When it comes to groundbreaking innovations, EGYM likes to go two at a time. The fast-growing fit tech company announced the upcoming launches of EGYM Genius, an AI-powered training software, and Hip Thrust, its newest smart strength training machine.

EGYM Genius is an artificial intelligence (AI) software that creates fully automated, personalized training plans tailored to clubs and their specific equipment. Genius connects entire gym floors, linking different machines made by different suppliers, even including free weights.

This tech connects all of EGYM’s components, such as EGYM Smart Strength (including its Fitness Hub and connected Smart cardio), training plans, workouts of all kinds (including classes and training outside the gym recorded with apps and wearables) as well as motivational and community tools such as Gameday and EGYM’s Branded Member App.

Trainers and club members will get insights from seven billion EGYM data points (and growing) while using the software, including data from training sessions carried out on EGYM and partner devices. The data points help Genius generate precise recommendations for individualized training plans for users.

EGYM’s AI Push

EGYM, which raised $225 million in 2023, continues to invest in AI. With Genius, the brand is making good on its intentions to utilize tech to create a connected gym.

“We want to make the whole gym ‘smart’,” EGYM North America general manager Dana Milkie previously told Athletech News. ”By understanding members’ preferences, their goals and experience levels , and combining it with the data we are able to track on our platform, we can deliver a workout tailored to the member and the operator’s facility.”

Bringing Tech to Glute Training

As glute training increases in popularity along with strength training as a whole, EGYM is capitalizing with the Hip Thrust, which the fit tech brand says is the world’s first fully electronic hip thrust device, using smart weight rather than physical weight or resistance bands. The equipment strengthens lower body muscle groups with a focus on the glutes and hamstrings.

The product marks the 19th piece of strength equipment from EGYM, broadening its portfolio of machines and addressing consumer demand. The Hip Thrust offers a space-saving design along with a user-friendly interface that can be used both independently and in an area concept, EGYM assures.

Hip Thrust will work within EGYM’s ecosystem of smart equipment, and will also be backed by Genius. The Hip Thrust is projected to be available sometime this fall, with Genius available in October.

The post EGYM Launches AI Training Plans, Hip Thrust Machine appeared first on Athletech News.

Lou Lentine, founder and CEO of Echelon, a leading manufacturer of connected fitness equipment, and Danny Dulkin, Vice President of Development at Arch Amenities Group, which creates bespoke wellness spaces, join Athletech News Founder and CEO Edward Hertzman in this exclusive “Fireside Chat” interview. 

Lentine and Dulkin explain how their companies work together to build the best possible gym environment as equipment supplier and designer, respectively, following industry trends and capitalizing on their strong relationship. Alongside Hertzman, the Echelon and Arch execs dive into concepts such as the rise of strength training, getting the most out of a gym space and what lies ahead for the fitness industry.  

Watch the full interview here for expert commentary on the following:

• What makes a successful fitness supplier and designer relationship in 2024
• How to give gym members what they want while maximizing real estate
• The future of fitness from multiple industry perspectives

Key Talking Points

(0:00 – 0:55) Introductions

(0:55 – 2:07 ) How fitness facility layouts have evolved

(2:07 – 3:55) Designing products to meet new layout demands

(3:55 – 6:10) Foundations for the Arch and Echelon partnership

(6:10 – 9:09) Addressing strength training’s popularity from a supplier and design side

(9:09 – 10:17) Importance of acoustics in gym design

(10:17 – 13:44) Space management both with gyms layout and equipment

(13:44 – 16:49) Connected rooms and increasing retention

(16:49 – 18:39) Incorporating wellness and recovery into modern gym floors

(18:39 – 20:40) Things to look forward to in the rest of 2024 

(20:40 – 23:04) Why gyms will never be dead

(23:04 – 24:07) Wrap Up

The post Fireside Chat: Echelon CEO Lou Lentine on the Art of Fitness Supply & Design appeared first on Athletech News.

Leading fitness equipment and technology brands brought their best to IHRSA 2024, the annual convention and trade show put on by IHRSA, now known as the Health & Fitness Association.

Athletech News breaks down some of the key products that made waves on the show room floor from brands including Aktiv Solutions, EGYM, Freemotion Fitness, Life Fitness, Matrix, Precor and Technogym.

Energizing their respective spaces and showing what’s next in fitness evolution, these seven brands showcased their top-tier releases across strength training, cardio and fit tech, all designed to engage consumers while assisting club operators. 

Aktiv Innovates on Traditional Strength Training

The rise of strength training is likely the fitness biggest trend of 2024, with consumers of all ages and fitness levels finding time to weight train, taking to the benefits of increased muscle mass, joint protection, fat loss and lowered resting heart rate.

Aktiv Solutions, a commercial gym design and supply company, used IHRSA 2024 to unveil its latest innovation: the Gym Rax Smith 3D Trainer (3SD). The next-gen smith machine features a free bar path, mimicking barbells while offering the benefits of the traditional smith machine, including the lack of need for supervision.

Aktiv created the S3D to onboard those new to strength training while also catering to expert lifters.

“The S3D presents an opportunity for operators to appeal to their broader constituencies without alienating more advanced lifters,” explained Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions, adding that users “can get that last rep without fear that they’ll injure themselves without a spotter.”

The S3D touts a patent-pending movement carriage that synchronizes its safety catches and serves as a built-in spotter — perfect for newer users, Gen Z and active-aging populations. 

The safety feature makes S3D a particularly beneficial addition to unsupervised fitness facilities like hotels or university gyms.

Precor Embraces the Glute Trend

Precor is also heavily invested in strength, partnering with Glutebuilder to breathe new life into glute training, which has become highly popular on social media platforms like TikTok. Besides looking good, training the glutes has numerous benefits including hip stabilization and pain prevention in the back and neck. 

The partnership will see an all-new line of six patent-pending glute training products that combine the motion design of Glutebuilder’s founder and CEO, Arturo García López, with Precor’s engineering and manufacturing expertise.

“We recognize the surging popularity of glute training worldwide, and the innovations within the new Precor Glutebuilder Line offer novel ways to engage and attract new fitness enthusiasts,” said Precor’s CEO Dustin Grosz. “We are delighted to partner with this esteemed brand and leverage Arturo’s groundbreaking developments.”

Those who missed IHRSA 2024 will be able to preview the Precor Glutebuilder Line at FIBO in April in Cologne, Germany.

Technogym Launches AI-Powered Health & Longevity Tracking

It was impossible to ignore Technogym at IHRSA 2024, with its massive presence on the tradeshow floor and outfitted in its signature black and yellow branding.

Already a force to be reckoned with, Technogym took its ecosystem a step further with the debut of Technogym Check Up. Harnessing AI to assess physical and cognitive conditions, Technogym Check Up has the power to prescribe the ideal fitness program that adapts over time based on the individual user.

Nerio Alessandri, Technogym founder and CEO, says the latest innovation represents the access point to the entire Technogym ecosystem, offering a “fully personalized program for every single individual that evolves over time thanks to AI.”

Leaning into longevity, Technogym’s latest offering goes beyond cognitive function, body composition, strength performance, balance and mobility. It uses the data to calculate a “Wellness Age,” a nod to the brand’s ‘Technogym as Medicine’ philosophy.

The new tool puts longevity-seeking consumers in the driver’s seat of their health. At the same time, Technogym’s ecosystem and data-forward approach can also unlock invaluable data for fitness operators.

EGYM Empowers Users To Move Beyond the Scale

EGYM, a leading fitness tech provider, put its new BioAge feature front and center at IHRSA 2024, a measurable approach to fitness that calculates a user’s wellness across four pillars: strength, cardio, flexibility and metabolism.

It may be time to toss the scale since BioAge takes things beyond simple bodyweight measurements. Giving users a solution-based path, BioAge focuses on four different areas of need, tracking progress and providing users with valuable visual feedback along the way. 

The result? A comprehensive approach to health and fitness that keeps users engaged and motivated — especially when they quickly start seeing results. 

“Unfortunately in our industry, usually it’s all about what a member sees on the scale,” Dana Milkie, EGYM general manager for North America, told ATN. “It can be a little demotivating, particularly in the first three or four weeks when you’re starting to exercise trying to change your body and you don’t see anything on the scale. From a BioAge perspective, you begin to see changes very quickly as whatever biological age you started at begins to go down.”

BioAge is visible on EGYM’s Fitness Hub, trainer app and branded member app, making it accessible anywhere for individuals who work out at various facility types. The innovation also serves as a powerful tool for operators and fitness trainers, allowing them to share tangible results with clients, deepening motivation with proof.

Matrix Brings Luxury to Cardio

Matrix Fitness, a commercial fitness leader under Johnson Health Tech, has elevated cardio with a luxurious look and feel with the launch of its Onyx Collection, a line of five ultra-premium cardio machines, including a treadmill, Ascent Trainer, ClimbMill, upright cycle and recumbent cycle. 

“Every touch point and every element of the Onyx Collection was designed to be exceptional, immersive, and unlike anything else in our portfolio,” said Andrew Kolman, vice president of global product development. “At Matrix, meaningful innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our partners can expect to see this guiding principle artfully expressed in every design detail.”

With its impressive 32″ touchscreen console and interactive touch controls, users can sprint, interval train, complete fitness tests or run on rolling hills. 

Kolman explained that feedback from industry partners fueled the creation of Onyx’s luxe design, with its oversized screen allowing operators to brand the experience and advertise their own messaging. 

The Onyx Collection is headed to FIBO next month in Germany, which will take place from April 11 to 14.

Life Fitness Gives Operators the Keys

Life Fitness used IHRSA to remind the fitness industry that cardio is still king and that the key to a successful product is deepening user engagement while offering new revenue channels for club operators. 

