Les Mills exhibited its full range of training programmes at this year’s FIBO, including the new Les Mills Barre programme.

Billed as the modern interpretation of classical ballet, Barre capitalises on the current trend for ballet-inspired training. The class offers a 30-minute session that uses traditional ballet techniques to tone and shape muscles, without the use of a physical barre.

“Without the barre for support, the body’s strength and stability become the focus. It may look beautiful, but don’t underestimate the burn,” says Diana Archer Mills, who is creative director and programme creator at Les Mills.

“The authentic balletic purpose and movements target the glutes, thighs, cores and postural muscles, and participants see results very quickly,” she adds.

The programme has recently launched in the UK and will also be made available on the Les Mills Virtual platform from this month.

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German boutique fitness company Five Concept debuted its brand new range of Mobility flexibility and stretching equipment at this year’s FIBO.

An extension of the brand’s Basic line, Mobility consists of five pieces: Chest, Stand, Ischio, Glute and Lateral.

Each station is designed to allow users to gain a feel for their range of motion, enabling them to also perform the movements without instruction where needed.

Manufactured in Germany and distributed in the UK by Reach Wellness, the equipment provides users with a comfortable position which enables them to improve both their posture and movement, while performing the exercises.

“Five Concept uniquely bridges the gap between fitness, wellness and therapy on the gym floor,” says Jeff Davis, MD of Reach Wellness.

“Five Concept provides the opportunity for mobilisation, movement preparation, rehabilitation and recovery.

“Given the phenomenal popularity of Five Concept in mainland Europe, there is excellent potential for rapid growth in the UK and Ireland. Third Space Clubs and Nuffield Health Clubs are already early adopters of Five Concept in the UK. We’re excited at the potential demand,” Davis adds.

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Precor has announced a partnership with fitness software developer eGym, which will see eGym’s SmartStart technology integrated into the Precor Experience Series P82 and P62 consoles.

The partnership – currently in its pilot stage – is designed to focus on the member experience and offers a number of easy-to-access workout options.

Members log on using an RFID chip, and can choose from three options: Quickstart, eGym’s SmartStart and Precor’s Workout of the Day, which offers motivational and individualised workout plans.

SmartStart offers members a range of personalised training programmes, as well as giving them the opportunity to set goals, monitor their training sessions and track results.

It also has a step-by-step performance test, which users can take every three weeks to calculate their ‘Cardio Age’ and assess physical performance. Results are then used to automatically update training objectives and set new targets once a goal has been met.

Kerstin Obenauer, country director at eGym UK, says: “This is an example of how successful supplier collaboration can have a hugely positive impact on the user experience, increasing motivation and driving performance improvements.”

“SmartStart makes the classic ‘Quickstart’ option intelligent by creating bespoke, automated and effective cardio-programmes that constantly propel users towards their goals,” she adds.

Steve Carter, MD of Precor UK says: “We believe technology is an enabler and should be used to solve issues.

By linking with leading fitness technology providers such as eGym, we provide operators with the best tools to deliver a great digital experience for their members and staff.”

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Pulse Fitness debuted a space efficient collection of strength training equipment and showcased its recently launched functional training equipment at FIBO.

The dual strength line is a 10-piece collection consisting of a chest and shoulder press; deltoid and pec fly; assisted chin and dip; lat pulldown and seated row; leg extension and seated leg curl; and recumbent leg press and seated calf.

The pieces are made from steel and have stitched black upholstery, an enclosed weight stack, carbon covers and smooth feel handgrips, as well as clear user instructions.

“The new dual strength range is ideal for gyms with limited space or facilities who want to make the most of the space they have available, whilst still being designed and built to the highest standard,” says Pulse national sales manager Richard Sheen.

Including full and half racks, medicine balls, kettlebells and battle ropes the range is designed as a space-saving functional training solution.

“We saw and acted upon the need for our own free weight accessories range. We are so proud to have the Pulse brand on our outstanding new range,” says Pulse national account manager Jake Saunders.

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Concept2 has expanded its line of ergometers with the launch of its latest innovation, the BikeErg.

Designed to offer a real-feel indoor cycling experience, the BikeErg features flywheel and dampner technology that creates a smooth and responsive ride, at the same time giving the user complete control of their resistance throughout the workout.

The bike is fitted with the self-powered PM5 performance monitor, which offers instant feedback and features Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, as well as a number of display and workout options that give users access to their performance data including pace, watts, RPM and calories burned.

“For years customers have been asking us to make a bike like our rowers, and we’re delighted that we’re now able to do so,” says Concept2 managing director Alex Dunne.

“The reaction from the market has been great, and we’re already seeing it show up in a wide range of programming,” Dunne adds.

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Virtual fitness provider Wexer has launched a live streaming solution that promises to deliver high levels of member satisfaction, engagement and retention.

Wexer Broadcast is designed to optimise a facilities’ staff and space by allowings clubs to broadcast and stream live classes from one studio to another, as well as direct to their members’ mobile devices, giving them an in-club experience wherever they are.

“Every club has its ‘superstar’ instructors: those for whom demand is far greater than the number of members you can squeeze into their classes. What Wexer Broadcast does is take this talent – the best-of-the-best content – and get it out there to reach a huge audience,” explains Wexer CEO Paul Bowman.

“It allows clubs to grow their market simply by using the talent they already have; by extending the influence of their instructors beyond their four walls, clubs can become the go-to provider of fitness for even more people. Ultimately, it makes great fitness easier to consume – wherever the consumer may be.”

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Pavigym revealed a new programming concept for families, incorporating its innovative Prama solution at FIBO.

Slated as an industry first, and billed as ‘fitness disguised as fun’ the Pavigym’s Kids & Families programme offers mixed sessions for kids and parents, as well as kid-only sessions. The classes combine circuit training and gamification with Prama, a multi-sensory flooring solution featuring lights and music, and are designed to get more children active by creating a fun and competitive environment, “Incorporating functional movements that are natural for both adults and children encourages the family to be active and healthy, as well as teaching children that exercise can be fitness disguised as fun,” says Pavigym master trainer and programme creator Daniel Gonzalez.

“Our programme focuses on games and interactive exercises, with a bit of a twist with some friendly competition,” he says.

“With the belief that active, healthy kids turn into active, healthy adults, Prama provides an appealing environment for both kids and parents to enjoy 45 minutes of fun and fitness.”

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Matrix introduced a host of new products to the European market, including the CXP Target, CXC and CXM training cycles.

The CSP Target training cycle has original programming and a new Target Training display, which puts users completely in control of their experience. The CXC and CXM training cycles are group training solutions, designed for cycling enthusiasts, and enable operators to offer a unique group exercise experience to their members.

“It’s important that our customers have options that suit their needs,” says Becky Jalbert, global product manager, personal and group training for Matrix.

“They can select the CXC for the feel of a real outdoor ride, step up to the CXM for enhanced metric tracking or choose the CXP for a colourful Target Training Display that injects camaraderie and competition into every cycling session,” Jalbert adds.

Additionally, the company launched Matrix Connected Solutions, a new technology solution offering a complete digital ecosystem that operators can tailor to their specific needs. It enables operators to increase retention, build engagement, enhance differentiation, maximise ROI and boost revenue, and is designed to enhance the exercise experience for both the member and the operators.

fitness-kit.net keyword: MATRIX