Fitness Equipment Wrap Up – November 2016

HUGE announcements in the world of fitness equipment have crashed down on my standing desk this month! (I’ll delve into them soon). On the home front www.fitnessequipmentcafe.com has had a face lift, with a new look and new menus aimed to help you navigate to the type of info you want to see, read and enjoy most.

There’s still work to be done, but it’s heading in the right direction. I’d love to know what you think… brutal honesty is the best kind of love.

 

Okay, so lets get into the news.

Technogym CLIMB Excite

Technogym have announced their new CLIMB Excite machine, boasting the option of their new Unity 3.0 console with specific stair climbing functions and more general, (yet cool) additions such as group RACES. Whilst Technogym may be late to the party on this one (compared to: Star Trac, Stair Master, Matrix, Life Fitness), it will no doubt be welcomed by existing and future Technogym customers with open arms!

There are some neat features on the piece I really like including a side step for lateral and single leg movement patterns. It’s certainly worth checking out.

Technogym SKILLMILL Quick Demo

Back in April I filmed a short interview and demo with the frighteningly fit Jenna Douros. The video quickly climbed north of 5,000 views on YouTube and I have also included a SKILLMILL range comparison chart on the post for you to identify the key differences between the 3 models.

Precor Spinning Demo and Interview

I love spin bikes. So when Precor announced they had taken on the responsibility of producing this coveted indoor cycling brand, I held my breath in anticipation. I’m pleased to report that the 3 model range looks great! (see the demo and interview here)

Precor have given gym operators the choice of chain OR Poly-V Belt, which I am grateful for (chain all the way for me!) And they have adorned the bike in Spinning logos rather than Precor, which I think is really classy. I have included a range comparison chart in the post, so you can see the key differences.

Finally, I can only see this offering getting better over time and hope to see Precor integrate their awesome Preva Networked Fitness platform, so spinning fans can gain some hard earned meta-badges on the spin bike too!

MYZONE Elevator Pitch – Member engagement technology worth 2 minutes of your time.

I really like MYZONE – now. I openly admit that for years I avoided MYZONE at fitness expos. Not for any good reason other than I didn’t know what they did. To me it was just another heart rate belt. But I was wrong!  Do yourself a favour and check out their 2 minute video that aims to explain the MYZONE offering to both end users and gym operators.

I truly believe that solutions like this can revitalise a gym’s group fitness and personal training programs. It is technology that compliments rather than detracts.

10 Questions With… Lorna Jane Clarkson

Lorna is the force behind LORNA JANE active wear. She is also a recent inductee into Fitness Australia’s Roll of Honour for her contribution to the industry. I was stoked when she was keen to be a guest on 10 Questions With…

Showrooms Unveils

Two fitness equipment brands opened up showrooms of late.

Technogym opened their showroom in Sydney Australia and are keen to invite customers to run ‘work-out’ meetings in the facility. You have to give it to the Italians. They innovate in the meeting room just as well as they do on the gym floor!

Prime Fitness USA – unveiled their new 10,000 sq ft showroom in Franklin Pennsylvania. I am grateful for the first look Prime gave Fitness Equipment Cafe readers, before the rest of the bloggersphere. Prime only manufacture strength equipment and have come up with a nifty point of difference via their SmartCam technology which they say allows users to quickly and easily move the peak resistance of an exercise throughout the entire range of motion. 

2017 Australian Fitness & Health Expo Dates Announced

Lastly, the dates for Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney fitness expo’s have been announced. Sydney will resume it’s title as the premier show of the calendar now that the Sydney Convention Centre has been completed. Melbourne’s show will be revamped and Perth looks like it will miss out in 2017.

The expo management have said there will be a new format of mini shows within the show, which we will no doubt only fully understand once we experience it. However my guess is that the new format may help people navigate the awesome (yet overwhelming) expo offerings more efficiently. I’ve booked my flights to Sydney already. Are you going?

 

Have a wonderful festive season. Til next time…

 

Nate – Head Barrista

Fitness Equipment Cafe