Symbio, an ultra-premium cardio line features a Runner (treadmill), Incline Elliptical, SwitchCycle and Recumbent Cycle — all of which enable club operators to easily upload on-demand workouts featuring their in-house instructors.

Gym goers want an engaging cardio experience, which Symbio can deliver, as operators can add new member onboarding videos or promote additional services.

“(It) gives you the ability as a trainer, instructor, facility owner, operator — to completely customize the experience,” said Life Fitness global training and education manager Leigh Wierichs. “The content doesn’t have to be a class — although it could be an actual on-demand class or something nutrition-related. It could be something explaining the different capabilities of the treadmill; it could be something talking about how to prepare for a 5K. It can be anything that you think would resonate.”

Content abilities aside, Life Fitness’ new Runner offers a standout feature, adaptive flex deck technology so that users can select their preferred level of firmness – either 40% softer or firmer.

For Freemotion, Content Is King

Freemotion Fitness, along with parent company iFIT, put a spotlight on its new 22 Series cardio line at IHRSA 2024, boasting iFIT’s robust content library of nearly 17,000 coach-led workouts, including Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps and ultrarunner Tommy Rivers Puzey. 

The 22 Series cardio line offers a six-piece collection that spans an incline trainer, a Reflex treadmill with an impact-reducing deck, an elliptical and three bikes, all with 22-inch HD touchscreens that display content and automatically adjust speed, incline, resistance and fan speed based on the on-screen workout.

With an emphasis on delivering top-notch video content that is immersive and exciting, iFIT films its footage on all seven continents, including adventurous locations such as Mount Everest. It’s a creative decision that Adam Guier, vice president of North America sales at Freemotion, says has a tremendous impact on member engagement.

“We hear members say, “I went on a vacation to such and such place because I had exercised in that same location from virtually,'” Guier said. “We also hear members who say, “I went on vacation, came back, and did the same run on the console that I had done on vacation.”

Beyond the gym, members can use the iFIT app at home or on vacation, using equipment from NordicTrack or ProForm, other iFIT brands.

The post These Fitness Products Made Waves at IHRSA 2024 appeared first on Athletech News.

Freemotion Fitness, iFIT’s commercial equipment branch, is bolstering its executive team again. The company has hired Renaud Grout as its new senior vice president of international sales. In the role, Grout will oversee all areas outside of the North American and Latin American (LATAM) regions.

With Grout’s appointment, Freemotion’s senior vice president of sales, Chris McGill, will become senior vice president of dealer and LATAM sales, overseeing the company’s North American dealer network and LATAM businesses. 

“I am eager to contribute to the development of Freemotion – a vital brand within the wider iFIT family,” Grout said. “Freemotion has the capability and the opportunity to further grow and amplify the business and brand internationally – I am excited to work with the team and our sales partners to maximize these opportunities.” 

Having spent over 25 years leading the international business and growth of NordicTrack, ProForm, and iFIT, Grout brings a bevy of experience to the table for Freemotion.

Recently, the commercial equipment brought Adam Guier aboard as its vice president of sales in North America, hired Chuck Fedorka as vice president of operations and promoted Tom Sweigart to director of member care. All three wield over 20 years of experience in their respective fields and are working to broaden Freemotion’s market presence.

“The Freemotion business has and will continue to see significant growth in the international markets, the appointment of Renaud will only enhance and continue to drive this momentum,” added Mark Watterson, CEO of iFIT commercial.

Freemotion officially debuted its new 22 SERIES connected fitness cardio line at IHRSA 2024 earlier this month. The product features six connected machines including an incline trainer, a Reflex treadmill, an elliptical and three bikes including the CoachBike. All come attached with a 22-inch HD touchscreen capable of streaming iFIT content and feature tech that adapts things like incline and speed based on a user’s on-screen workout.

The post Freemotion Continues Global Expansion Efforts appeared first on Athletech News.

TRX Training announced a new partnership with the Navy SEAL Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing vital support to the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community and their families.

In 2023, TRX initiated a $2 million gear donation to the Navy SEAL Foundation and will continue to support the organization through offerings like exclusive discounts on products. 

“We are honored to partner with the Navy SEAL Foundation and support the courageous men and women who serve in the Naval Special Warfare community,” said Jack Daly, CEO of TRX. “Our company has deep roots in the military, and we are committed to giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

The Navy SEAL Foundation provides a comprehensive set of over thirty programs to warriors, veterans and families of Naval Special Warfare (NSW). The programs are under the five Pillars of Support: Strength, Resilience, Health, Education, and Community. Programs help members reduce stressors, address tragedy and aid with recovery, enhance physical and mental wellness, and provide scholarships and development opportunities.

“We are grateful for TRX’s generous support and commitment to the NSW community,” said Robin King, CEO of the Navy SEAL Foundation. “Jack and Metka Daly have been long-time supporters of the Navy SEAL Foundation and with TRX’s place in the community it highlights the utmost dedication and distinction of the brand for both active and veteran service members.”

TRX’s support of the U.S. military extends beyond philanthropy. The company, founded by former Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick, has a history of providing training equipment to all branches of the military. Because the brand’s functional training products are portable and versatile, they’re ideal for helping military personnel stay in shape on the go. 

The post TRX Deepens Commitment to Navy SEAL Foundation appeared first on Athletech News.

Everywhere you look, strength training is all the rage and Aktiv Solutions didn’t disappoint at this year’s IHRSA 2024 Convention and Tradeshow. 

Aktiv Solutions, the commercial gym design and supply company specializing in movement-based training, debuted its highly anticipated GYM RAX SMITH 3D Trainer (S3D) at this year’s event. Aktiv has positioned the S3D as not simply a next-generation smith machine, but rather an onramp to what it claims is a swelling population of consumers looking for a better introduction to the fundamentals of strength training.

“There’s room to refine how consumers are leveling up with their now more rapid adoption of strength training modalities,” said Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions. “The advent of the SMITH 3D Trainer is both tremendous in terms of its timing and its ability to onboard a greater population of less-experienced enthusiasts, female lifters, and those who simply don’t wish to intertwine in the chaos of the weight-dropping or CrossFit-style culture.”

A Versatile & Well-Timed Launch 

Mindbody recently listed strength training as its top wellness trend for 2024. The workout modality is notably growing in popularity among those 55 years or older as well as across new demographics from Gen Z to active adults. 

“The S3D presents an opportunity for operators to appeal to their broader constituencies without alienating more advanced lifters,” Green said of how health clubs are expected to leverage the new system.

The S3D features a patent-pending movement carriage that synchronizes its safety catches to work like a built-in spotter during an entire exercise motion.

“No matter where you are in the range of the exercise, whether you’re in full extension, or you just can’t make that last rep, you’re able to re-rack safely at any point in that range of motion,” Green explained. “That’s the advancement, a smarter way to lift with peace and increase one’s confidence when pushing to their limits so they can get that last rep without fear that they’ll injure themselves without a spotter.”

Ideal for a Variety of Facilities & Members 

These features also make the S3D an ideal addition to any fitness facility lacking supervision, like hotel or university gyms. That’s been a consistent goal for Aktiv in the release of the S3D given the increased popularity of those types of facilities.

With the explosion of non-health club fitness amenities from hotels to apartment buildings, it is imperative that these properties be able to more safely and effectively incorporate strength training. Equipment size, ease of use, and inclusiveness are critical in making a selection for these largely unsupervised spaces. The S3D solves for the great majority of these concerns.

“In the evolving landscape of fitness amenities, gyms have become a staple, along with pools and laundry rooms in modern buildings,” Andrew Gavigan, Director of Digital and Education at Aktiv Solutions, told Athletech News founder and CEO Edward Hertzman in an exclusive interview on the new product.

“Notably, the demand for strength training is on the rise, prompting us to pioneer innovative and effective products tailored to meet the evolving needs of users and facilities,” Gavigan added. “The S3D stands as a perfect testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions in this dynamic fitness environment.” 

While Aktiv’s new product is perfect for unsupervised fitness facilities, there are still advantages to using the S3D with a spotter or trainer present, especially when it comes to the personal or small group training high-touch environment.

“Personal trainers are there to guide as they watch a client’s form and movement, but often become a ‘spotter’ during barbell exercises,” Green noted. “This machine creates the freedom for trainers to take a step back, and focus on their expertise. It’s really an incredible tool for personal trainers to pick up efficiencies in the way that they’re working with the client.”

Less Space, More Profit

The most expensive investment for any operator is often the real estate of the facility itself, so space consumption is critical when selecting the size of equipment, and more importantly, its footprint when in use. 

Leading health clubs often incorporate racks of their choice paired with the selection of a “lifting platform.” This combination can take up upwards of a 10’x12’ area for a single setup. Aktiv shares the S3D is unique in that its entire space requirement during use requires less than 7’x6’, or nearly half the space consumption of traditional rack-and-platform set-ups

This spurs efficiency and cost savings across the board for operators. 

Installations for Aktiv’s S3D have already begun and are rolling out across the United States with a select few early European locations on their way.

The post Aktiv Answers the Call for Strength Training Innovation With a Showstopper at IHRSA 24 appeared first on Athletech News.

Strength training may be getting all the attention lately, but equipment leaders such as Life Fitness, Matrix Fitness and Freemotion Fitness are aiming to keep cardio fans engaged—after all, even those focusing on resistance training still carve out cardio time, and newcomers gravitate to treadmills for their familiarity and ease of use.

Cardio was on full display at IHRSA 2024, with equipment makers excited to debut the latest in equipment advancements and user-friendly technology guaranteed to keep fitness consumers engaged and moving.

