# Augmented Athletics Seeking more immersive exercise, consumers turn to digitally heightened sports. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Aug 26, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/augmented-athletics ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Augmented Athletics trend? **Augmented Athletics:** Seeking to heighten sporting activities, consumers are turning to augmented athletics to maximize experiences. Enhancing activities like rock climbing and soccer with simulated effects and 3D visuals, these augmented experiences offer more engaging sporting experiences without added physical exertion. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 5, 2014 to Nov 6, 2015 - Published: Aug 26, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Augmented Athletics trend ### Augmented Reality in Sports Consumers are enhancing sporting experiences with augmented reality, using technology to add visual and simulated effects to activities like rock climbing and soccer. ### Gamification of Extreme Sports Brands are experimenting with gamifying extreme sports experiences through virtual reality and projection technologies, allowing consumers to simulate being a pro skater or customize their skiing or snowboarding experience. ### Broadcast-quality 3D Video using Video Game Footage Researchers have developed technology that generates broadcast-quality 3D soccer video using real-time 2D footage from video games, creating potential opportunities for sports broadcasting and viewing technology. ## What the Augmented Athletics trend means for industry ### For Sports Opportunities for sports brands in technology that enhances or gamifies athletic experiences, or in the integration of new viewing technologies for fans. ### For VR/AR Technology As consumers seek more immersive experiences in sports and other industries, there are opportunities for innovation and disruptive technologies in virtual and augmented reality. ### For Broadcasting The development of broadcast-quality 3D video using video game footage creates new possibilities for sports broadcasting and viewing technologies. ## Trend signals for Augmented Athletics Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 50%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 50% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Augmented Athletics trend 4 featured examples from Mar 5, 2014 to Nov 6, 2015. - [Hi-Tech Climbing Walls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nova-climbing-wall): Nova Climbing Lights Up by Smartphone App for Unique Bouldering Problems (Category: Tech) Implication: The sports and fitness industry can leverage modular climbing walls and interactive climbing experiences to create unique and engaging workout experiences. - [Augmented Snowboarding Goggles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rideon): The RideOn Goggles Helps Navigate the Slopes with Smart Projections (Category: Tech) Implication: Incorporating AR and interactive features in sporting equipment can increase its appeal and create new revenue streams. - [3D Soccer Videos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-soccer): This 3D Soccer Footage Can Be Viewed On 3D TVs Or Virtual Reality Headsets (Category: Tech) Implication: Sports broadcasting companies can leverage real-time 3D video technologies to enhance the viewer experience and attract a larger audience. - [Virtual Skateboarding Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-skateboarding): Mountain Dew Lets People Try Out Virtual Reality Digital Skating (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in this industry can leverage virtual reality to offer state-of-the-art training methods for aspiring athletes. ## Recent trend clusters - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)