INNOVATION WINNER

YAB.Fitness (Your Active Body) won the Jury Innovation Award at FIBO 2016 for its new free weights.

Described as the missing link between dumbbell and kettlebell, YAB weights can be used with three different grip variations to change difficulty level. Extended lever (heaviest part of the weight held horizontally) offers the highest intensity; Centric (heaviest part of weight pointing down) is the mid-level; and Short (heaviest part of weight pointing into body, lying on forearm) is the easiest.

The product has been designed by physiotherapists and sports medicine professionals to take pressure off the joints. The weights range from 1.3kg to 18.7kg and can also be attached via a belt to the feet, for leg and glute work.  

fitness-kit.net keyword: YAB

Innovation winner

ZERO RUNNING

Octane’s new Zero Runner gives a walking, jogging or running workout without any repetitive stressful impact on the body.

With independent hip and knee joints, the Zero Runner facilitates natural motion with a stride length of up to 147cm. Users can concentrate on their form, engaging the core and activating the hamstrings and glutes without the pressure of impact. Stride tracing technology (smart console only) also monitors the user’s stride throughout for stronger form, while contoured handles support proper upright posture.  

Built without a belt, deck, cord or motor, the self-powered Zero Runner is also designed to eliminate the costs of treadmill operation, maintenance and service.

There are 11 different workout programmes, including interval training, and distance or calorie goals.

fitness-kit.net keyword: OCTANE

Zero running

IN-EAR HEART RATE SENSOR

German technology company Cosinuss has developed the Cosinuss One, a wearable in-ear device that – using its Earconnect technology – captures heart rate, heart rate variability, core body temperature and arterial oxygen saturation of the blood.

Developed with the help of German athlete of the year Jan Frodeno and triathlete Anja Beranek, the sensor works with a Cosinuss app or sport watch.

The One device aims to monitor dehydration, improve accuracy in calculation of calories burned, detect and prevent heat-induced illnesses and bring performance measures and exercise control to the next level.

fitness-kit.net keyword: COSINUSS

In-ear Heart rate sensor

The Cosinuss One

WATER-SAVING INNOVATION

A new shower system with technology inspired by jet engines, aerospace and automotive engineering is designed to halve water usage and costs for gym chains.

Kelda Technology’s shower system, which launched to the gym industry at FIBO, uses a patented water-in-air technology that breaks water into droplets to form a spray. This is then accelerated using a jet-type nozzle.

The technology has been developed in partnership with the University of Southampton in the UK, and has been commercially trialled in a national gym chain in the UK. Designed to deliver a better shower than conventional ones, as well as to lower water costs and be environmentally friendly, the showers can be retrofitted to existing systems.

fitness-kit.net keyword: KELDA

Water-saving innovation

FITNESS TAKES FLIGHT

Icaros is an award-winning innovation that delivers virtual reality workouts – it enables you to fly, dive and drive through virtual worlds and exercise at the same time.

The human-sized gyroscope-looking device is designed as a gaming machine with measurable physical training effects. Users can explore a simulated virtual world using virtual reality goggles, controlling their flight path via their movements on Icaros.

The device is designed so users can train different muscle groups – shoulders, chest, neck, triceps, lateral abdominal muscles, quads and calves – and improve their reflexes, balance and concentration.

Users can choose from different gaming scenarios: a relaxing free flight, a thrilling race, or the action-packed Battle Mode.

fitness-kit.net keyword: ICAROS

Fitness takes flight

A HATTRICK FOR PULSE

Pulse Fitness has added Versus and Trixter VR to its product portfolio, as well as new lines of weights.

Versus – a product for which Pulse has exclusive UK distributor rights – uses virtual trainer software and advanced motion tracking technology to track and score weights exercise against personal best scores or a fellow gym-goer. Form and motion are tracked and continual feedback is displayed. Users can also challenge friends across social channels.

Trixter Virtual Reality is a fitness gaming bike that uses facial recognition to log user workouts. It gives a 360-degree virtual cycling experience around forests, mountain lakes and tropical islands, with real-time results and feedback. Existing Trixter bikes can be retrofitted with VR capability.

Pulse’s new Strength line comprises 26 stations, while the new plate-loaded line includes 10 pieces of equipment, all with the same look and feel: black upholstery on a black frame.

fitness-kit.net keyword: PULSE

A Hattrick for Pulse

HI-TECH PARTNERSHIP

Fitness software provider Virtuagym and NEO Health, a tech start-up from Amsterdam, have teamed up to deliver new products which were announced at FIBO.

Together they have created the One, a wearable activity monitor, and the Onyx, a body composition scale. Both products sync wirelessly via Bluetooth to Virtuagym at home or in the club, with the activity monitor tracking the number of steps taken, achieved percentages towards daily activity goals, sleep patterns and burned calories. The scale measures the body composition, including weight, BMI, body fat, muscle mass, bone mass and more.

fitness-kit.net keyword: virtuagym

Hi-tech Partnership

INTRODUCING THE SKILLMILL

Technogym launched SkillMill, a non-motorised machine designed to improve sports performance, combining power, speed, stamina and agility training.

Using Technogym’s multidrive technology, users can select different levels of reactive resistance. By shifting gear, it’s possible to switch from resistance-free running to an all-out sled push – and with it increase the user’s metabolic rate and maximise muscle activation.

Technogym says electromyography (EMG) studies by the Sports and Rehab Engineering Lab at the University of Padova, Italy, show there’s a “significantly higher activation of the posterior chain, in particular glutes and hamstrings, compared to traditional treadmills”.

