Fitness Equipment Wrap Up – October

BREAKING Fitness Equipment NEWS

Technogym CLIMB EXCITE

Technogym have announced their version of stair climber called Climb Excite.

With the Climb Excite now joining the SKILLMILL, Technogym are certainly making waves in the HITT genre. The only fronteer left to conquer in commercial fitness equipment for the Italian manufacturer is rowing… #just-saying 🙂

The neat marketing video shows a few key features of the Climb Excite including a variety of handles, as well as side steps to allow for single leg drive movements.

The UNITY console also adorns the Climb adding yet another level of engagement and feedback. Also interesting to note is the Races feature which is featured on the new UNITY 3.0 console.

No word yet as to when the Climb Excite will be on sale, but I suspect Technogym will want to have them ready to show by IHRSA and FILEX at the end of Q1 2017… but don’t quote me.

Life Fitness Acquire ICG 

Brunswick Corporation, the parent company of Life Fitness have been busy of late! You may have heard that they acquired CYBEX earlier this year. Well now they have acquired German bike manufacturer ICG.

ICG produce one of my favourite group cycling bikes on the market today – the IC7 with coach by color. I covered the IC7 under the Matrix brand at the Perth Fitness Expo last September.

With Brunswick Corporation acquiring quality brands such as ICG and CYBEX, it will be interesting to see what products and features will cross between the brands… I personally would love to see Coach By Color integrate with the Discover SE console for one!

Following this news, Matrix Fitness in the UK announced they have secured an exclusive distribution partnership with STAGES cycling. Watch this space.

This month on Fitness Equipment Cafe:

 

Technogym Unveil’s ‘Connected’ Strength Equipment Range

Technogym unveiled their SELECTION PRO range of strength equipment. This range is a further commitment by Technogym to close the loop of ‘Connected’ equipment. In short this equipment is decked out with cloud based technology in the form of the UNITY Mini.

The UNITY Mini will allow users to connect to their mywellness account via their smart phone to capture their strength workout data as well as issue feedback on rep speed, rep count and so much more!

I recently saw and tried a piece of the new PRO range (without console) and it looks fantastic, feels smooth and also has some neat little user features that will please many, including a water bottle and phone holder… its the small things really 🙂

LesMills Predicts ‘Virtual Fitness’ Will Double Over The Next 2 Years. 

LesMills says that ‘Virtual’ fitness is the fastest growing sector and is rapidly gaining momentum in Australasia. With 12,000 clubs globally currently offering a virtual fitness solution, LesMills predicts this number will double over the next 2 years.

LesMillls’ Matthew Spandow had this to say:

“The number one controllable factor when members choose a fitness service provider is timetable offerings – so virtual solutions allow a facility to be very competitive in this space.

These classes also allow new participants to gain confidence and learn the moves before stepping into live classes. Consumer research tells us newbies felt more confident attending a live class after practising in a Virtual environment, resulting in increased live class attendance.”

 

When we consider the growth of technology over the past 25 years in our lives, should we really be that surprised by the uptake of technological engagement solutions in the fitness industry? Moreover the biggest point to debate is when and what to invest in for your club. You can read the full article here.

Technogym Announce New Excite Line

Technogym shared details on a number of new cardio pieces: Excite Run 1000 treadmill, Excite Run 600 Treadmill, Excite Vario Excite Crossover, Excite Synchro, Excite Bike, Excite Recline, Excite Top.

You can see the full range and images here.

The glue that moulds this line together is the new UNITY 3.0 console. Technogym are promoting the new Excite Line as a fully-connected solution for clubs that offers users a completely customisable workout experience. Users will be motivated and engaged via digital content including personalised training programs, data tracking, TV, music, internet, social media and games. And don’t forget the new RACES feature allowing users to design and compete in 3 different styled races.

10 Questions With… Zumba’s Maria Teresa Stone

Fresh from her recent induction into the Roll of Honour with Fitness Australia, ZUMBA’s Maria T Stone now share’s her personal exercise habits with us in: 10 Qu’s With… See Maria’s answers here.

 

 

Til Next time,

Nate

Fitness Equipment Cafe