As I shared in my very first piece, the decision-making diet, a big part of my daily routine is exercise. I’m constantly looking for better ways to improve my body and wellbeing. Technology is a huge motivator, I use my iPhone to check my program, log my workouts and check my heart rate. But it requires some effort to monitor everything manually.

Today I’m talking to Emmett Williams, president and co-founder of global wearable gym technology brand MYZONE – the fitness tracker that rewards effort.

Can you tell me more about yourself and what you do?

I moved from Australia to the US in 2011 to manage MYZONE through the developmental phase of its commercial existence. After 2 years of beta with the product, and 2 years of establishing the right value proposition through a significant amount of market interface, I led the company through its ‘go to market’ phase in 2013/14, seeing the system installed in over 2,000 health clubs in 17 different countries. The platform is currently attracting tens of thousands of new users every month, changing behavior one exercise at a time.

I’m now focused on leading the global team at MYZONE through the growth phase of the lifecycle, one supported by a recently remodeled digital platform, a USP that provides true value to both the channel partners and the end user.

How should gyms be taking advantage of gym technology?

Adopting technology is important for gyms looking to keep customers coming back and increase lifetime value. Gym-goers look for more than just a space to exercise—they look for motivation. Technology is a great motivator, whether it’s motivation to change effort levels or motivation to meet a goal.

For example, having access to clients through wearables is a huge added value both for personal trainers and their trainees. The MYZONE training partner and app gives personal trainers the ability to keep track of their clients’ activities and meals on the days they don’t meet face to face. Through in-app messaging, the trainer can offer support and guidance, and check to make sure that the client is following their diet and exercise regimen.

How will technology integration in the clubs benefit gym-goers in the long run?

Technology integration in clubs is the most friction-free way to encourage members to stick with a fitness routine. Gym-goers will find technology that will give them the motivation to go back to the gym each day to continue their progress.

Gyms that incorporate gym technology into their facility and the equipment give customers a way to gamify their workouts. Goal setting, gamification and social sharing are huge component of motivation. Gym members who are not intrinsically motivated need the extrinsic tools to fan the flame and keep the momentum.

How do innovations influence people’s motivation to track their activity?

Motivation comes down to the benefits of tracking fitness and having an awareness of workload. People like to not only know they are progressing, but to also be able to see that progress. Innovations are allowing people to not only set a goal, but know what it will take to get there and to see themselves hit milestones along the way to the final goal.

Technology helping to achieve goals comes down to 4 things: goal setting, gamification, social amplification and accountability. Setting a goal from the beginning is the best way to know how much effort you need to put in. Along the way, using technology to gamify your routine is great for maintaining motivation to reach the end goal. Sharing successes with friends and family not only helps you celebrate your wins, but holds you accountable.

One example that shows how technological advancements have changed the way we achieve fitness goals is the move away from group-fitness based programs like Weight Watchers (whose stock has plummeted as wearable maker’s stocks have soared) towards the use of individual wearable fitness trackers. Weight Watchers was a great way hold yourself accountable, as you met regularly, weighed yourself in front of other members, and discussed your progress and setbacks. As wearables entered the fitness industry, people found that technology is a much more comprehensive solution that offers a simpler way for users to hold each other accountable, get encouragement and advice, as well as track and share their progress.

I imagine that gyms will continue adopting technology at a rapid pace and we will see it in every facet of the gym. Every piece of equipment at the gym will be connected through sensors that communicate with apps on the guest’s phone. Those sensors will also relay information to the gym owners, giving them a tremendous amount of data on how people use the gym. We will also see a rise in smart clothing, where sensors are embedded directly into the fabric of shorts, shoes, shirts, etc. MYZONE is part of the smart clothing movement, as we just release our MYZONE Sports Bra in January and plan to release a compression shirt this summer. The technology in the gym equipment and smart clothing will talk to one another through a single platform to provide the gym-goer the ultimate gym experience with things like personalized training tips and customized offers from the gym itself.