Technogym also released Group Cycle Connect – a turnkey solution that creates a connected, interactive and immersive indoor cycling experience.

fitness-kit.net keyword: technogym

The skillmill

MATRIX DRIVES FORWARD

Matrix Fitness has unveiled its latest innovation: the S-Drive Performance Trainer, which brings a new dimension to circuit training. The self-powered treadmill allows coaches to deliver intense sprinting and sled-pushing workouts while being able to stand alongside the user and provide immediate feedback.

The design also complements small group training circuits, by enabling sprint training, interval training and weighted sled resistance pushes to be completed in restricted spaces.

A parachute brake with 11 resistance levels simulates outdoor parachute resistance, while an adjustable harness allows for a complete range of upper body motions. The built-in seven-degree fixed incline helps build strength and explosiveness in sprinters, and no pre-set belt speeds mean users can match their workout to their personal needs and fitness goals.

A dedicated sled bar and sled brake with eight resistance settings mimics pushing 270lbs on natural turf.

fitness-kit.net keyword: MATRIX

Matrix Drives Forward

NEW TO THE CORE

Core Health & Fitness showcased a number of innovations at FIBO, including the Nautilus Inspiration Strength, three new Star Trac Studio Series bikes for indoor cycling, plus the new StairMaster Upper Body Ergometer.  

The Studio Series bikes are designed to provide a high degree of adjustability to deliver the optimal bike fit for riders of all shapes and sizes, and are available in metallic charcoal or candy apple red.

The new StairMaster AirFit Upper Body Ergometer, and a redesigned StairMaster Gauntlet StepMill, are both high intensity products created to appeal to large format venues as well as boutique training.  

Lastly, the Nautilus Inspiration Strength line is a US-made collection with modern aesthetics and uniform towers. The tower housing can now accommodate custom graphics and wraps, allowing facilities to personalise their equipment.

fitness-kit.net keyword: CORE

New to the core

CUSTOMISED INTERFACE

Precor showcased its new P82 console with MyUI – an Android and HTML-based system that allows health clubs to customise the whole walk-up screen with their own images, branding, videos and embedded offers.

Clubs can upload Android apps, and can also have their own entry on the menu, allowing members to click through to the club web page, class schedule and offers; this can be done on a club-by-club basis.

The system also offers extra-fast processing speeds; embedded wifi, Bluetooth and NFC technology; and automatic console software updates.

Precor also launched three new Spinner bikes: the Spinner RIDE, the Spinner SHIFT and the Spinner RALLY.

fitness-kit.net keyword: PRECOR

Customised Interface

MAXIMISING SPACE

ZIVA Infinity Universal product range is a premium, commercial, modular functional storage system. The Infinity range also includes a new flooring configuration which, along with pre-set training stations, empowers the individual to be creative with their routines.

Corner-mounted modules are designed to allow for the smallest possible footprint and turn dead corner spaces into high-utility functional storage and exercise areas. There are also wall- and floor-mounted add-on storage extensions, with barbell, bumper, bag and ball storage racks.

The series also features a ladder system that includes interchangeable attachments to easily switch the type of exercise programming.

fitness-kit.net keyword: ziva

Maximising Space

A MODULAR SYSTEM

New Italian equipment designer Outrace has launched a modular suspension and functional training solution.

The system is designed to fit any space and is customisable to the club’s needs. Using premium design and materials for a luxury product, clients can decide the width, length and height of the structure.

The solution can be used for PT, circuit training, small and large group activity, and is compatible with other equipment for simultaneous use including TRX, AntiGravity Yoga, Trapezex, 4D Pro training and others.

fitness-kit.net keyword: outrace

A Modular system

SCORES ON THE DOORS

FitQuest revealed its new online portal that allows members, personal trainers and gym operators to track progress and share success on social media.

FitQuest measures five fitness tasks to give an overall FQScore and this score, as well as fitness data from FitQuest, is accessible by the user from anywhere – via desktop, tablet or smartphone.

The FQScore portal can be incorporated into an operator’s website, allowing members to book classes, get club news and track their FQScore progress. Gyms can also create FQScore leaderboards to get members more engaged.

fitness-kit.net keyword: FITQUEST

Scores on the doors

MOBILE ADD-ONS

Netpulse has added four new add-on features to its Netpulse Club Mobile App.

The new features allow health club operators to use their members’ smartphones to attract new members and motivate existing ones. Using members’ smartphone contacts, operators can send mobile referrals, provide digital guest passes, reward members to engage them with the club, and send impulse offers to members for things like available personal training sessions.

Mike Escobedo of Netpulse says: “Operators can now generate referrals through a device their members already love to use – their smartphones – and reward members for this behaviour.”

fitness-kit.net keyword: NETPULSE

Mobile add-ons

INCLUSIVITY FROM KEISER

The Keiser Rehab M7WTBT is a low-impact body trainer machine that can be used with a wheelchair or standard chair. Designed for cardiac rehabilitation, senior living facilities and physical therapy programmes, it uses Keiser Magnetic Resistance for a smooth, natural movement.

Dependent upper and lower cranks enable passive assistance. The machine also features measurable parameters, such as METS, watts and distance.

It’s designed to be easily transportable, with wheels on the base, and is small in footprint for busy gym floors.

The adjustable arms have a 12-inch range and there are wheelchair stabiliser straps on each side.

fitness-kit.net keyword: KEISER

Inclusivity from Keiser