based applications (apps) for self- monitoring of physical
activity are becoming increasingly common. However, the level of use and their effectiveness among health club members is still unknown. Using data collected as part of the
TRP 10,000 study, this article will report on what proportion of members track their physical activity using technology and whether the use of such technology is associated with motivation, visit frequency, progress and ultimately membership retention.
Data and analysis Between July and September 2013, members completed an online questionnaire that asked them if they were using any product, app or system to track their physical activity, either inside or outside their club. Members who ticked the box to say they used an app were asked to list the app they used.
Who tracks, and with what? Overall, 27 per cent of members reported using some tracking device, with the majority saying they used a phone or web app (15 per cent). Slightly more males than females
reported tracking their physical activity (30 per cent versus 26 per cent) and levels of tracking declined with age (40 per cent of 16- to 24-year-olds compared to 7 per cent of members aged 55 years and older). Long- standing members were also less likely to report using tracking technology compared to newer members. Members reported an incredibly
broad range of systems for tracking, but the most commonly cited was MyFitnessPal, an internet- and app- based programme designed to help people track their food and physical activity to assist with weight loss. All other tracking systems listed were used by fewer than 1 per cent of members.
Higher motivation? So is there a difference in exercise motivation between members who do and don’t track their physical activity? Members’ motivation for exercise
was classifi ed into four types: fi tness motivation, appearance motivation, enjoyment motivation and social motivation (see also HCM July 14, p48). For each motivation type – which were
May 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 More people made new friends at the gym if they didn’t use tracking devices
TABLE 1 Level of motivation by use of tracking and type of motivation (row %) Fitness
Did not use tracking Used tracking
60 64
Appearance 52 62
FIGURE 1 Proportion of members reporting recent progress by use of tracking technology
I feel happier I have more energy
I have improved muscle tone I have enjoyed exercise I made new friends
I improved my appearance I feel fi tter
I lost weight
I attended the club as often as planned
09 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Used tracking
88 84
84 79 84 82 94 94
34 37 78 69
91 89
63 51
76 75
Did not use tracking Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 41
Enjoyment 55 65
Social 49 51
PHOTO:
WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/WAVEBREAKMEDIAPRODUCTIONS
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