Here’s a look at some top brands and their latest cardio innovations.

Life Fitness Lets Operators Create Their Own Content

Life Fitness is revitalizing cardio, deepening user engagement and unlocking new revenue streams for club operators with Symbio, its ultra-premium cardio line, which was displayed at IHRSA 2024.

Citing data from EcoFit, the commercial fitness equipment leader points out that fitness enthusiasts are still heavily engaged in cardio activities, but their desires have changed when it comes to equipment. In a screen-friendly world, consumers expect on-demand content to be readily available on their cardio machine. One Life Fitness survey revealed that gym members prefer nutrition, fitness, mental health and mindfulness content, along with on-demand workouts featuring in-house instructors. 

Enter Symbio, a next-gen collection spanning a Runner (treadmill), Incline Elliptical, SwitchCycle and Recumbent Cycle that allow club operators to create on-demand workouts with their own in-house instructors, add new member onboarding videos and promote services to drive additional revenue. 

The Runner breathes new life into cardio with adaptive flex deck technology, offering advanced customization where exercisers can select their preferred level of firmness – either 40% softer or firmer. Geared for everyone from running beginners to advanced or to those rehabbing or looking to prevent injury, the Runner keeps fitness enthusiasts engrossed and encouraged with its technology, according to Don Saladino, celebrity trainer.

“It’s giving people the ability to quantify their success from a cardio standpoint that doesn’t require them going faster,” Saladino said during a Life Fitness panel discussion at IHRSA 2024.

Providing on-demand content on a cardio machine is another key driver to keeping members motivated, especially when they can understand and see their progress through metrics. As an expert trainer, Saladino said he was impressed by Symbio’s ability to hook members with content and urges operators to tap into their team of personal trainers and instructors.

As Life Fitness global training and education manager Leigh Wierichs points out, club operators can easily shoot content with their phones and seamlessly upload it to the console, unlocking endless possibilities.

“(It) gives you the ability as a trainer, instructor, facility owner, operator — to really completely customize the experience,” Wierichs said. “And the content doesn’t have to be a class — although it could be an actual on-demand class or something nutrition-related. It could be something explaining the different capabilities of the treadmill; it could be something talking about how to prepare for a 5K. It can be anything that you think would resonate.”

Matrix Brings Luxury to the Next Level

Matrix Fitness, a commercial fitness leader under Johnson Health Tech, has entered 2024 with the launch of its Onyx Collection, a line of five ultra-premium cardio machines, including a treadmill, Ascent Trainer, ClimbMill, upright cycle and recumbent cycle. 

“Every touch point and every element of the Onyx Collection was designed to be exceptional, immersive, and unlike anything else in our portfolio,” said Andrew Kolman, vice president of global product development. “At Matrix, meaningful innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our partners can expect to see this guiding principle artfully expressed in every design detail.”

Matrix showcased the new cardio collection at IHRSA 2024, with its sleek visual appeal on full display, meant to take the fitness experience at high-end health clubs and luxury hotels to the next level.

Kolman explained that feedback from industry partners was central to the creation of Onyx.

“As a commitment to the success of our partners, we have made significant investments in enhanced manufacturing processes, machinery and more exacting quality standards that will not only meet but exceed the expectations of the ultra-premium customer,” he said.

Aside from its premium aesthetics, Onyx offers an oversized 32″ touchscreen console and interactive touch controls. Whether users are looking to sprint, interval train, complete fitness tests or run on immersive rolling hills, they will stay engaged. At the same time, operators are able to brand the experience and run their own messaging on the big screen.

The Onyx Collection will also be showcased next month at the 2024 FIBO show in Germany, which will take place from April 11 to 14.

Freemotion Engages Members Through Immersive Content

Freemotion Fitness, along with parent company iFIT, showcased its new 22 Series cardio line at IHRSA 2024, featuring iFIT’s content library of roughly 17,000 coach-led workouts, including Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps and ultrarunner Tommy Rivers Puzey. 

The six-piece lineup includes an incline trainer, a Reflex treadmill with an impact-reducing deck, an elliptical and three bikes, complete with a 22-inch HD touchscreen that displays content and automatically adjusts speed, incline, resistance and fan speed based on the on-screen workout.

iFIT’s content is filmed on all seven continents, including exciting locations such as Mount Everest, transporting cardio enthusiasts to another world via the 22 Series monitors, which Adam Guier, vice president of North America sales at Freemotion, says is a massive benefit for attraction and retention. 

“We hear members say, “I went on a vacation to such and such place because I had exercised in that same location from virtually,'” Guier has told Athletech News. “We also hear members who say, “I went on vacation, came back, and did the same run on the console that I had done on vacation.”

Freemotion’s 22 Series also serves club operators who struggle to hire enough fitness instructors for group fitness classes. The cardio line provides an engaging experience with plenty of variety and the ability to be coached virtually with expert guidance from iFIT instructors. 

Outside the gym, members can use the iFIT app wherever they are, including at home, using equipment from NordicTrack or ProForm, other iFIT brands.

The post IHRSA 2024: Cardio Still Top of Mind for Fitness Equipment Leaders appeared first on Athletech News.

These days, cardio often gets put down as boring, mindless or downright ineffective, but it doesn’t have to be that way. 

When implemented correctly, cardio machines can still be an asset to gyms and fitness facilities, and a potent member-engagement tool at that. 

Freemotion Fitness and parent company iFIT are changing the game when it comes to what cardio machines are capable of, placing workout content and smart technology at the forefront to deliver a truly immersive experience that brings users in and keeps them coming back for more, whether in-facility or at home. 

Freemotion’s new 22 SERIES cardio line is specifically designed to leverage iFIT’s vast library of workout content, which includes around 17,000 coach-led workouts, ranging from hill climbs on an incline trainer to stationary bike rides through mountain ranges.

The 22 SERIES will be front and center at IHRSA 2024. The lineup features six connected machines – an incline trainer, with its ramp going up to 30%, a REFLEX treadmill featuring an impact-reducing deck, an elliptical and three bikes including the popular CoachBike – all of which come equipped with 22-inch HD touchscreen displays that stream iFIT content and automatically adjust speed, incline, resistance, and even fan speed based on what’s happening on-screen, leaving users enthralled in their workouts. 

Best-In-Class Content Drives Engagement

iFIT workout content lies at the heart of the 22 SERIES experience. Gyms that install Freemotion equipment in their facilities get an automatic boost from iFIT, which is already being enjoyed by more than 7 million people across the world. 

“(Members are) coming in predisposed to iFIT, so being able to provide iFIT content on those 22-inch monitors is a huge benefit for attraction and retention,” says Adam Guier, VP/North America Sales at Freemotion. 

iFIT’s library of coach-led workouts includes content from Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps and ultrarunner Tommy Rivers Puzey. The Utah-based fitness brand films its own content, sending its trainers to countries on all seven continents, including some exotic and exciting locales like Mount Everest. 

“We hear members say, “I went on a vacation to such and such place because I had exercised in that same location from virtually,’” Guier notes. “We also hear members who say, “I went on vacation, came back, and did the same run on the  console that I had done on vacation.”

Aside from providing travel inspiration, iFIT content on Freemotion equipment keeps users engaged along their entire fitness journey. 

“It’s addictive and it’s habit-forming,” Guier says. “We have specifically built our series to move along the fitness journey with the exerciser. So maybe you start as a walker, then you become a jogger and then you become a runner. We have content that will travel along that journey with you.” 

Machines That Work Out With You

The 22 SERIES experience goes deeper than displaying content on a flat-screen TV mounted to the top of each machine. With Auto-Adjust technology, each piece of equipment automatically adjusts the speed and incline based on what’s happening in the workout on-screen. 

Take a journey along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland with Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross – a workout that’s available on iFIT – and your 22 SERIES machine will automatically adjust to the terrain. 

“There’s a lot of other companies that have content on their consoles, but we’re the only one that actually have an Auto-Adjust feature. If the trainer says we’re going up this hill, the machine adjusts the incline to go up that hill,” Guier notes. “Whether you’re on our bike, elliptical or treadmill, it doesn’t matter, it’ll make those adjustments.”

Expert Guidance 

The 22 SERIES also solves a common problem with the typical in-gym cardio experience: most users don’t know what to do when they hop on a machine, so they choose the ‘Quickstart’ option by default. This can lead to repetitive – even boring – workouts, lackluster results and, ultimately, poor engagement. 

iFIT’s workout content isn’t only fun, it gives users access to expert coaches and expertly designed workout plans. 

“It’s as though you have a coach with you at all times guiding you on your fitness journey,” Guier says. “Having that integrated coach is a game-changer; they can take you to a different level.”

For gym operators struggling to hire enough instructors to run group fitness classes, Guier offers the option of a room filled with 22 SERIES equipment where members can work out virtually with expert guidance from iFIT instructors. 

“When I talk to operators, the biggest thing that they’ve had a hard time getting back post-COVID has been instructors, be it an indoor cycling instructor or a trainer on the floor,” he says. “We provide you with the content that bridges the gap.”

Guier sums up the 22 SERIES experience like this:

“People are looking for variety in life, and they’re looking to be coached,” he says. “The Freemotion 22 SERIES cardio line with iFIT content provides you with both of those.”

The Omnichannel Advantage

Gyms that install 22 SERIES equipment don’t just supply their members with a great experience in-facility, they meet their members where they are, including at home and while traveling. Members can take workout content with them on the go using the iFIT app or at home using equipment from NordicTrack or ProForm, other iFIT brands. 

iFIT recently struck a partnership to supply members of Fit Athletic Club in San Diego with complimentary access to iFIT content as part of their gym membership. iFIT has similar partnerships with other fitness brands, including a white-label content agreement with Planet Fitness. 

