Many of us don't like to watch ourselves while working out. We know that we don't look our best when sweating on a treadmill or looking pained while using weights for fitness. Still, many people out there like to admire their reflection while at the gym via floor-length mirrors. It is perhaps why more and more people are thrilled by smart fitness mirrors. Read on to know more about the high-tech fitness mirrors that aim to get you exercising more.
What are
High-Tech Fitness Mirrors?
High-tech
fitness mirrors are 6 feet or 180 cm tall, vertical, and contain a computer.
They can also be hooked up to the internet and work as a video screen. A person
can connect with an online trainer who appears in the mirror of the screen
along with the person's reflection. Some of the advanced mirrors are fitted
with speakers and cameras, allowing a trainer to observe your movements and
suggest changes and tweaks.
A user can
choose from live one-on-one sessions or opt for group classes. Examples of
classes include
yoga, cardio, pilates, and weights. On the simpler mirrors, the video and
sound are one way, and lessons are not live in the others. A person just
accesses a library of streamed workout videos.
The Cost
If you want to
go for a basic high-tech fitness mirror, you will need to shell out at least £1,000
or $1,300. You also need to pay for a monthly subscription.
Types of
High-Tech Fitness Mirrors
When seeking a
high-tech fitness mirror, you will come across a touch screen option fitted
with several sensors. Such mirrors can be connected to AI (artificial
intelligence), give you feedback regarding your movements, and suggest
improvements.
You can also
come across smart health mirrors with sensors that check your skin.
Another type of
high-tech mirror is a smart wellness mirror that uses sensors and AI to
evaluate your skin and underlying health. These mirrors can replace the mirrors
above the sink in the bathroom and use a camera, infrared, and UV light sensors
to analyze your skin and temperature and suggest several care routines. You can
also access subscription-based skincare tutorials and control the mirror via motion
and voice control.
The Concerns
Many experts
feel that seeing all the flaws in the exercise and wellness mirrors can lead to
issues. It can also lead to an obsession
with a perfect body image. Dr. Anthony Papathomas, a sports and fitness
psychologist at Loughborough University, said, "From a psychological
perspective, exercising in front of your reflection might provide important
feedback; for example, on running technique or weight lifting form. It may also
appeal to people's aesthetic motivations for exercise - you can see the muscles
in action, and that can feel rewarding."
He added, "My
concern would be how do people with body image insecurities feel about this? It
may be a problem for those new to exercise and looking to make a lifestyle
change. Even for regular exercisers, we know there are many who experience body
dysmorphia or eating disorders, and for them, seeing a reflection throughout
their exercise might be troubling."
Consultant
psychologist Dr. Elena Touroni also has concerns about fitness and wellbeing
smart mirrors. She said, "For someone who is already focused on perfection,
and perhaps already notices every perceived 'flaw' in their body, these mirrors
could end up amplifying these kinds of psychological difficulties."
Sources:
https://www.dailyadvent.com/news/392908d63500a7e4cccc142ef42f26b0-The-hightech-fitness-mirrors-that-aim-to-get-you-exercising-more
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61092317
https://www.userwalls.com/n/high-tech-fitness-mirrors-aim-exercising-3134724/