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Tag: fitness

  • Fitness trackers still dominate wearables market

    Fitness trackers still dominate wearables market

    Basic wearables, primarily comprised of fitness bands, accounted for 85% of the wearables market in the third quarter of 2016, IDC estimates.

    The total market grew 3.1% year-over-year during the quarter, with wearables shipments reaching 23 million.

    IDC said much of the increase in shipments for fitness trackers was attributed to the launch of newer models, an expanding user base, and an enticing summer season that allowed people to step out of their homes.

    The research firm expects the momentum for basic wearables to continue for the remainder of 2016 as the holiday season is now in full swing. However, it said smart wearables capable of running third party apps will likely continue to struggle in the near term.

    “It’s still early days, but we’re already seeing a notable shift in the market,” commented Jitesh Ubrani, senior research analyst for IDC Mobile Device Trackers.

    “Where smart watches were once expected to take the lead, basic wearables now reign supreme. Simplicity is a driving factor and this is well reflected in the top vendor list as four out of five offer a simple, dedicated fitness device. Meanwhile, from a design perspective, many devices are focusing on fashion first while allowing the technology to blend in with the background.”

    Ramon Llamas, research manager for IDC’s Wearables team, also noted that user tastes change, so will their needs.

    “That’s the opportunity for smart wearables with multi-functionality and third-party applications, both for consumers and business users. To get there, we need to see more intuitive user interfaces, seamless user experiences, standalone connectivity, and applications that go beyond health and fitness and into personal and professional productivity,” he said.

    During the quarter, Fitbit once again led the market. IDC expects Fitbit to continue leading the pack in the near term and said that the acquisition of Coin and the potential to expand into the smartwatch category present an opportunity for the company to be more than just a fitness brand.

    Xiaomi’s new Mi Band, on the other hand, includes heart rate tracking and is priced well below any competition, making it more suitable for impulse buying than any other fitness band. Garmin captured the third position as the company with one of the widest portfolios among all the vendors in this market.

    While Apple’s decision to launch its second-generation watches in mid-September did contribute to its year-over-year decline in 3Q16, IDC said the primary reasons for the downturn were an aging lineup and an unintuitive user interface.

    During the quarter, Samsung released two new models, Gear Fit 2 and the Icon X. Around the globe, the company was able to move large volumes of its latest wearables thanks to bundles offered with the Note 7 and other Samsung smartphones.

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  • Actxa named partner for Singapore fitness programme

    Actxa named partner for Singapore fitness programme

    Fitness wearables brand Actxa has been appointed as one of the official technology partners of the second National Steps Challenge (NSC) by the Singapore Health Promotion Board (HPB).

    Fuelled by the nation’s positive response to the physical activity initiative last year, the fitness wearables company has launched three new step tracker models alongside an easy trade-up programme, to help Singapore step up and out for NSC Season 2.

    Launched by HPB on 1st October 2016, NSC brings more fun and prizes in motivating the nation to step up and move about every day, anytime and anywhere. Making a welcome return from last year is the popular steps-for-rewards system, where all NSC participants will be rewarded for leading active lifestyles – the more steps taken each day, the more points earned to redeem rewards as well as lucky draw chances.

    The smart gadget used for this fun physical activity programme is the steps tracker, a pedometer-based fitness buddy designed to motivate even more Singaporeans to lead active lifestyles. A firm advocate of spurring a nation of physically active people, Actxa came on board last year to supply the wearable technology, and 2015 saw HPB handing out over 156,000 pieces of the specially produced Actxa Stride, which can still be used for the second season of NSC.

    In addition, Actxa has produced three enhanced step tracker models: Stride+, as well as the Swift and Swift+, which NSC Season 2 participants can choose to use if they are not using any of the three official trackers, including the Actxa Stride, that HPB issues. These additional models are available for trade-ups or direct purchase this year.

    “Actxa is very proud to be a Singaporean company supporting a nationwide initiative that encourages fellow Singaporeans to be active. In support of NSC, we are excited to launch a series of promotions that aim to put our fitness and activity trackers into the hands of everyone, inspiring them to lead active and healthier lives,” said Joel Chin, CEO of Actxa.

  • Fitness, driver of consumer market

    Fitness, driver of consumer market

    Saturday mornings appear to be ideal for fitness-crazy Shanghai groups to have fun in the form of dance-like workouts outdoors.

    Some 500 lined up last Saturday to join a one-hour event. The venue was disco-like. Les Mills, one of the world’s largest developers of group workouts, kicked off its global tour for 2016 beside the shimmering Huangpu.

    On the dais, five coaches gave instructions to the fitness fanatics, who pushed up weight-laden barbells in sync with the beats of rock-and-roll music.

    “It feels more like a party than an early morning workout,” said Zhang Qiong, 26, who woke up at 6 am to attend the morning’s first class.

    Phillip Mills, CEO of Les Mills, said it is not surprising Chinese people are passionate about group workouts, given the proliferating gyms and fitness programs.

    Les Mills’ programs are provided to 8 million people by 90,000 teachers in more than 17,000 clubs around the world every week.

    The firm is eyeing fast growth in China. “Workouts have become a lifestyle. People believe they are good for work-life balance. As far as I know, China has more than 18,000 brands of gyms and workout programs. Les Mills has been popular around the world. Now, it’s getting increasingly welcomed across the nation,” said Phillip Mills.

    “China’s fitness market, including gyms and program developers, needs consolidation after the fast growth. In the long run, we’re confident the market size is really going to expand to a significant size.”

    According to a research note from Euromonitor International, demand for fitness in China has become one of the top ten drivers of the consumer market. Other drivers include clothing, leisure, entertainment, food and beverages.