Delivering an omnichannel experience is increasingly important in today’s era of at-home fitness. Gyms shouldn’t be worried that their members are working out at home; they should embrace it, Guier advises. 

“You shouldn’t see it as a competitive product; it’s a complementary product to what they’re using in the gym,” the Freemotion executive says of virtual fitness. “I have everything I need in my home to work out, but I still want to go to the gym. I want that gym atmosphere, and that energy you find when you walk into a facility.” 

The post With Freemotion’s 22 Series, Cardio Is a Member Engagement Tool appeared first on Athletech News.

At-home fitness equipment manufacturer BowFlex has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, agreeing to a deal that could see Matrix parent company Johnson Health Tech Retail acquire it for $37.5 million.

Johnson Health Tech will operate as BowFlex’s stalking horse bidder, allowing them to acquire all company assets at the close of the transaction, less closing adjustment amounts for accounts receivable, inventory and certain transfer taxes. Other interested parties will have the chance to submit competing offers, but if none beat the $37.5 million price already agreed upon by BowFlex and Johnson, the sale will go through. 

Subject to court approval, BowFlex will also receive $25 million of debtor-in-possession financing from SLR Credit Solutions and its affiliates. Those funds will enable BowFlex to continue its normal operations and meet its financial obligations to employees, vendors and its continued provision of customer orders during the bankruptcy proceedings and while executing the sale process.

“For decades, BowFlex has empowered healthier living and enabled consumers to reach their fitness goals with our innovative home fitness products and individualized connected fitness experiences,” said Jim Barr, BowFlex CEO. “As a result of the post-pandemic environment and persistent macroeconomic headwinds, we conducted a comprehensive strategic review and determined this was the best path forward for our company. We are fortified by the potential partnership with Johnson Health Tech and encouraged by the multiple parties that have indicated an interest in bidding for our company. Our goal is to maximize value for our stakeholders through this process.”

At-Home Fitness Struggles

BowFlex isn’t the only at-home fitness supplier struggling out of the pandemic gates. Peloton has repeatedly seen share prices drop, including a 23% dip last month after lowering its full-year 2024 revenue forecast.

Still, the writing has been on the wall for BowFlex for some time now. In December, the company received a notice from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) alerting them of their failure to comply with listing standards, such as maintaining an average global market capitalization of at least $50 million over a 30-day consecutive trading period. 

A few months before that, the Vancouver, Washington-based company was hit with a non-compliance notice, which flagged the brand for having an average closing price of less than $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30-trading day period. Now, BowFlex will enter bankruptcy with $140 million in assets and $126 million in liabilities according to its newly filed petition. 

What’s Next for BowFlex?

Along with Matrix Fitness, Johnson Health Tech also carries wellness companies Horizon Fitness and Vision Fitness. Whether Johnson or another bidder ends up acquiring BowFlex, the move promises to give the once-popular at-home fitness maker a much-needed sense of redirection after recent struggles. 

BowFlex notably underwent a rebrand last year, changing its name from Nautilus to BowFlex to put more emphasis on its strongest brand. The equipment maker also remodeled its BowFlex line, equipping it with brighter visuals, messaging with goal promotions and a more inclusive approach to fitness to hopefully attract younger fitness consumers.

The post BowFlex Files for Bankruptcy, Eyes Potential Sale to Matrix Parent appeared first on Athletech News.

Technogym, the fitness industry’s only AI-based end-to-end open platform, has perfected its leading “ecosystem,” delivering successful results for operators in terms of ROI, member engagement and attraction, as well as fitness enthusiasts who want to see results and stay motivated on their health and fitness journeys.

A fitness and wellness industry pioneer, Technogym offers the ultimate solution by providing operators with a cutting-edge and seamless integration across software applications already in use, fitness equipment from any manufacturer, popular payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Stripe, Visa and others, and consumer apps and wearables.

Moreover, the AI-based Technogym Ecosystem Coach adjusts training programs to enhance engagement and maximize results. It also supports marketing efforts through advanced profiling, allowing operators to run loyalty campaigns.

This revolutionary “ecosystem” has crowned Technogym as the gold standard in health and fitness equipment and software for club owners, hotels, medical centers and elite athletes. The company will serve as the exclusive and official supplier of the Paris 2024 Olympics this summer, providing its smart equipment and services to over 15,000 elite athletes.

Ever-evolving to meet the needs of operators and health and fitness consumers, Technogym is launching Technogym Checkup at IHRSA 2024, a pivotal moment for the fitness industry leader.

“Today within our Technogym Ecosystem, the one and only end-to-end ecosystem in the industry, we are proud to launch Technogym Check Up, our AI-based assessment station, that represents the access point to the ecosystem in order to measure physical and cognitive parameters and to a fully personalized program for every single individual that evolves over time thanks to AI,” said Nerio Alessandri, Technogym founder and CEO.

One-Stop Shop for Fitness & Wellness

By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the brand-new Technogym Checkup boasts an AI-based assessment station, allowing users to hyper-personalize their training based on body composition, strength performance, balance, mobility and even cognitive abilities. Taking it a step further, the data is used to calculate a “Wellness Age” so Technogym Coach can prescribe effective training that adapts over time. 

The latest launch supports the brand’s ‘Technogym as Medicine’ philosophy, promoting long-term health and wellness with its world-class products and ecosystem. A fierce advocate of promoting longevity through Technogym, Alessandri has long urged the preventive power of fitness and the belief that a healthy mind is a healthy body. 

Technogym’s new precision-based training program can be accessed anywhere, anytime — at the gym, at home, on vacation or even with a user’s physician. 

“Digital innovation has always been a key element of Technogym’s constant growth over the years since 1996, when we launched Wellness System, the first software in the industry,” Alessandri said.

Meaningful Health Tracking

Leaning into longevity-centered wellness, Technogym’s Wellness Age functionality offers a starting point for users to comprehend the age that mirrors their current physical and functional condition and offers a pathway to make improvements with a personalized, targeted training program. 

Employing a results-driven program allows users to see their Wellness Age decrease while AI makes adjustments to accelerate results, leading to an optimal state of health in a relatively quick time. 

A Potent Member Engagement Tool 

The latest innovation from Technogym meets the demands of longevity-seeking consumers who want a holistic method that culminates in improved health and vitality. 

By offering Technogym Checkup, operators have an opportunity to offer a unique, cutting-edge and in-demand service, generating additional revenue, retaining existing members and attracting new wellness and fitness seekers.

Additionally, from an operator’s perspective, the data-driven technology allows Technogym Coach to follow the training evolution and group club users based on workout preferences, habits and activity patterns so operators can leverage the findings to fine-tune upselling and even launch friendly fitness challenges for members. 

The Technogym Difference

As operators look to hone in on increased personalization, Technogym’s ecosystem enables every stage of the gym experience to be customized from beginning to end, from assessment to program customization and follow-up. 

Technogym’s digital expertise and AI-centered technology means its smart equipment and app can adapt and guide users on their health and fitness path. After logging into the app, the profile is recognized immediately, pulling together preferred goals and past sessions to track and store all improvements. 

Notably, and in line with the top trend in fitness, strength equipment will automatically adapt metrics across load, range of motion, correct posture, speed, number of sets, repetitions and recovery. 

Another area of advancement is Technogym’s AI-based Ecosystem Coach, which adjusts training programs to not only elevate engagement and results but also supports marketing efforts for operators with its advanced profiling capabilities. 

Advancing the multi-touchpoint experience for users is the Technogym App, offering access to the ecosystem with over 1,000 workouts and programs for fitness, sports performance and health and lifestyle, even taking into account special health considerations. 

Technogym can be found at booth #1716 at IHRSA 2024. 

The post Technogym Launches AI-Powered Health & Longevity Tracking appeared first on Athletech News.

In anticipation of IHRSA 2024, leading fitness equipment companies are gearing up to showcase their cutting-edge equipment and best-in-class digital solutions. 

Among the distinguished brands headed to IHRSA are Technogym, Life Fitness, Eleiko, True Fitness and BeaverFit — all emphasizing a significant focus on strength, with BeaverFit and Technogym also zeroing in on outdoor training solutions and a results-driven ecosystem for club operators and fitness consumers, respectively. 

Here’s what attendees can expect from some of the leading exhibitors at IHRSA 2024:

Technogym Embraces AI, Digital Fitness

Italy-based fitness equipment and tech giant Technogym is highlighting its unique ecosystem at IHRSA 2024, which encompasses its connected smart equipment, software, apps, artificial intelligence, on-demand exercise content and tech services. The brand’s ecosystem results in a fully personalized experience for fitness enthusiasts and increased ROI for club owners and operators.

Found in 85,000 wellness centers and 400,000 private homes, Technogym has been the official supplier of the last eight Olympic Games, and will do so again this summer in Paris.

The fit tech company’s AI-based Technogym Coach follows the “training evolution,” of fitness consumers, so club operators can leverage data to boost retention and upselling based on workout preferences, habits, patterns (such as training typology, preferred weekdays and average session duration) of users. Additionally, the data can be used for targeted communications, promotions or challenges.

Technogym’s AI capabilities have also enhanced its smart equipment and app experience, with its system recognizing the profile, past sessions, and preferred goals of users. Technogym’s strength equipment automatically adapts metrics such as load, range of motion, correct posture, speed of execution, number of sets, repetitions and optimal recovery times. 

Going even further, Technogym offers the ability to collect and track cohesive and consistent data for 360-degree profiling, thanks to its blend of in-house equipment (cardio, strength and functional) and digital platforming.

