Preston Junger’s Post

With the rapid advancements in AI and sports technology, I often reflect on a project I led with U.S. Snowboard over a decade ago. The goal was to quantify and capture snowboarding movement patterns in the halfpipe to better understand the demands placed on athletes, create robust off-hill training programs, and mitigate injuries. At the time, the technology needed for this kind of analysis was only available for traditional field-based sports. To gain insights into the forces experienced during take-off and landing, I resorted to manually attaching GPS units to snowboard bindings, filming runs from the bottom of the pipe with a handheld video camera, and then hope the GPS units stayed intact (which they often didn’t). Afterward, I had to manually download & sync the data with the video footage and generate a report days later. The process was tedious, with delayed feedback and limited actionable insights. In searching for solutions, we discovered a father-son start-up on Kickstarter working on a project to quantify skateboarding and surfing movements. The father, a former NASA Rocket Propulsion Engineer, and his son, an avid surfer, had developed a sensor that adhered to the board, was waterproof, and could sync instantly with GoPro footage. Their algorithms could also detect various movements (cutbacks, kickflips, etc.). Transferring this to snow, these advancements enabled us to analyze data right on the chairlift, providing real-time insights. By overlaying GPS data on the video, we gamified the results, which resonated with both coaches and athletes and created buy-in. Beneath the surface of the gamified experience, we were able to extract more complex data on landing forces, rotational speeds, and more. For me, this project highlights the importance of creativity & taking risks when solving problems. Sometimes, the best solutions come from outside your industry, and collaboration with dreamers can unlock innovative approaches to seemingly unsolvable challenges. #humanmovement #sportscience #AI

🚴♂️ What happens when cycling meets AI? With thousands of routes on ROUVY, finding the perfect ride was becoming a challenge. That’s where Revolgy stepped in. Together, we’re bringing an AI-powered search solution to life, making finding “mountainous forests in northern Italy” as seamless as the ride itself. Now, ROUVY delivers smarter, faster searches tailored to user preferences—powered by AI recommendations based on past rides and activity—delivering a user experience built for cyclists, by cyclists. This innovative solution rolls out in 2025, setting a new standard for virtual cycling apps. Revolgy isn’t just building tech—we’re building better user experiences. Need a partner to power your project? Let’s talk: https://okt.to/GEF7x3. #AI #GoogleCloud #ROUVY #revolgy

AI Meets Endurance Sports: A MindStudio Experiment "What things don't you feel confident about? What worries you? Where do you think you need to improve? What do you feel you want to focus on between now and the race?" These questions can be hard to answer as an athlete preparing for an event. I've been training hard, but is it enough? Should I spend the final weeks focusing on something specific that will help me do better? I wanted to find out if AI could help answer these questions and provide input into the coaching process for my mountain bike events. So I built an AI worker using MindStudio that: • Analyses historic activity data (in my case from Garmin Connect) • Reviews Strava analytics • Assesses rider strengths and weaknesses (short climbs, sustained climbs, flat terrain, endurance etc) • Evaluates upcoming race requirements (based on the event website) • Performs a gap analysis between current capabilities and race needs • Provides specific training recommendations • Generates a PDF report summary I tested it with two different events: Event 1: A 3-day mountain bike event with moderate distances and technical terrain. My AI worker: • Recommended focusing on building improved capability on sustained climbs • Highlighted the need for enhanced endurance to manage energy over multiple days Event 2: A single-day long distance event with less climbing. In this instance, my AI worker: • Identified a need for better power consistency on flat terrain to ensure good energy efficiency and pace management • Suggested ways to improve sustained power on mixed terrain In each scenario, it provided specific structured training sessions to address these areas. So where does AI fit in for an endurance athlete? For me personally: Does it replace my cycling coach? No. Does it add insights I can discuss with my coach? Definitely. Another useful AI tool built using MindStudio, with no coding required. #AI #SportsTechnology #Coaching #EnduranceSports #Innovation

🚴♂️𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 🚴♀️ We are excited to share our latest article published in MDPI: “Effect of Outdoor Cycling, Virtual and Enhanced Reality Indoor Cycling on Heart Rate, Motivation, Enjoyment and Intention to Perform Green Exercise in Healthy Adults”. In this study, we investigated how integrating Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) with cycling activities impacts heart rate, motivation, enjoyment, and the intention to engage in green exercise. Here are some key findings: 𝐇𝐑𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧: VR and AR cycling sessions showed a significant increase compared to traditional outdoor cycling. 𝐇𝐑𝐦𝐚𝐱: No differences between VR and outdoor sessions. 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Participants reported higher motivation levels during Outdoor sessions. 𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Enhanced enjoyment was observed, making workouts more engaging. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: VR and AR positively influenced the intention to perform outdoor exercises, but the outdoor session was superior. We utilized 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐠𝐲𝐦 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 to ensure high-quality and reliable results. 🔍 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞: Link to article https://lnkd.in/dtMP3fKQ 💡 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: What are your experiences with VR/AR in training? Share your thoughts in the comments! #Research #Innovation #VirtualReality #AugmentedReality #Cycling #Health #Wellness #Technogym

