Augmented reality is a method of enhancing an individuals senses. This means that your real world environment is augmented by the addition of digital overlays. Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality doesn’t create a new environment, it merely injects additional elements into the environment you’re already in. To give you an example, look at this video of an augmented reality zoo.
1. Augmented Reality Provides You with Real-Time Data
Augmented reality provides the individual with real-time results. Wearables are augmented reality devices that relate your heart rate, respirations, etc. They also store data, so you always know when you started your fitness journey. This helps you assess just how much it takes to achieve certain goals, or warns you of plateaus.
2. Augmented Reality Creates Engaging Environments
Augmented reality is designed to stimulate your senses in a variety of ways, making workout boredom a thing of the past. Instead of just doing a flat run through the same old scenery, augmented reality can place a virtual obstacle for you to jump over, or even give you a virtual running partner. Augmented reality works to alleviate boredom by transforming your workout into an enjoyable and interactive activity.
3. Holographic Workout Instructors
With an augmented reality fitness app, you’ll be able to project your very own virtual fitness guru to take you through your daily workout. So, say you’d like to have Marilyn Monroe, or some other well known person to be your workout instructor for the day. You would inject her image as a hologram into your home living room, where she would give you instructions on everything from nutrition to workout techniques.
4. Gamification
Gamification refers to adding gaming mechanics to systems which are not connected to gaming. So, when it comes to fitness, the user can use augmented reality so they’re being chased down by zombies. This would provide healthy and fun encouragement for their daily run. You would also be able to enhance your workout by unlocking achievements, rewards, badges, and so on.
5. Accessibility and Motivation
When something becomes fun, we humans become engaged, simple as that. In the old days, an exercise bike was seen by many as a time of dread. However, when you find yourself being chased by a few dinosaurs or a zombie hoard, then the fun begins. It’s also the perfect solution for anyone who loves to workout, but is shy when it comes to going to gyms.
Final Thoughts
Augmented reality brings digital content into the real world of the fitness enthusiast. In a 2012 study, researchers used augmented reality to assist sedentary students increase their activity levels. Augmented reality creates an enjoyable exercise environment, increases motivation, and offers the individual a convenient way to reach their fitness goals.
