Why tech is going to play a big role in your fitness/fashion/everything goals this year

It’s official: Tech is infiltrating the wellness scene. Whether you’re streaming your favorite studio class live to your living room (a shift we predicted in our 2018 Wellness Trends), or skipping the checkout line by buying your activewear online, we’re seeing a major rise in digital fitness.

But unlike our smart phone obsessions (guilty), this techy takeover is a total positive.

To show off how tech can help fuel your wellness goals, we teamed up with Amazon to host New York City’s top fitness stars at high-vibe hotspot The Assemblage. From augmented reality activations to astrology readings, the buzzy morning referenced the full spectrum of what wellness looks like today.

“We’re already seeing a lot of growth in this space,” Gelula said. “If you can use tech to get your workouts at home, why should you have to leave home to shop for leggings?”

“If you can use tech to get your workouts at home, why should you have to leave home to shop for leggings?”

To that end, consider Amazon a burgeoning fitness-fashion empire: With tons of big-name brands like Nike, Terez, Onzie, Core 10, and more, you can get must-have looks delivered straight to your door, stat. Shout out emergency laundry-day leggings (no judgement).

Scroll down to see what went down at the event—from augmented reality sessions to astrology previews of the year ahead.

Nestled high above Park Avenue, the cozy, candle-lit space promised a high-tech oasis to kick off the new year with a full itinerary, including industry insights from Gelula and cool wellness stations throughout.

In the spirit of Amazon’s mission to be your number-one resource for conquering your resolutions this year, inspirational snippets of wisdom (and tasty vegan treats!) were scattered around the space to set the goal-setting mood.

Guests used iPads to interact with Amazon’s augmented reality experience, in which a tiny digital model (who looked like she was at the event IRL and was sporting Mission Activewear from Amazon, obvi) performed a workout anywhere she was placed—even on the countertop!—illustrating that you really can exercise anywhere.

Fitness pros Chinae Alexander and Elianne Alexander got in a mini sweat sesh alongside their virtual mini-me. (Spoiler: The augmented reality model won the push-up contest.)

The morning wasn’t totally infused with tech, though. Guests got grounded at the build-your-own succulent bar, where they filled glass terrariums with river stones, moss, and crystals for a calming souvenir.

Succulents are Insta-famous for a reason (they’re just so cute!). FITtrips founder Jess Glazer and FitWithBae co-founder Brooke Mullen posed with their new plant friend.

Guests sipped on bubbly prepared by Alchemy Bar, which infused rosemary, orange, lemon, honey, coconut sugar, and sparkling water to create a Winter Spritz.

The plant-based breakfast menu featured a coconut yogurt parfait station, sweet potato toasties topped with all the toppings, and coffees and teas with vegan nut milks. #Noms.

All eyes (and phone cameras) were on Gelula as she discussed how the accessibility of digital fitness is making it easier than ever to stick to your new year’s goals.

Guests paused to meditate on their resolutions before sharing them on intention cards. A few of the most poignant included “No negative self talk,” “Support art by people of all colors,” “Spread the love,” and “Frugality…Except for new leggings.”

Akin’s Army trainer Bree Branker posed with her resolution (“More puppies!”) in front of the GIF camera.

Holistic nutritionist Bianca Klotsman showed off her new W+G tote. Each guest was outfitted with a head-to-toe Amazon look to freshen up their workout wardrobe.

Yogi Jules Hunt and Gelula chatted about their plans for 2018 over almond and oat milk coffees. Well+Good’s resident astrologist, Jennifer Racioppi, also shared insights into the year ahead in a quiet corner of the room to help guests tackle their goals in a mindful way.

The Rumble squad turned out in full force, with boxing babes Sara Lipson, Dagmara Lometti, Beth Gold, Erika Hammond, and Lielen de Guzman taking a break from squaring off with the bag to lounge on the comfy floor pillows.

“New Year’s goal: Feel like a rockstar.” PSA: A new pair of leggings can help with that.

In collaboration with Amazon

Photos: Tim Gibson for Well+Good