Wanna Be Like Mike?
How Fitness Tech Can Help All of Us Do Amazing Things
Growing up, I was always in awe of professional athletes. I was athletic myself, so I knew how difficult it was to shoot a basketball, to serve a tennis ball or even to use a hockey stick.
But I also knew all too well that bigger, stronger, faster was a real thing. My childhood hero Michael Jordan was superhuman. So I sat back and enjoyed watching the gifts he and others had been given. I also appreciated that tremendous hard work had gone into them reaching the top of their craft.
And in the back of my mind, I always felt that the state-of-the-art training facilities and technologies provided to top-level athletes offered them a type of exclusive ability to reach peak performance, something beyond the reach of ordinary people like me.
However, times have changed dramatically. The emergence of fitness and longevity technology has shattered the ceiling for the rest of us, democratizing access to cutting-edge training methods and empowering everyone to unleash their inner super-athlete.
At the heart of this revolution is data. And the key vehicles for maximizing data collection are wearables and apps, which can serve as personal analysis performance laboratories.
Smartwatches, fitness bands, rings, and other personal devices have become indispensable for athletic achievement, reliably tracking heart rate, sleep patterns, and a myriad of fitness metrics, all while serving as stylish accessories. These data are the basis of a blueprint for workouts tailored to optimize anyone’s performance. But it doesn’t stop there. While also making those devices fashionable.
Fitness apps take it a step further, offering workouts inspired by the routines of professional athletes and other celebrities, complete with detailed performance analysis and nutritional guidance. With the advent of AI-driven apps, real-time data analysis now enables dynamic coaching, suggesting adjustments during workouts to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
I remember, as a child, hearing about how fit MJ was, including the factoid that he only had 4% body fat. And even though I didn’t know how to measure mine (This changed after I did a personal training course in my twenties.), the whole idea of measuring body fat consistently didn’t seem possible. But now, with trackers and apps, I can know exactly where I stand, and what is required of me to improve — no matter where I am, even sitting at home.
Not surprisingly, social media has the capability to serve as a platform for inspiration and learning. Icons like LeBron James and Ronaldo have changed the rules for athletic longevity, and have been nice enough to pulled back the curtain on their grueling training regimens, sharing glimpses of their workouts and recovery routines with the world. Online communities dissect these techniques, so that we can all learn from the best and apply their knowledge to their own fitness journey.
Beyond those three categories, which are available to many people, technological advancements have revolutionized sports and training methodologies in more organized settings as well, such as for junior and high school sports teams. High-tech sensors, tracking systems, video analysis, and AI combine to provide an unprecedented understanding of human performance at a price that won’t break a school’s budget. High school and other amateur-level coaches can tap into these platforms to provide more informed, science-based training that pushes athletes of all levels to come closer to reaching their potential.
Of course, beyond technology, there is also what I will refer to as a “healthy living revolution.” From prioritizing a clean diet to recognizing the importance of restorative sleep and recovery techniques, every athlete, professional or otherwise, is starting each day ahead of the pace set by those of previous generations.
Of course, there is a much better understanding today about the importance of mental health and wellness. And this can be measured with the help of technology and wearables as well. From Headspace for relaxation to Happify for stress reduction, there are free and paid apps available to address these challenges.
The future of fitness is bright, with wearables becoming more sophisticated and AI analysis more advanced. As technology continues to evolve, we all have the option and tools to move closer to our peak performance potential. The combination of dedicated effort and insights borrowed from the world’s greatest athletes empowers everyone to unlock their inner super-athlete and achieve their fitness goals.
Of course, the other side of the same coin is that today, this technology gives us fewer excuses for letting ourselves go. So it will still require willpower and determination for each of us to reach our fitness potential.
Will I ever reach the potential of Michael Jordan? Of course not. But fitness technology serves as a powerful tool for democratizing access to peak performance. This opens the door to informing us all on how to make the most of our athletic lives, enhancing our performance journey like never before. By embracing technology and embracing our potential, we can all train like pros and lay the foundation for a longer, healthier life filled with vitality and achievement.
As Michael himself would say, “Just Do It.” The path to unlocking your super-athlete potential is closer than you think.
