Fitness Australia in their article in April 2015 mentioned:

“Technology has enabled the industry to better understand movement leading to the development of more scientifically backed programs, wearable technologies have allowed consumers to take control of their training and track their performance, and the equipment in fitness facilities offers more features and functions than ever before”.

In highlighting SWIMTAG, Fitness Australia summarized it as;

“a data tracker specifically designed for swimmers and available to fitness businesses and leisure centres with a pool. The wristband tracks data such as distance per stroke and stroke rate and is promoted as being a value add for clubs.”

From 3 years of operation, starting in the UK and spreading throughout Europe and into the Unites States of America, data is showing what a difference the technology offers aquatic facilities.

The technology provide pool operators with an interesting insight into pool usage. The leisure centre operator will be able to monitor who is swimming, when, and how often. Local pool information can be fed to the SWIMTAG group via their personal profile page.

“Technology such as this is key to educating local communities on the benefit of physical activity; just half an hour in the pool can burn around 300 calories. Regular swimming and water based activities can help with weight control, cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, posture and flexibility.”

SWIMTAG: An important motivational tool

SWIMTAG has been noted as an important motivational tool but also a great tool for setting tailored personal programs that help motivate individuals.

“It really comes into its own however when the personal trainers take the data from your swim and can analyse it to devise a plan to make you an even better swimmer.” – Counsellor Graham Cain, Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, Blackpool Council (UK)

 

Susan Rosetto, Group Health and Wellbeing Manager at DC Leisure (a UK organisation that uses SWIMTAG), comments: “Being able to monitor individual performance, set training programmes and compete with others is a key motivational tool for swimmers.”

A recent survey has revealed that 52 per cent of swimmers had been motivated by using SWIMTAG and 62 per cent said it had helped them improve their swimming – thereby increasing member retention at the facility.

An independent survey conducted at one of the Virgin Active (UK) pools found similar results:

• 52% of swimmers said “keeping motivated” was their main aim in using SWIMTAG
• 90% of users stated that it helped them achieve this
• 69% of swimmers said that SWIMTAG helped improve their swimming
• 62% of users stated they had been swimming more regularly since using SWIMTAG
• 74% of users stated they spent more time swimming while using SWIMTAG
• 69% of swimmers said that if SWIMTAG was included as part of the membership it would encourage them to sign up

The start of SWIMTAG in Australia has been successful in replicating the results that have been seen in Europe now for 3 years.

References:

Written & compiled by Peter Kamper for Links Modular Solutions