Through the Technogym App, users can access the Technogym Ecosystem, continuing to keep the training experience customized. The ecosystem also supports a hybrid experience, allowing clubs to deliver facility-produced training content to homes through live streams and on-demand video.

Technogym’s Ecosystem push comes as the company continues to embrace digital fitness, supporting operators to meet their members whether in-facility or at home. 

“The pandemic did nothing more than accelerate the transformation process already underway,” Technogym founder and CEO Nerio Alessandri told Athletech News last fall. “It really forced this hybridization of fitness where people work out in the gym, at home, outdoors and, more recently since the pandemic, on vacation and at work. This ‘wellness on the go, anytime, anywhere’ has done so much for the health, prevention and performance of consumers, making the wellness experience a truly nomadic one.”

Technogym will be found at booth #1716 at IHRSA

Life Fitness Builds the Ultimate Cable Training Experience

Life Fitness is leaning into strength, launching its Dual-Adjustable Pulley with Stabilization at IHRSA 2024 — a functional trainer that sets the standard for versatility and workout effectiveness.

Designed to deliver the ultimate cable training experience, the new strength product from Life Fitness offers nearly endless strength exercises. The Dual-Adjustable Pulley with Stabilization features a low starting resistance, cabling for dynamic movements and a patented adjustable stability pad for support during key movements.

The functional trainer offers a 12′ cable range, an integrated multi-grip pull-up bar, and includes two long handles, two short handles, a triceps rope and an ankle strap.

To keep a training space accessible and organized, the Dual-Adjustable Pulley with Stabilization allows users to easily swap handles as needed. An adjustable carriage provides smooth transitions using ball bearings and laser-etched numbers for position identification.

Life Fitness also recently expanded its partnership with EGYM on a Smart Cardio project integrating EGYM’s fitness software with Life Fitness machines, such as its Discover SE4 Console, to provide fitness enthusiasts with real-time workout data, performance tracking and personalized workout recommendations.

“Life Fitness is committed to offering our customers the ability to personalize their equipment experience according to their unique needs,” the company’s chief product officer, Dan Wille, said of the partnership with EGYM. 

Life Fitness will be found at booth #1700 at IHRSA.

Eleiko Showcases Prestera, its New Strength System 

Eleiko is set to showcase its growing Prestera strength system at IHRSA, having recently welcomed new strength evolutions and companion pieces to the system.

Prestera, a modular, customizable strength system, is considered a “growing force” touting varied training methods for free weight, body weight and cable training while offering complete flexibility, versatility and space efficiency. 

Emphasizing a “lifter-first approach” within Prestera, the strength system provides easy adjustability to appeal to a range of lifters and user-defined movements. A new cable system includes several cable training stations available in freestanding, wall-mounted, or multifunction training stations for complete design flexibility. 

The collection comprises the Eleiko Dual Adjustable Pulley, Cable Cross, Single Adjustable Pulley, Lat Pull Down and Low Row stations that can be used alone or as building blocks for customized multi-station configurations. Eleiko will have some of its new stations at IHRSA for users to trial. 

The Prestera system is designed to help gym and club operators make the most out of their space while also giving users the freedom and tools they need to strength train effectively. 

“Space efficiency equals money,” Eleiko CEO Erik Blomberg has told ATN. “You can get more out of the rent that you pay for a facility when you use space more efficiently and offer more training possibilities. But I think it goes to more than that. It also goes to the user experience because people seek efficiency in their own training when they go to a facility.”

“If you can structure and order your place in the most efficient way, you will also improve the customer experience, “ Blomberg adds. “That in turn will also drive both membership growth and retention.”

Eleiko will be found at booth #1762 at IHRSA.

True Fitness Prizes Form & Function With Palladium Strength 

True Fitness is headed to IHRSA with an extensive lineup of fitness equipment, showcasing Palladium Series Plate Loaded, its newest line of strength equipment. The 14-piece circuit was designed in the U.S. by True Fitness strength engineers to offer heavy-duty, durable products with innovative features. 

“Throughout the design process, I envisioned a line that not only excels in performance but also becomes a statement in modern gym aesthetics,” said Jim McIntyre, True Fitness Strength Product Manager. “Every detail, from the sleek oval-shaped tubing to the ergonomic grips and height adjustment guides, was meticulously crafted to elevate the user experience.” 

Along with their latest strength equipment, True Fitness will also unveil their next generation of cardio machines and consoles at IHRSA.

“We’ve completely redesigned and reformulated our cardio lines to better represent our offerings to benefit all markets,” said David Trulaske, CMSO for True Fitness. “Customers will experience four new cardio series and three streamlined, user-friendly consoles that can be paired across all cardio equipment.” 

True Fitness will be found at booth #1746 at IHRSA.

BeaverFit Offers Custom Indoor & Outdoor Solutions

BeaverFit, a fitness design, manufacturing and distribution company, is headed to IHRSA to showcase its full line of strength and functional training equipment, all of which can be custom-branded and specifically designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

“This year at IHRSA, BeaverFit will demonstrate why we continue to be the trusted partner in creating training capabilities however you train, wherever you train,” said Nick Vay, BeaverFit’s VP of Commercial Sales. “We are excited to bring back everybody’s favorite – the patented Shred Shed – along with premiering our freestanding Bridge Unit, and numerous new features for our customizable Bay Unit, including an adjustable sliding heavy bag, padded slam wall and more.”

Having provided solution-based custom training equipment for the U.S. military and boutique fitness studios like Rumble Boxing and MADabolic, BeaverFit also plans to digitally showcase its newly designed SunPro and SunShade, one-of-a-kind solutions that enable its partners to create fully covered outdoor training environments.

BeaverFit will be found at booth #1011 at IHRSA.

The post IHRSA 2024 Equipment Rundown: Tech, Strength Training Take Center Stage appeared first on Athletech News.

While Concept2 launched the free ErgData virtual trainer app roughly a decade ago, the sport equipment manufacturer’s upgraded version of the software promises to blow the prior rendition away once showcased at IHRSA 2024. 

Connected to the Concept2 performance monitor, this next-gen edition of ErgData operates as a far more detailed virtual trainer than its predecessor. It allows users to set up workouts and view customized stats and info during workouts, track progress and enjoy daily challenges all from an iOS and Android device. 

ErgData holistically connects users to Concept2, which remains one of the fitness industry’s most diverse suppliers, featuring an abundance of rowing, skiing and biking exercise equipment — all of which allow users to partake in both power and cardio-based training. 

“This is the new version of ErgData,” explained Alex Dunne, a member of Concept2’s Technology Team. “It’s far superior to the initial app that we had. We’ve been running with it for about 18 months and every couple of months we add a new feature to it. It’s a platform we can build upon.”

Sharing Is Caring

Illustrating how ErgData makes workout information transferable is one of the application’s most exciting innovations and a key point that Concept2 plans to hit on at trade shows this spring. 

The application’s real-time tracking catalogs every move you make on a piece of Erg equipment. From there, you’re invited to share results and/or workout methods with other users or even trainers. Doing so builds a sense of community among all parties as users take meaningful steps forward in their fitness journey. 

“You can share it with anybody that you want to, be that one person or be that thousands of people,” Dunne said. “If you’re working with a group, to be able to set a training plan, program it and send it out to them so all they have to do is tap a button on their phone to load it in, that’s a real benefit. You’re making it easy for people. The coach can share it with the athlete. The athlete can share it back to the coach.”

The Concept2 team is eager to move past old methods of exchanging exercise information with ErgData. Gone are the days of jotting down notes or sharing photos of dashboards thanks to the app’s updated form. 

“Traditionally it’s been, you finish a training session, you take a picture of the monitor and you share that with your friends. We’re able to improve that experience,” Dunne said. “You don’t have to take photos, you can simply share the workout from the app, generate more statistics, show the information the way you want to show it and track challenges.” 

New Features Drive User Engagement

The Real Time Loop and Workout of the Day represent two of the ErgData app’s top features. The Loop allows you to work out on a live, virtual course with other Concept2 users. Enhanced with the app’s new data-sharing abilities, this feature also helps drive engagement on the equipment. 

“There are ways that you can quickly engage with a wider audience so that you’re not just completely alone in your basement,” Dunne said. “The Loop puts you out on a track with a bunch of other people, whether they’re overtaking you or you’re overtaking them. It’s just that element of community.”

The Workout of the Day feature offers a different exercise for users to partake in every 24 hours. Doing so bolsters engagement too by keeping things fresh. Then comes the data, which ErgData collects from workouts and updates on a leaderboard. This makes progress visual, fostering motivation and consequently retention. 

“You don’t get into a rut of doing the same thing each day,” Dunne said, noting that Workout of the Day provides “people with a workout that they can do and then they can see how they’ve stacked up against everybody else that’s done it on that day. Over time, they’ll get motivated by seeing a little bit of progression.”

More To Come

Despite these notable strides with ErgData, Concept2 intends to keep moving forward. While Dunne was unable to share any specific future updates for the app, he did express the company’s ongoing desire to make additions as it evolves.

The Concept2 team also plans to highlight ErgData’s upgrades at FIBO, another major showcase for fitness innovation based in Europe, a few weeks after IHRSA in April. 

“We’ve been gradually adding features to ErgData so that you can see the kind of data you want,” Dunne said. “We’re an engineering lead company. We’re always tinkering. We’re always thinking through new ideas. We’re always working on new features.”

The post Concept2 Takes Personalized Fitness to New Heights With ErgData appeared first on Athletech News.

After making a name for themselves as a top at-home strength equipment supplier over the past decade, REP Fitness aims to do the same from a commercial standpoint — viewing the IHRSA and FIBO 2024 trade shows as their launchpad. 