    Joey Chio, senior associate director of Savills China Retail Tenant Representation, said that athletics-related leisure, also called “athleisure” by fitness fans, has been gaining market share in clothing in recent years. Brands such as Lululemon and Under Amour have become trendy in the retail landscape.

    Its spillover effect has been that opportunities arose for players in other sectors, like mobile application developers. Keep, a smartphone app which teaches workout tips and training programs through video clips, now boasts 50 million users. It received C round investments from, among others, technology giant Tencent Holding Ltd. This, just two years after launch.

    “Fitness has become popular due to many factors. There is government policy to develop the sports sector. Lifestyles are changing with more focus on health. There is a cultural trend toward sexy six-pack figures. There is middle-class anxiety about the costs of ill health and peer pressure to look better. You want to prove you can afford to hit a gym to stay active,” said Julian Chow, an analyst with Shanghai-based Tang Yue Culture and Communication.

    Fitness market insiders said China’s health clubs and gyms still face some challenges, and measures are needed to make the market more transparent and fair.

    “Piracy of choreography, unsafe exercise instructions given by untrained coaches, and poorly regulated membership pricing are hindering the development of the fitness market. As the market gets more mature and competition fiercer, consumers will have more options, which should improve standards,” said Michael Yip, a coach with Tera Wellness Club.

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  • Hilary Tsui of Liger boutiques on her passion for fitness and fashion

    Hilary Tsui of Liger boutiques on her passion for fitness and fashion

    Marathon runner, designer and co-founder of Hong Kong’s Liger boutiques, Hilary Tsui Ho-ying talks about her two passions – fashion and fitness.

    You’ve just got back from Paris Fashion Week. What was that like? “This was the busiest fashion week I have ever had! I was in Paris to run a race as well as for showroom appointments, buying and attending fashion shows. I also took my Oh My God collection there for a trade show.”

    How would you describe Hong Kong style? “We have different kinds of style influences here. Korean is very trendy at the moment and there are lots of people still loyal to Japanese fashion. For me and my store, we still tend to be more European.”

    How have falling retail sales in Hong Kong affected plans for your Liger boutiques? “We have to be more careful in choosing brands. Actually, everyone is going through a hard time in retail, especially in the fashion industry. I hope landlords can be more considerate of their tenants when deciding on rents. If that happens, the road will be easier for everyone.”

    How can Hong Kong fashion become more competitive globally? “Quality is important. For example, a friend who founded local label Jourden now has many clients all over the world, including influential stockists like Colette and Barney’s. One of the reasons she can attract these international buyers is that she chooses high-quality fabrics.”

    How do you juggle your passions for fitness and fashion? “Our store now has a sports corner where I can display my favourite brands, trainers and sportswear. Running is not only a sport, it helps release stress – one of my favourite moments is when I can be alone and clear my mind. People always say that marathon running is a kind of meditation. And people want to be stylish when they are doing yoga, running or other exercise.”

    What is the one thing you can’t live without? “My family!”

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  • Poland’s Jatomi Fitness moves into Thailand

    Poland’s Jatomi Fitness moves into Thailand

    Thailand is Jatomi’s third country in Asean after the company opened branches in Malaysia and Indonesia, group chief executive officer Tracy Gehlan said.

    Currently, the company has more than 150,000 members across its 70 clubs in seven countries. Originating in 2008 from Poland, it has locations in the Czech Republic, Romania and Turkey as well as expanding into Southeast Asia, where it has locations in Malaysia, Indonesia and now Thailand.

    It plans to expand to 250 clubs worldwide over the next five years, she said.

    Gehlan said the company was expanding into Thailand because of the country’s strong market potential. Currently, only 0.3 per cent of the Thai population regularly uses a fitness club, with many finding the expense of joining such a club too high, and many quit working out as they fail to achieve their desired results.

    Jatomi Fitness is focused on being one of the world’s most innovative fitness-club operators. It says it aims to deliver a truly accessible and vibrant fitness experience to its members at good value, using state-of-the-art equipment and professional personal trainers who have expertise in nutrition and health.

    Its first club in Bangkok opened at Big C Rajdamri with 1,300 square metres of club space. The second is at Tesco Lotus Rama 4, with 1,450sqm of club space. Both locations are easily accessible via public transport and located to ensure that going to the gym fits in with their daily routine, Jatomi says.

    The club offers membership fees starting at Bt1,300 per month.

    The company aims to have 48,000 members in Thailand by 2018.

  • Apple Fitness Director Jay Blahnik Hosting Special Events at Asia-Pacific Retail Stores

    Apple Fitness Director Jay Blahnik Hosting Special Events at Asia-Pacific Retail Stores

    Apple’s Director of Fitness and Health Technologies Jay Blahnik is touring the Asia-Pacific region this week to host live Q&A sessions with popular personal trainers and other well-known icons at Apple Stores in Australia, China and Japan. The special events focus on the intersection of health, fitness and technology, such as how to live a better life by maintaining a healthy body and mind.

    Jay Blahnik Sydney Instagram

    Blahnik sat down with Australian personal trainer Michelle Bridges for a live Q&A session at the Apple Store in Sydney, Australia on May 29 before heading to the Omotesando Apple Store to speak with technology journalist Nobi Hayashi in Tokyo, Japan earlier today, as noted by Macotakara. Blahnik will now travel to Beijing for an event with Chinese action filmmaker Donnie Yen at the Apple Store in China Central Mall on June 3.

    Prior to joining Apple in July 2013, Blahnik was a Nike FuelBand consultant for almost 20 years and an award-winning fitness instructor and personal trainer. As health and fitness director at Apple, he has played an instrumental role in development of the Apple Watch, working in the company’s top-secret health and fitness lab where it has collected over 18,000 hours of health and fitness data from employee workout sessions.