Is indoor cycling the future of training? 🚴♂️ New research from Peeters et al. reveals that over 80% of participants cite time efficiency as their main reason for opting to cycle indoors, with a staggering 98% using immersive software to enhance their experience. This shift highlights the need for sport professionals to adapt their training strategies. How can you leverage technology to maximize your team's performance? Let's discuss! For more insights like this, consider subscribing at https://lnkd.in/gf5BJXMe. Dive deeper into the findings here: https://lnkd.in/gHz3mzMD.

Innovations may bring both the advantages and disadvantages. Walking as an exercise going to work and even for some errands may be diminished, but mobility will be enhanced particularly for those needing it as a condition or in specific situations. I wonder if we will see this more on our streets as the battery life and charging frequency improves, and which brands will “spring up,” changing the landscape for shoes & sandals…

This article highlights fundamental aspects that every cycling and technology lover can appreciate. As a cycling enthusiast, I find the time efficiency that indoor cycling offers especially valuable. This modality is perfect for those who, like me, manage tight schedules but do not want to sacrifice their passion for pedaling. The integration of technology into indoor cycling, such as smart trainers, is a clear example of how technology enriches our experiences. This fusion of personal and professional passions is something I always seek in my career. As in indoor cycling, in AI, efficiency and precision are key. The adaptability of this practice to different conditions and schedules reflects the flexibility and customization that we also aspire to achieve in the field of AI. #IndoorCycling #TechnologicalInnovation #TimeEfficiency #Safety #AIConversacional #GenAI #IAConversacional

At Kentek Global, we're bringing our mind-blowing interactive cycle races!  Picture this: you hop on your stationary bike, slip on a VR headset or gaze at a screen, and suddenly, you're transported to a virtual world where the pedals feel real, the scenery is breathtaking, and the competition is fierce. It's like stepping into your very own cycling adventure, right in your living room! But wait, there's more! Our interactive cycle races aren't just about the thrill of the ride; they're about pushing your limits, tracking your progress, and experiencing the rush of friendly competition. With customizable courses, real-time feedback, and leaderboards to climb, every race is a chance to challenge yourself and reach new heights. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist looking for a new challenge or a gaming enthusiast craving an immersive experience, our interactive cycle races have something for everyone. From virtual cycling studios to gaming events, they're revolutionizing the way we pedal, play, and push ourselves to the limit. #KentekGlobal #InteractiveCycleRaces #VirtualReality #AugmentedReality #CyclingAdventure #PushYourLimits #RideToVictory

Day 327/366 Revolutionizing Swimming with AI Innovations 🏊♂️🤖 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making significant waves in the swimming world, enhancing performance, safety, and fan engagement. Here are some groundbreaking applications: 1️⃣ Performance Analysis: AI-driven tools analyze swimmers' techniques, providing real-time feedback to optimize strokes and turns. For instance, the FINIS LaneVision app uses AI to capture data on stroke velocity and split times, aiding in technique improvement. 2️⃣ Injury Prevention: Wearable AI devices monitor swimmers' biomechanics, detecting patterns that may lead to injuries. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions, reducing the risk of overuse injuries. 3️⃣ Drowning Detection: AI-powered surveillance systems analyze underwater video feeds to identify drowning behaviors, enhancing pool safety. These systems can alert lifeguards in real-time, enabling swift responses. 4️⃣ Training Optimization: AI algorithms assess training loads and recovery metrics, tailoring programs to individual needs and ensuring peak performance. 5️⃣ Fan Engagement: AI enhances fan experiences by providing personalized content and interactive features during swimming events, fostering greater engagement. 6️⃣ Virtual Coaching: AI-powered virtual assistants offer swimmers personalized coaching tips and feedback, making expert guidance more accessible. 7️⃣ Event Analytics: AI analyzes race data to predict outcomes and strategize for upcoming competitions, giving teams a competitive edge. 8️⃣ Biomechanical Modeling: AI creates detailed models of swimmers' movements, identifying areas for technique improvement and efficiency gains. 9️⃣ Environmental Monitoring: AI systems monitor pool conditions, ensuring optimal water quality and temperature for training and competition. 🔟 Smart Equipment: AI-integrated swim gear, like smart goggles, provide real-time performance metrics, enhancing training sessions. Embracing AI in swimming is not just about technology; it's about enhancing the human experience in the sport. How is your organization leveraging AI to transform swimming? Share your insights below! ⬇️ #AISwimming #SportsInnovation #SwimmingTechnology #FanEngagement #PerformanceAnalysis #AI #ML #spreadingaithroughsl