Founded in 2012, REP Fitness produces and sells state-of-the-art benches, bars, plates, racks, dumbbells and more, featuring an innovative and ambitious approach to equipment manufacturing. At IHRSA this spring, they’ll showcase their Athena attachments, PR-5000 rack, Commercial Rig and their never-before-seen cardio equipment. Each product promises to further REP’s progress in reaching the commercial audience. 

With a team of over 200, listed on the Inc. 5000 twice, worldwide distribution, and doing over $100 million in sales in 2023, REP feels the timing is now right to enter the commercial space.

A New Take on Air Resistance Cardio

REP’s new Cardio line is not just one piece of hardware, but a hybrid collection of 12 machines, all of which subject the user to air-resistance training. Four components of the new Cardio lineup will be present at IHRSA including the cycle, air bike, rower and SkiErg. 

While several other machines in the fitness space offer this form of workout, Airmaxx allows users to adjust their degree of difficulty or resistance while exercising, putting the product in its own class. 

“Air bikes and rowing machines, those are all well-established products, but you’re usually choosing either a low-intensity steady-state or high-intensity interval training,” said Ryan McGrotty, REP Fitness CEO and Co-Founder. “With the new Cardio lineup, you can do both.”

The Cardio equipment’s low-end effort level can operate as low as any other low-intensity, steady-state bike on the market, but the product digs deep in the other direction as well. The Cario equipment’s high-end offerings can reach a perceived effort level several times higher than that of any high-intensity interval training, air-powered cardio product out there.

The equipment’s patented adjustable fan blade makes this versatility possible. Users can move it anywhere from zero to a 90-degree angle, altering the perceived effort level. Both the commercial and home-gym levels of the product will be on display at IHRSA 2024. 

“We’re excited to get people’s feedback on it because it’s honestly just really fun to use and the first time you try it, it’s almost like the first time you drive a fast car,” McGrotty added. “You just have a smile on your face.”

Best-in-Class Equipment

The Athena, and PR-5000 rack will also be on display this spring. Space is a premium for both home and commercial gyms. The Athena turns the existing power rack footprint into both a power rack and functional trainer. With independent adjustable trolleys, a user can perform both traditional barbell work in the power rack but also various cable exercises. The entire system is commercial grade, modular, and can accommodate any size footprint.

“All are part of an ecosystem where you can mix and match however you want,” McGrotty said. “The whole ecosystem is designed to work together so that you can build whatever setup works for your space. There’s a lot of versatility with using cable machines and being able to integrate those within a footprint of a power rack, for example, is a relatively new thing.”

That versatility not only makes things convenient for users in their immediate workout setting, but also for operators in terms of generating more space, room for equipment, members, and finally profit. 

“It’s space and cost savings,” McGrotty said. “That’s a similar concern whether you’re operating a personal training studio or a collegiate facility. We’re always thinking about how we can make your space more versatile and more useful. Ares and Athena are especially a big part of that, figuring out how we can allow people to get more done in the same space.”

Ready for a Breakout

McGrotty shared that over 1,000 clubs added pieces of REP Fitness equipment last year. However, the REP team feels they’re only scratching the surface with that figure. They plan to keep their ears to the ground at IRSHA, adapt and then grow.

“One of our primary goals is to listen and learn because it’s our first time at the show,” McGrotty said. “We really want to hear from club owners what is important to them and what we need to do to have an attractive lineup for them. I know that feedback pipeline is going to be put in place to make sure we’re dialing things in going forward for commercial.”

“For those that are not aware of our brand, we’re probably one of the biggest home-gym companies that’s flown under the radar because we haven’t been out at trade shows, sponsoring events and sponsoring athletes,” he added. “We’ve grown with just product innovation. But this year, with commercial, we’re going to be applying the same formula that’s worked for us on the home gym side, which is really listening and learning from our customers, regarding where they see holes in the market and where they see lacking innovation. We’re looking forward to feedback from all the club owners and other members of IRSHA.” 

The post REP Fitness Eyes Commercial Market With Cardio, Strength Innovations appeared first on Athletech News.

Precor is launching an upcoming functional strength training equipment line powered by BeaverFit, a fitness equipment supplier that serves the U.S. and NATO militaries, boutique studios and fitness entrepreneurs, and is the original creator of the container gym. 

The Washington-based Precor’s functional strength training line will introduce several products with BeaverFit’s space-saving design elements, such as integrated storage, while offering functional exercise zones that allow other strength areas to remain open for primary lifting movements.

The upcoming functional training line offers six options available with or without accessory packages: a Fitness Single Bay with the essentials for commercial facilities, a complete functional training Double Bay for high-traffic commercial facilities, a Hospitality Double Bay and Single Bay for limited fitness spaces, a Functional Post offering a single station powerhouse and a Functional Bridge for 360-degree training for solo or small group workouts. 

“BeaverFit’s extensive experience in developing purpose-built, functional training equipment that withstands the toughest environments, combined with their expertise in premium design and manufacturing, made them a perfect fit for Precor,” said Adam Hubbard, Precor director of product and marketing. “

Precor’s new products will be introduced this spring throughout the U.S. and internationally in select countries. The new functional strength line boasts built-to-last steel, adhering to BeaverFit’s mission of using high-quality materials sourced and manufactured in the U.S. and Britain. 

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with the Precor team,” said Nick Vay, vice president of commercial sales at BeaverFit. “The synergy between our brands is remarkable, and we deeply appreciate the chance to provide our world-class functional training solutions to support their outstanding team and customers across the globe.”

The partnership comes as strength training continues to grow in popularity among fitness enthusiasts nationwide. Industry executives have told Athletech News they expect to see more gyms embrace functional training spaces that blend strength training equipment with large open spaces for members. The largest Gold’s Gym franchise group in Southern California has notably revamped its clubs to add functional training spaces.

In addition to serving Precor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Peloton, BeaverFit’s expertise in fitness equipment, facilities and custom-crafted solutions has resulted in manufacturing partnerships with boutique fitness brands including MADabolic, Spenga and Earn Your Stripes.

The post Precor Taps BeaverFit for New Functional Strength Line appeared first on Athletech News.

The words “organization” and “efficiency” usually don’t come to mind when strength training is mentioned, but Eleiko cares not for the status quo. The Sweden-based strength equipment company is flipping the script with its Prestera system — a series of racks, rigs, and cables emphasizing precision, adaptability and, of course, strength.

The equipment is almost fully customizable both in terms of stylistic preferences upon ordering and adjusting it down the road. This keen attention to detail in its manufacturing and its ability to meet a variety of needs help separate Prestera from the pack amidst a booming strength training industry.

Precision

Having supplied the World Championships and Olympic Games for years, Eleiko knows the weightlifting game well and maintains a “lifter first” mentality. Those principles allowed them to dig deep in creating this cutting-edge equipment system, adding unique elements such as gliding attachments, rubber rollers and stainless-steel uprights with precision height adjustments.

“We come from a background and a heritage in professional weightlifting and powerlifting, where precision is really important for helping the athletes to achieve their goals,” says Eleiko CEO Erik Blomberg. “We brought that into the commercial fitness space as well and we do see that people really appreciate details, quality, the touch and the feel of the interaction points with the equipment.”

Blomberg added that more than one thousand world records have been broken with an Eleiko barbell. But while the company still sticks to its roots in some regard by maintaining a focus on professional sports, the popularity of commercial fitness warrants much of their attention, leading to the creation of the Prestera system. 

The equipment also features 70×70 uprights, a frame size that optimizes the user experience, offering more space inside the frame when bench pressing and additional clearance outside the rack for less interference when racking and unracking the barbell. This design represents the backbone of Eleiko’s commitment to avoid bulkiness of any kind in strength training. The company consulted with plastic experts as well to develop materials such as its polyurethane rollers and pads which possess self-healing properties to support barbell interaction points. 

The Prestera system comes in different colors as well, with knurled interaction points, chamfered edges on its holes, all while built with a mix of steel and stainless steel. Its cables, the newest edition to the system, also feature 8 pulleys, either single or dual configuration. Generous cable length and a large selection of handles also ensure a smooth and safe workout experience.

Adaptability

But aside from the equipment’s individual features, its overall versatility is what makes it a game changer. The equipment is built on a modular system, granting users the ability to tailor training with attachments and giving facilities the ability to adapt equipment as needs evolve. This could include, adding lifting stations, reconfiguring the set-up, integrating storage, adding different training attachments and more to suit needs.

“This is a system where you can basically adapt very freely to the space that you’re fitting out, or the needs of the user,” said Blomberg. “You can create and design a solution where you can bring in a lot of different types of training into one space — free weights training, bodyweight training, and cables training.” 

The Prestera system’s flexibility also allows users to optimize their gym space to the max. Custom storage options can be integrated easily, keeping free weights and training accessories close at hand and training spaces tidy. This makes it a possible decongestant for any crowded gym. 

“What I think is unique and really the strength of this system is that it’s so versatile,” said Blomberg. “You can work with the whole room and the space, making sure that you can get the best solution for your specific needs.” 

It also opens the door for users to experiment with new workout methods via the added space or variation of equipment setup options. This benefits gym goers from a fitness standpoint along with gym owners from a monetary standpoint. 

“Space efficiency equals money,” noted Blomberg. “You can get more out of the rent that you pay for a facility when you use space more efficiently and offer more training possibilities. But I think it goes to more than that. It also goes to the user experience because people seek efficiency in their own training when they go to a facility. So, if you can structure and order your place in the most efficient way, you will also improve the customer experience. That in turn will also drive both membership growth and retention.”

