By Jan Engoren
As AI and high‑tech gadgets become more ubiquitous, people are taking advantage of wearable technologies and mobile apps to take their fitness and health routines to the next level.
One of these people is Boynton Beach resident Tony Vitale, 71, a retired Realtor, computer instructor and Apple reseller. A self‑described “tech geek,” Vitale swears by his Apple Watch and Apple Health app to keep his weight and health on track.
He monitors his workouts and heart rhythm for A-fib and used the Lose It! app to help him lose 100 pounds through a diet and exercise program that included the treadmill, cardio classes and resistance training. “I developed a routine,” he says.
He even invested in a Withings scale, which measures body fat, muscle mass, body composition and other metrics, as well as a sleep mat to track sleep duration, patterns, REM cycles, heart rate and snoring.
A devotee of the Apple Health app — which stores his lab results, notes from doctor visits and tracks blood pressure and other vitals — Vitale chooses physicians who also use the platform. “It’s a way to gain some control over your health outcomes,” he says.
His enthusiasm reflects a broader shift. Wearable technology such as the Apple Watch, Oura ring and Whoop band continues to grow in popularity, despite raising some concerns over data privacy and how that data may be used.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, wearable tech is projected to be the No. 1 fitness trend for 2026. Other top trends include fitness programs for older adults, exercise for weight management, mobile exercise apps, balance and flow training and core strength.
Dr. Berkcan Akpinar, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at NYU Langone Medical Associates in Delray Beach and West Palm Beach, has seen the shift firsthand.
A former team physician for the Boston Bruins, Red Sox and New England Patriots, Akpinar is a strong proponent of using technology to improve health. He uses an Apple Watch himself.
“Technology for health is readily available and easy to use,” he says.
His watch even pings him when he’s “slacking off,” a reminder he appreciates. The start of the new year, he notes, is an ideal time to set health goals. His own resolutions include going to the gym four to five days a week, eating more greens and vegetables and cutting back on conveniences like Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Akpinar encourages people to begin their fitness journey slowly. “Start with the basics,” he says. “Jumping jacks, toe touches, knee pushups and stretching.”
Once you are warmed up, he recommends a power walk, stair climber or elliptical machine, gradually adding resistance training over time.
According to the Fitness Industry Insights website, which tracks fitness trends, virtual training and fitness apps are projected to grow 26.72% through 2030, and wearable tech is expected to grow by 14.6% over the same period.
Additionally, the Consumer Technology Association reports that more than 65% of U.S. adults who use wearable technology rely on it not only for fitness, but also to monitor sleep, stress, heart health and personal productivity.
Experts note that while wearables can be powerful tools for behavioral change, they’re not a substitute for a physician. Devices can vary in accuracy, and over‑reliance on data, constant monitoring and self‑interpretation of results may not always serve the wearer.
Boynton Beach librarian Janet Naughton, 68, also depends on her wearable technology to stay active. “I like it for accountability and competitiveness,” she says. Naughton began using the Peloton app during the pandemic and continues to find it “extremely helpful,” especially for on‑the‑go workouts.
“I can do a 10‑minute arms session with light weights anywhere, anytime,” she says. “The app lets me know when I’m on a streak, and I can work out with others or compete if I want.”
She’s part of a PeloLibrarian group and believes that even small daily efforts add up.
Naughton also uses a Fitbit and its companion app to track her weight, steps, sleep and heart rate. The device reminds her to move if she’s been sedentary for too long.
“I’m not a fitness buff or the healthiest person, but these apps help me keep active,” she says. “Technology is amazing.”
While wearable technology may not be a magic bullet for everyone in the pursuit of health and wellness, it has become an accessible and steady companion — one that can guide, motivate and empower you along the winding road toward better health.
Jan Engoren writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to jengoren@hotmail.com.
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