When technology helps performance

The textile sector is more and more oriented towards quantified self. This trend consists of monitoring physical activities, heart beats, or calories burnt during all day, thanks to connected devices linked to smartphones or computers. This practice is more and more present in sports competitions, in order to help performance, but also opens to mass market consumers looking for a better lifestyle.

However, it is not the only opportunity for innovative actors in this industry: smart textiles, new shoe designs, disruptive app concepts are also investigated in order to pursue a more efficient, more comfortable, better managed sport activities.

But how exactly can technology allow us to perform better?

 

 Textiles to recover faster

 

 

First, let’s focus on the Breath Thermo range by MIZUNO. The Japanese brand can stand rains, coldness and/or tropical weather, with its running clothes designed to ensure an optimal comfort in any circumstances. Breath Thermo is a smart fiber transforming humidity into heatness, thus reducing sweat and bacterias – In other words, say bye-bye to the fierce smells at the end of your jogging! In addition, the brand promises a total freeness of movement thanks to its Dynamotion Fit technology (available for both men and women. Jacket: 110€, T-Shirt, 65€)

The time of smart leggings has also arrived: thanks to the RY400 from Skins, here is the end of heavy legs after a long training. The textile allows a better recovery by enhancing blood oxygenation within legs, thus reducing cramps and achiness. (Available for both men and women, at a 105€ price.) This concept was already explored by Nike, with its Power Speed leggings.

 

Quantified-self, a major trend in connected sportswear

 

Having a coach is always the best practice for a safe and efficient training… A California-based start-up called Enflux understood it and developed a concept to ensure the best conditions during your physical activities, allowing better performances and faster results. All this thanks to an app and an outfit that monitors your physical activity and the way you stand. (Shipping dates : March 2017!)

 

 

The French company HEXOSKIN, known as one of the most advanced start-up for precise quantified-self clothes.

This biometric top controls more data than any other: heart beats, cardiac variability and recovery, breathing volume, but also activity, acceleration, number and rhythm of paces, and sleeping positions. This might explain why it was choosed by 4 international agencies, 3 armies, and several sport teams to dress cosmonauts, soldiers and athletes!

 

The shoes, the next space of opportunities

 

Confronted to all these smart clothes, shoes are not in rest: after a first buzzing product successfully launched by DIGITSOLE at CES 2015, the RETISENCE and EVALU brands are also betting on connected soles, as a substitute to gyms.  With real time data analysis and a step by step coaching, running will soon be a breeze!

Another actor in this field is the German company MOTICON, creating and distributing analysis products for sports, physiotherapies and clinics processes.

Coming next, smart shoes: one of the most noticeable initiatives here is called RUNSAFER. Created and funded by the European Commission, this project is based on a sensor-enabled shoe that provides in real-time analysis and feedbacks, in order to reduce injuries and enhance performance. More, it is linked with an app and a web portal, to manage trainings and good practices learning.

 

 

Finally, here is another unbelievable concept: the ENKO shoes, recently awarded at CES 2016. This “shoe that gives wings” helped ENKO to be part of the 30 best worldwide start-ups, according to the staff. Amazing cushioning, energy stocking and release… These revolutionary running shoes restitute energy created during each step thanks to 2 shock absorbers!

 

 (Available for both women and men, 359 euros)

A multitude of connected accessories

 

But the most sportive ones do not only use connected clothing : let’s focus on accesories.

You sure have seen some : plenty of companies, such as WAHOO Fitness, MAGELLAN, TIMEX or  POLAR now offer sport watches for enraged sport addicets, professional athletes or curious beginners. Heart rate, calories, time, speed and distance monitoring are nowadays basic functionalities. All these products are of course embedded with Bluetooth technology.

 

However, another project has come to our minds: the Runner Cardio + Music watch by TomTom.  In addition to racing and cardiac data monitoring, this watch also has internal memory for around 500 songs, which is perfect to train or run with music! (249euros). Let’s focus even a bit more on music, with the Scandinavian collective called URBANEARS ACTIVE, which manufacturing accessories specially designed for sport activities. Among others, its famous speakers are equipped with a unique technology (called EarClick), ensuring both comfort and sweat resistance.

 

 

Music is not enough ? What about also working on what REALLY motivates you ? It is the concept of My Money Time, a new app launched in January 2016 and developed by the AG Sport Digital company. You monitor your activities thanks to the app, and get rewarded by coupons that can be spent in the e-shop of several partners: Adidas, Reebok, The North Face, etc.

 

THE LOOK FORWARD PERSPECTIVE

Quantified-self seems to be at its peak for the last few years. Indeed, the market perspectives look quite interesting: 23% of French people already have at least one connected device, and 64% of them are related to fitness. In 2017, one smartphone user on two will install at least one health or lifestyle app.  (Source : Research2Guidance)

Quantified-self is thus a first step to challenge sports enthusiasts, by enducing new behaviors, promoting competition and offering personal coaching. What will then be the next trends for 2017?