Hundreds of facilities have installed Prestera, including Virgin Active, Life Time and STC gyms. While Blomberg noted that Eleiko does not intend to expand beyond the strength training side of the industry, the company does plan to expand within that area after moving past this first stage of distribution and education regarding its products. 

The post Eleiko Reimagines Strength Training With Prestera appeared first on Athletech News.

BowFlex is casting “substantial doubt” on its ability to continue operations and is considering filing for bankruptcy, according to a recent quarterly filing. The grim outlook follows a company-wide rebrand last fall that saw Nautilus switch its corporate name BowFlex.

In an SEC filing on February 21, the Vancouver, Washington-based fitness equipment maker cites a challenging retail operating environment, “deteriorating macroeconomic conditions” and a decline in customer demand, resulting in a “significant year-over-year decline” in revenue for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023. 

BowFlex said it believes “conditions will not improve in the next several quarters,” negatively affecting its liquidity projections. The equipment maker painted a dire picture:

“We have been actively pursuing alternatives to access liquidity or sell the Company or its assets, which may include making a voluntary filing under federal bankruptcy laws,” BowFlex reported. “If we are not able to promptly consummate a transaction or access additional sources of liquidity, we will not be able to maintain compliance with debt covenants in our credit facilities and may not be able to continue to operate our business.”

“Management has determined that under these circumstances, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months from the issuance date of this report,” the company added.

BowFlex reports that for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, it incurred a net loss of $34.3 million and $51.8 million, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022, it incurred a net loss of $11.1 million and $84.5 million, respectively. 

Despite its rebrand, which included a colorful marketing campaign and the release of new home-fitness products, BowFlex has continued to struggle. 

The fitness equipment maker received its second notice from the New York Stock Exchange at the close of last year, warning that it wasn’t in compliance with continued listing standards amid its financial issues.

Despite rallying around its “North Star” strategy since 2021 under CEO Jim Barr, the company previously discussed a potential sale and also conducted layoffs, affecting 15% of its staff, in early 2023.

The equipment maker had announced in May that it would sell $13 million in non-core assets, including the Nautilus brand trademark, to boost its balance sheet in response to lackluster net sales. In June, BowFlex, then operating as Nautilus, sold over four million shares of its common stock or equivalents to an institutional investor to raise $5 million for general corporate purposes. 

The post BowFlex Future in ‘Doubt’ as Company Weighs Sale, Bankruptcy appeared first on Athletech News.

Freemotion Fitness, the commercial equipment division of iFIT, and Aktiv Solutions, the commercial and home gym design company specializing in movement-based training, have joined forces to bolster their respective distribution networks.

The deal will see Freemotion use its global market reach to represent Aktiv’s specialty equipment, solutions and facility design capabilities. In return, Aktiv will expand its representation of Freemotion’s equipment to support the brand’s global customer reach.

The alliance comes after Aktiv last month named Mike Kelly its new global vice president of sales as it seeks to grow into key markets, form distribution partnerships and announce new products.

“By joining forces, we are poised to unlock new markets and propel our growth trajectory,” said Mark Watterson, Freemotion Fitness CEO.  “Together, we are stronger and better equipped to provide unparalleled fitness solutions for an ever-evolving industry.”

The partnership will also bring “collaborative ventures” at industry events and shows — beginning with IHRSA 2024, where Aktiv will debut its recently launched Gym Rax Smith 3D Trainer within Freemotion’s exhibition on March 7th and 8th.

The partnership will also help the two fitness brands as they aim to redefine the fitness equipment landscape with various products and services to meet the evolving needs of operators.

“At Aktiv, we believe that successful fitness facilities offer more than simple function and utility – they deliver experiences,” said Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions. “As operators get more creative, movement-based modalities will continue to dominate the exercise floor. Our partnership with Freemotion strengthens our ability to offer the most comprehensive and impactful solutions for commercial clients everywhere.”

Watterson added that the partnership isn’t just about products but creating a “collective impact” for clients; Freemotion has notably collaborated with Orangetheory Fitness to create the OTF REFLEX Treadmill, which offers a 29% reduction in impact force when running.

“We know the Aktiv team well and believe in the power of collaboration to drive innovation and elevate the fitness experience for our customers,” Watterson said,

Freemotion will be found at booth #847 at IHRSA 2024, with Aktiv showcasing its new Smith 3D TrainerTM on March 7 and March 8.

The post Freemotion Fitness, Aktiv Solutions Ink Distribution Deal appeared first on Athletech News.

Aktiv Solutions is expanding its collection of fitness equipment offerings, adding new functionality to a long-standing favorite of the strength training community. 

The commercial and home gym design company announced the launch of its Gym Rax Smith 3D Trainer (S3D). The strength training system gives users the feel, flexibility and overall benefits of working with free weights, alongside the security that comes with using equipment like a traditional smith machine. 

“Unlike traditional smith machines, the S3D mimics the natural movement patterns of barbell exercises without the restrictions of a single and linear range of motion,” Aktiv says of the new product. 

The S3D accomplishes this with synchronized safety catches that work like built-in spotters. This feature makes the product ideal for unsupervised gyms or fitness centers, such as those found in hotels or college campuses. It also makes the product functional for experienced weightlifters and newcomers alike. 

S3D users can experience natural, 3D movements when lifting, as there’s no singular or linear range of motion the barbell must follow. This allows users to push their limits in the gym without endangering themselves. The S3D also has a space-saving design, making it an easy fit in most gyms or fitness facilities. Its versatile design also allows users to partake in a wide variety of workouts. 

“The world is recognizing the transformative power of strength training, from boosting longevity and mobility to enhancing overall quality of life,” said Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions. “Very few tools compete with the natural movement and effectiveness of the barbell. With the S3D, we’ve now unlocked unprecedented levels of efficiency, safety and user experience, making barbell training accessible for everyone, regardless of their fitness level or goals.”

Aktiv couldn’t have picked a better time to launch a product with a “best of both worlds” approach to strength training. Mindbody listed the workout modality as its top fitness trend for 2024. Strength training is notably growing in popularity among those 55 years or older, illustrating an increase in demand across new demographics.

It’s an exciting product launch during an exciting time for Aktiv, as the company recently brought in Mike Kelly to serve as its new global vice president of sales. Kelly and Aktiv aim to expand into key market segments, form new distribution partnerships and launch new products. 

The post Aktiv Innovates on Traditional Smith Machine With Free Bar Bath appeared first on Athletech News.

By ensuring a fitness facility or gym has the latest equipment and diverse options, gyms can be competitive and attract and retain members, especially those without access to cutting-edge hardware at home.

Athletech News spoke with four leading fitness equipment companies, Life Fitness, iFIT/Freemotion, EGYM and Concept2, to learn about their products and predictions for how gyms and fitness facilities will evolve in the coming years.

Based on our conversations with these four top brands, fitness operators wanting to have an edge over the competition must offer top-tier strength training and user-personalized connected equipment, bridge the gap between in-gym and home-based workouts and build a robust community.

Life Fitness Embraces Functional Training, Cardio Content

Founded in 1977, Life Fitness has long been a staple in the industry, offering strength, cardio and accessories under its signature Life Fitness brand as well as Hammer Strength.

The fitness equipment maker recently launched LFX, a functional training experience combining equipment with programming, education and digital experiences to give gyms an all-in-one solution. Such systems are a necessity, as Life Fitness notes workouts like Olympic weightlifting, kettlebells and calisthenics are increasing in popularity with gym goers.

“LFX was born as a way to help facilities create these spaces, and then actually program the spaces to bring them to life for their members,” says Leigh Wierichs, global training and education manager at Life Fitness.

With LFX, gyms can select from seven pre-designed equipment packages, all containing a combination of Life Fitness and Hammer Strength functional training equipment. 

“Our customers wanted to optimize the functional training experience for their exercisers, and we wanted to empower them with easy-to-implement solutions,” she said.

Life Fitness also unveiled the Discover SE4 cardio console, allowing facilities to boost member engagement with immersive entertainment, connectivity, workout content and branding.

“SE4 was inspired by research with exercisers and customers with the goal of creating truly immersive experiences to drive member engagement,” said Nick Yogerst, Life Fitness product director, consoles. “We wanted to bring the technologies that consumers expect and utilize in their daily lives into the fitness facility.”

The SE4 is available across the line of Life Fitness Integrity+ and Aspire cardio machines. 

For Concept2, Quality Is Paramount

Peter Dreissigacker, who founded Concept2 in 1976 alongside his brother Dick, has been fully immersed in sport and fitness, launching Concept2 out of his love of rowing. The Vermont-based company went on to create the RowErg, an indoor rower, the SkiErg, a cross-country ski trainer and the BikeErg, a sport-based ergometer. 

Dreissigacker says the ideal “gym of the future” includes three simple things: strength, cardio and Wi-Fi. 

“There will always be weights, perhaps along with some other kind of strength apparatus,” Dreissigacker said. “There will always be cardio to get people moving and (if they don’t already have it) the ‘gym of the future’ will have Wi-Fi to let people connect to their chosen ‘tribe’ and personal devices will be used in the gym to connect to a favorite app for training advice, recording their workouts in a log, entertainment and connecting to other users.”

As for what gives Concept2 the edge over other fitness equipment providers, Dreissigacker emphasizes the brand’s sport-based conception. 

“We came to this industry from the sport (rowing) and were focusing on the requirements of the sport and not the fitness industry,” he said. “One of the things of top importance to us was that every RowErg out there would give identical results all the time, which sounds simple, but there is a lot involved to ensure that happens. We have heard many times the RowErg referred to as ‘The Gold Standard.’”

Concept2 has come a significant way from producing a paper-based ranking system of times for specific events on the RowErg, notes Dreissigacker.

