How tech changed the way we play

Let’s forget data breaches, disaster recovery and business continuity for a second and talk about something more exciting – tech for fun!

We often think about the way technology has changed the way we work and communicate, but what about how we play? From video games to the Olympics, technology has influenced the way we get active.

Technology and exercise

Remember when weather restricted your exercise? Those poor people in Boston would have had no chance at prepping for the Boston Marathon with all that snow before technology redesigned how we exercise. Here are just a few fitness innovations worth noting:

• 24-hour gym access – Those who like to work out at 2 a.m. no longer have to suffer. With keycard access, gyms are open 24/7 and video cameras mean gym owners don’t even have to staff the gym.
• WiFi-enabled gym equipment – You can watch Netflix on the treadmill. Binge watching and walking. Win-win.
• Cloud-based gym equipment – Some gyms offer equipment that hooks up to your fitness apps. All your workout data will automatically sync to your app.
• Fitbit, smartwatches, etc. – This fitness technology provides more data than most of us need, but if you are willing to learn the analytics, you can optimize your sleep, workout and diet.
• Video games – The popularity of the Wii Fit didn’t last long, but video games are become increasingly interactive; virtual reality games even require you to walk through the game.

Technology and sports

Technology is used in sports more often, too. Even the games that seem to only need a ball and two teams to play use a lot of technology behind-the-scenes to improve the game or the fan experience.

• Smart helmets – Head injuries are a huge risk in the NFL and NHL; smart helmets were created to mitigate that risk. Smart helmets have sensors and magnets laced into the helmet. The sensors can detect and disperse the force and the magnets displace and absorb the force.
• Analytics – Anyone who has seen Moneyball knows the power of analytics in sports. Technology has become so advanced and analytics so vital to success, that during NBA games, up to 25 data points are collected each second.
• Uniforms –When a fraction of a second can separate gold and silver medalists, even uniforms go high-tech. For the 2014 Olympics, speed skaters wore new Slicker Skating Suits, which were created cut the drag and reduce friction.

The times have changed. Technology is for everyone—for business and play!