When it comes to working out, amateurs and pros alike struggle to optimize fitness. Sure, a coach can help -- but there’s still potential for human error. Now, a company called Athos has adapted standard medical diagnostic technology to provide real-time analysis and feedback during workouts
The Athos technology, fitted into athletic clothing, can gauge how hard your heart is beating, how efficiently you’re breathing, your muscle load and more, and instantly sends this data via Bluetooth to a designated mobile app. The feedback is designed to keep someone who is exercising on track during the workout, and indicates areas for improvement.
Scaling the Technology
Athos bases its products on electromyography (EMG)—traditionally used to diagnose the causes of nerve or muscle disorders—but in this case used to monitor human systems in action. Special form-fitting clothing incorporate a small signaling device, called the Core, which communicates to the mobile app what you did and how you did it.
According to Athos’ co-founder and tech wizard Dhananja Jayalath, the greatest challenge to making EMG technology available as an everyday workout tool was scale. Typical EMG monitoring machines are large and costly. The company was able to incorporate the technology into the tiny Core sensing device, which in turn is fitted into athletic wear to monitor particular muscle groups.
Some of the other features of Athos’ technology include:
• The Core device is $199. Custom pants or shirts, with sewn-in pockets for the Core, are $99 each. The mobile app is free.
• Athos sportswear comes in men and women’s versions. They also feature hidden pockets to stash keys and other items.
• The machine-washable garments are form-fitting, and can be worn under other workout clothes such as sweats, if desired.
• The Core is calibrated to each individual. Training goals can be entered into the mobile app, and workout periods or sets are stored for record keeping and later analysis.
Making It Real in the Gym
With the mobile device mounted at eye level, the athlete can view workout loads on particular muscles, indicated by colors. For example, if a left leg muscle reads yellow (indicating only a light load) but the right reads red (the muscle is working to its fullest), an imbalance between the two is indicated. The system also reveals if wrong muscles are being used for a particular activity.
Figure 1: The Athos mobile app. (Source: HiConsumption)
Analysis is Key
The app can indicate in real time even small imbalances in form and strength that might harm the entire muscular system and cause injuries. Once imbalances are taken care of, someone who is working out can engage muscle groups to their fullest, from yellow up to orange and red, as indicated by the app.
Figure 2: Demonstrating workout loads on particular muscles. (Source: Popular Mechanics)
The Athos system may not replace coaches and personal trainers, but it does leverage cutting-edge technology, and cost-effectively, for the everyday exercise enthusiast who is trying to become fitter and healthier.