“As the world moved to the web, more opportunities became available for making connections and driving the ‘Concept2 Culture,’” he said. “Now, there is racing over the internet, online ranking data and training with partners and even strangers around the world in real-time, all part of our free app.”

Just as sports and fitness can drive fellowship, Dreissigacker believes fitness consumers are looking for equipment that can stand the test of time while providing a sense of community.

“There is certainly a portion of fitness consumers who want to be connected to others and I think consumers want to have that ability,” he said. “Some things don’t change. People want something that feels good to use, and they want something that has the quality to last.”

iFIT, Freemotion Go All-In on Connected Fitness

Freemotion, the commercial equipment branch of Utah-based iFIT, is reinvigorating the cardio experience at gyms with its 22 Series, a perfect blend of content and hardware that meets the needs of modern fitness operators. 

The 22 Series features six connected cardio machines: an incline trainer, Reflex treadmill, elliptical and three bikes, all equipped with HD touchscreen displays and access to iFIT workout content.

“The conversation (with fitness operators) has shifted from, ‘I need to replace my treadmills’ to ‘I need a digital solution,’” explains Peggy Vo, director of global marketing for Freemotion.

The 22 Series allows members to access iFIT’s vast library of coach-led workouts and takes it a step further with auto-adjusting technology, where speed and incline change depending on what’s happening on-screen. Users also can intervene to adjust the hardware manually.

“We like to call it ‘auto-magic,’” Vo says. “If you’re doing a climbing workout the incline is automatically going to climb as the terrain is climbing. As an exerciser, you don’t have to think about anything.”

Member retention has always been the biggest hurdle facing fitness operators, notes Vo, but with Freemotion and iFIT, members using in-gym Freemotion equipment can continue outside of the gym with the iFIT app. 

“This is a perfect solution to keep up with your members who want to work out outside of the gym,” Vo said. “Members can do a workout series on Freemotion equipment (in-facility), but if they can’t come in next week for whatever reason, say they’re traveling, they can go to any hotel gym and run the iFIT program on another treadmill.”

Freemotion offers gyms the option of purchasing membership-wide access to an iFIT subscription, boosting the member experience.

As Vo points out, it’s imperative that fitness operators embrace that some fitness consumers have adopted a hybrid approach.  

“We tell our customers, ‘You need to have a digital solution because you’re going to lose your members if not,’” she said. “You want them to use your digital solution and not someone else’s.”

EGYM Is the Leader in Smart Fitness

EGYM, a Munich-based global fitness technology company catering to commercial and boutique segments, has had a stellar 2023, receiving $225 million in growth capital and nailing its first profitable year.

Fifteen thousand facilities worldwide use EGYM’s products and services, such as its Fitness Hub, personalized Smart Strength trainers, Smart Cardio and digital fitness solution Mobile Packs.

Since the fit tech company has made exercising smart and efficient for operators, EGYM’s chief product officer, John Ford, envisions the “gym of the future” touting interconnected and interactive cardio and strength machines.

“Analog tools will (still) be popular, but the experience on these analog tools will also be digitally supported for users who desire the support,” he says.

Although EGYM released an eye-opening survey this fall revealing that many gyms haven’t fully adopted digital technology, Ford predicts fitness operators will strive to make seismic shifts in 2024.

“We have seen a big change in awareness and interest in EGYM products in newer markets this past year, across all gym types and segments,” he shared.

Of all of EGYM’s offerings, Ford points to the fit tech brand’s classic line in Circle Mode (a synchronized mode for guided and time-efficient workouts) as having stood the test of time. 

“Circuits have always been an effective and efficient way to get beginners training with less intimidation,” Ford said. “EGYM first enhanced this model with digital guidance and motivation over ten years ago, and to this day, 50% of our machines are installed in this mode to engage and guide new exercisers to success.”

He says EGYM’s key differentiator is its focus on digital equipment, ready to provide an entire ecosystem for operators who desire an entirely tech-first concept.

“There are competitors in the space that offer everything you might find in a gym,” Ford said. “They might have hundreds of analog products and a subset of true tech products. We believe it’s a lot easier to focus on great tech-driven experiences because 100% of our products are technology products.”

Ford also points to the increased recognition of strength training benefits and how that is changing fitness operators’ needs.

“Cardio floors are shrinking everywhere, and strength trainers are now a solid majority in gyms,” he said. “Groups that traditionally strength trained less, such as women, are breaking the old norms and becoming lifters. It’s great to see the modality getting the appreciation it deserves.”

The post Top Fitness Equipment Makers Change With the Times appeared first on Athletech News.

These days, cardio often gets put down as boring, mindless or downright ineffective, but it doesn’t have to be that way. 

When implemented correctly, cardio machines can still be an asset to gyms and fitness facilities, and a potent member-engagement tool at that. 

Freemotion Fitness and parent company iFIT are changing the game when it comes to what cardio machines are capable of, placing workout content and smart technology at the forefront to deliver a truly immersive experience that brings users in and keeps them coming back for more, whether in-facility or at home. 

Freemotion’s new 22 SERIES cardio line is specifically designed to leverage iFIT’s vast library of workout content, which includes around 17,000 coach-led workouts, ranging from hill climbs on an incline trainer to stationary bike rides through mountain ranges.

The 22 SERIES features six connected machines – an incline trainer, with its ramp going up to 30%, a REFLEX treadmill featuring an impact-reducing deck, an elliptical and three bikes including the popular CoachBike – all of which come equipped with 22-inch HD touchscreen displays that stream iFIT content and automatically adjust speed, incline, resistance, and even fan speed based on what’s happening on-screen, leaving users enthralled in their workouts. 

Best-In-Class Content Drives Engagement

iFIT workout content lies at the heart of the 22 SERIES experience. Gyms that install Freemotion equipment in their facilities get an automatic boost from iFIT, which is already being enjoyed by more than 7 million people across the world. 

“(Members are) coming in predisposed to iFIT, so being able to provide iFIT content on those 22-inch monitors is a huge benefit for attraction and retention,” says Adam Guier, VP/North America Sales at Freemotion. 

iFIT’s library of coach-led workouts includes content from Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps and ultrarunner Tommy Rivers Puzey. The Utah-based fitness brand films its own content, sending its trainers to countries on all seven continents, including some exotic and exciting locales like Mount Everest. 

“We hear members say, “I went on a vacation to such and such place because I had exercised in that same location from virtually,’” Guier notes. “We also hear members who say, “I went on vacation, came back, and did the same run on the  console that I had done on vacation.”

Aside from providing travel inspiration, iFIT content on Freemotion equipment keeps users engaged along their entire fitness journey. 

“It’s addictive and it’s habit-forming,” Guier says. “We have specifically built our series to move along the fitness journey with the exerciser. So maybe you start as a walker, then you become a jogger and then you become a runner. We have content that will travel along that journey with you.” 

Machines That Work Out With You

The 22 SERIES experience goes deeper than displaying content on a flat-screen TV mounted to the top of each machine. With Auto-Adjust technology, each piece of equipment automatically adjusts the speed and incline based on what’s happening in the workout on-screen. 

Take a journey along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland with Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross – a workout that’s available on iFIT – and your 22 SERIES machine will automatically adjust to the terrain. 

“There’s a lot of other companies that have content on their consoles, but we’re the only one that actually have an Auto-Adjust feature. If the trainer says we’re going up this hill, the machine adjusts the incline to go up that hill,” Guier notes. “Whether you’re on our bike, elliptical or treadmill, it doesn’t matter, it’ll make those adjustments.”

Expert Guidance 

The 22 SERIES also solves a common problem with the typical in-gym cardio experience: most users don’t know what to do when they hop on a machine, so they choose the ‘Quickstart’ option by default. This can lead to repetitive – even boring – workouts, lackluster results and, ultimately, poor engagement. 

iFIT’s workout content isn’t only fun, it gives users access to expert coaches and expertly designed workout plans. 

“It’s as though you have a coach with you at all times guiding you on your fitness journey,” Guier says. “Having that integrated coach is a game-changer; they can take you to a different level.”

For gym operators struggling to hire enough instructors to run group fitness classes, Guier offers the option of a room filled with 22 SERIES equipment where members can work out virtually with expert guidance from iFIT instructors. 

“When I talk to operators, the biggest thing that they’ve had a hard time getting back post-COVID has been instructors, be it an indoor cycling instructor or a trainer on the floor,” he says. “We provide you with the content that bridges the gap.”

Guier sums up the 22 SERIES experience like this:

“People are looking for variety in life, and they’re looking to be coached,” he says. “The Freemotion 22 SERIES cardio line with iFIT content provides you with both of those.”

The Omnichannel Advantage

Gyms that install 22 SERIES equipment don’t just supply their members with a great experience in-facility, they meet their members where they are, including at home and while traveling. Members can take workout content with them on the go using the iFIT app or at home using equipment from NordicTrack or ProForm, other iFIT brands. 

iFIT recently struck a partnership to supply members of Fit Athletic Club in San Diego with complimentary access to iFIT content as part of their gym membership. iFIT has similar partnerships with other fitness brands, including a white-label content agreement with Planet Fitness. 

Delivering an omnichannel experience is increasingly important in today’s era of at-home fitness. Gyms shouldn’t be worried that their members are working out at home; they should embrace it, Guier advises. 

“You shouldn’t see it as a competitive product; it’s a complementary product to what they’re using in the gym,” the Freemotion executive says of virtual fitness. “I have everything I need in my home to work out, but I still want to go to the gym. I want that gym atmosphere, and that energy you find when you walk into a facility.” 

The post How Gyms Can Win Members With the Right Cardio Experience appeared first on Athletech News.