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Consoles: fitness-kit.net special
With member entertainment moving fast to keep up with technological development, Kate Corney highlights the latest console offerings from some of the biggest global suppliers
Technogym
* Intuitive tablet-like navigation
* Skype option available on Artis equipment
* Technogym App Store due to launch
Technogym’s Unity console is networked and connects to mywellness, Technogym’s cloud-based platform. Users can log in to the mywellness cloud through the console to review their fitness data and apply workout preferences. They can track indoor and outdoor workout data, access and personalise training programmes, take part in challenges, stay in touch with their trainers and view their progress.
Users can also browse the web, play games, watch TV, check emails and access social media. Content settings are stored on their mywellness cloud account. Unity on Technogym’s Artis range also has an integrated webcam, so users can Skype with friends or coaches while training.
The console has tablet-like navigation with swipe, scroll and click-through to different content. It has a virtual training feature with outdoor scenery, whereby users can select a virtual location in which to train, plus pre-programmed workouts, instructional videos and interval programmes for each machine.
Unity is an open platform, so Android developers can write new functions that interact with Unity equipment and users’ data. Technogym will be launching the Technogym App Store later this year, which will let users select and install applications on their Unity consoles.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Technogym
Life Fitness
* Android and Apple compatibility
* Open API (Application Programming Interface) platform
* RFID due to launch for ease of user identification
The Life Fitness Discover tablet console uses the Android operating system and Apple’s iOS platform to give users access to their personal music, videos, apps and books. Gym users can also access music videos and TV shows on the touchscreen console through ethernet or wifi.
Discover integrates with the LFconnect cloud-based solution, which lets exercisers log in, personalise their options and get workout recommendations. They can also access personal online content and browse the web, as well as creating their own workout programmes and setting content preferences. Life Fitness will be adding console options to identify the user, such as RFID.
Discover consoles also give access to Lifescape Courses – six high-definition hikes, runs and bike rides through famous locations around the world, with controls that adjust the video speed to the exerciser and resistance to match the terrain.
Life Fitness’ open platform allows developers access to create apps to synchronise with the system – current apps include Lose It, Runtastic and SoFit.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Life Fitness
Precor
* Messaging and reward badges to motivate members
* RFID and mobile app for easy log-in, both in and outside the club
* Operator portal for equipment management
Precor’s P80 capacitive touchscreen console lets users swipe the screen to find content. The console contains a library of workout guides and new workout programmes. It has an upright viewing angle for correct posture, and large off-screen motion controls letting exercisers adjust speed and incline without interrupting what’s on-screen.
Also accessible through the P80 console is the Preva open platform networked fitness solution. This offers customisable statistics and media options via Preva Personal Accounts: members can set goals, track progress, earn achievement reward badges and save workouts.
Preva Tokens are RFID-enabled key fobs that can be swiped or tapped against the equipment to automatically sign the user in to their Preva Personal Account. The Preva Mobile iPhone app also allows members to log and track activity outside of the club.
Meanwhile Preva Net delivers internet content, giving exercisers access to popular topics such as health and fitness, news, sports, technology and business in an easy-to-read format designed for the in-motion exerciser.
From an operator perspective, Preva Member Messaging lets operators communicate with members via short, scheduled messages that appear on the P80 console and lead exercisers to a web page. Operators can also manage their equipment through Preva Business Suite, and the Preva consoles automatically update features over the internet.
The P80 console offers iPod/iTouch/iPhone compatibility.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Precor
Matrix
* Motivate: HD virtual workouts
* Mentor: An app-driven console including a virtual trainer
* Maintain: Connected to Matrix’s Asset Management system
Matrix’s latest console, the 7xi, is an app-based interface for all Matrix Fitness CV products, currently linking with apps including MyFitnessPal.
It’s designed to offer users easy access to social media and web content, as well as giving access to live and on-demand TV shows. It has a capacitive LCD touchscreen and cloud-based data storage.
The console incorporates 10 Virtual Active locations in HD, which speed up based on the exerciser’s speed and show changing terrain as the machine increases resistance. There’s also virtual coaching for guided workouts.
The console can be web-connected through ethernet or wifi and comes with the Matrix Asset Management system, reporting faults and tracking machine use. A calendar app lets facilities communicate news directly to members through the console.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Matrix
Sportsart
* Track workouts without an embedded TV, card or key
* One-touch language change facility
* Remote fault reporting without the additional cost of the infrastructure
SportsArt Fitness will be launching its next generation of consoles later this year. There will be three consoles: an LED standard console, plus 7” and 15” touchscreen consoles. Instructions and data on the console will be available in 13 languages.
Touchscreen options will have TV, wifi, ethernet and Bluetooth built in to the consoles, allowing users and operators to choose entertainment options. Consoles will be iPod and iPhone compatible, with USB ports for standard MP3 and MP4 media. Audio controls can be used without the user letting go of the CV equipment.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Sportsart
Cybex
* 15.6” HD embedded screen
* Three distinct viewing modes: Exercise, Entertain and Escape
* Touchscreen CardioTouch command
The E3 View, CYBEX’s latest console, is designed for entertainment with a 15.6” HD screen with three viewing modes: Exercise, Entertain and Escape. Exercise offers a detailed view of exercise data including distance, calories, time and BPM. Entertainment lets the user watch video from TV, iPod or iPhone, with their exercise stats shown at the bottom of the screen. In the Escape mode, the screen is filled with footage from TV, iPod or iPhone.
The console works with the 625 and 770 CV ranges and integrates with CardioTouch, which offers exercise programmes and entertainment. Users can plug in an iPod or iPhone and find playlists, albums, podcasts and more.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Cybex
Octane
* Vertical split-screen shows entertainment and workout info
* Cross Circuit class taught on-screen
* Interactive instructions and videos
Octane Fitness touchscreen consoles have a vertical split-screen, allowing the user to watch entertainment and see their live workout statistics simultaneously, without having to toggle between screens.
The consoles are designed for interactive workouts, offering training videos including the Octane Fitness Cross Circuit class concept, or Cross Circuit Solo.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Octane
Pulse
* Energy-efficient console design with cordless option
* Smart Centre retention management and fitness networking technology
* Universal and interchangeable console across the cardio range
The Pulse CV console is an integrated, high-contrast console offering users multiple personalised entertainment and workout options. All are SmartCentre compatible – Pulse’s retention software.
Users can opt for a full-screen workout, displaying key workout statistics including time, distance, RPM, level and performance. Alternatively, a split-screen viewing mode allows users to choose from over 100 TV channels and monitor workout statistics and performance. A full-screen TV viewing mode offers the option to view a TV channel or pre-loaded digital entertainment from a personal device such as iPhone, iPad or USB.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Pulse
Star Trac
* Cooling fan within the console
* Guidance and motivation from Star Trac Coach
* User’s customised preferences saved across the network
Star Trac’s latest embedded console offers an inbuilt virtual coaching programme, Star Trac Coach, with more than a million workout options.
Meanwhile operators can customise the screens to add messages and flag up promotions
to their members.
The console is iPod and Nike+ compatible, with users’ fitness data uploaded to the devices.
The consoles can be networked with Netpulse, an open entertainment platform, so the user’s music, TV and film preferences, as well as exercise history, can be saved for all workouts.
The console also features a personal cooling fan.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Star Trac
