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Innovation: Powering ahead
Indoor bikes may remain stationary, but the discipline is in constant motion. Innovators tell Steph Eaves how they’re keeping pace with the latest trends
We’re seeing the continued proliferation of different styles of indoor cycling – for example: endurance, performance, HIIT, dancing on a bike, immersive, etc. It’s all there alongside more traditional, fitness-focused classes.
Our Body Bike Smart+ Phantom has a unique new gear ratio for this reason – we’ve increased the diameter of the crank and reduced the weight of the flywheel so in dance-based programming you have a wonderful light feel on the pedals, with the option to still dial up the resistance.
At the other end of the scale we believe the bike’s magnetic resistance is unique when it comes to how strong the resistance can be; this is still a challenging bike for those who want it to be.
The Body Bike app turns a smartphone into the console on any Body Bike Smart+ bike, meaning riders can see their data on an engaging, colourful, backlit screen during class and take all that data away with them at the end of the ride.
Downloads of our app were up 8 per cent in 2023 against 2022 and we’re continuing to develop new features, the latest being a new 12-gear system that shows very precisely how hard the rider is working. It’s based on Functional Threshold Power, which the app can also calculate.
Our latest integration is with Apple, which now draws Body Bike power and cadence profiles into the Apple Watch. But this is just the latest integration, with Strava another important one.
More: www.body-bike.com
Body Bike recently supplied 85 Smart+ bikes to Les Mills’ flagship club in Auckland. We have a strong, longstanding relationship with Les Mills and are delighted to be back in its clubs. In the Auckland City club, a fantastic, immersive studio delivers exceptional indoor cycling experiences every day. We’re excited to be part of that.
A significant one is the integration of advanced technology into indoor cycling equipment. Features such as interactive displays, virtual ride experiences and connectivity with fitness apps are becoming increasingly popular, providing users with a more engaging and immersive workout experience.
In response, we’ve integrated our Openhub platform into our Group Cycle portfolio, becoming the first to incorporate a tap-to-pair feature that allows riders to seamlessly sync their Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy.
Another trend is the emphasis on personalised and data-driven workouts. To optimise training, consumers seek equipment that tracks performance metrics such as heart rate, power output, and cadence. Our Schwinn Z-Bike addresses this demand with personalisation features that enable riders to input their maximum heart rate or Functional Threshold Power and pair any heart rate strap to the console.
The newest learning opportunity from Schwinn, The Schwinn Bridge Certification, offers a cost-effective and time-efficient pathway for fitness instructors to enhance their qualifications. Recognising instructors’ existing knowledge and experience, the Bridge Certification streamlines the process, saving time and money. By completing this certification, instructors earn Continuing Education Credits and Units, ensuring ongoing accreditation while adding new skills to their coaching toolkit.
Our latest is the enhanced connectivity of our Z-console, which can now seamlessly connect to various group display leaderboard systems. These include popular platforms such as Intelligent Cycling, Zwift and many others. These integrations allow riders to join virtual group rides, compete in challenges, and track their progress in real-time alongside a global community of cyclists.
More: www.corehandf.com
One of our most creative client collaborations has been with rapidly-growing operator, Hotworx, a fitness studio franchise specialising in infrared sauna workouts. These combine heat and exercise to maximise calorie burn and improve overall fitness. Hotworx utilises our X-bike for its infrared sauna cycling classes and it’s proven to withstand the heat, due to its durability.
Firstly, technology is transforming indoor cycling. Riders demand real-time data tracking, seamless connectivity with fitness apps, and immersive virtual experiences. This tech-driven approach enables cyclists to monitor their performance metrics during each session.
Secondly, there’s a growing desire among fitness enthusiasts to train like athletes. This trend is characterised by a focus on structured, performance-oriented workouts. Cyclists are adopting HIIT, power-based training, and periodisation techniques traditionally used by professional athletes.
We’re ramping up engagement through our relaunched Keiser M Series app and on-demand offering, The Ride.
The app offers diverse workout options and real-time performance tracking. Users can choose workouts tailored to their fitness levels and goals if they use it alone, while it can also be used in classes by participants to connect them with fellow riders, share achievements and participate in challenges.
It detailed performance metrics, allowing riders to monitor their progress and set new targets.
Our on-demand classes, The Ride by Keiser, take engagement to the next level.
By combining our tech with some of the world’s best instructors, riders can improve their fitness and recreate the in-class experience at home or in their gym.
More: www.keiseruk.com
Keiser has embarked on a collaboration with Pure Energy, a provider of music solutions for fitness professionals. We’re joining forces to infuse the indoor cycling experience with energising music that enhances motivation and performance.
Together, we’re integrating Pure Energy’s library of curated music mixes into the Keiser M Series bikes. These mixes are designed to complement different types of cycling workouts, from endurance rides to high-intensity intervals, ensuring riders are immersed in the rhythm and momentum of their sessions.
We’re also working with Pure Energy to develop cycling playlists tailored to workout objectives and preferences.
Whether riders are seeking an adrenaline-fueled sprint or a calming cooldown, they can access a range of playlists that elevate their experience.
The return of participants back in the saddle. As gym memberships continue to increase, this is bringing people back to indoor cycling classes and for some, it’s their very first class experience. Gym owners are having to refocus and invest in the environment and experience they offer.
Our indoor cycling ecosystem provides variety in programming to meet the different needs and fitness levels of all participants. Our bike consoles allow for instructor-led ‘rhythm rides’ and performance-based power or heart-rate training. Our Connect digital interactive gaming system can offer leaderboards, team races and scenic footage and a virtual cycling solution for class programming without a live instructor.
ICG/Life Fitness has a fully-integrated ecosystem driving its group cycling experience, all based on its patented Coach by Color Training programme, which is available for 10 years on products.
The Coach by Color programme relies on the naturally stimulating properties of colour to accurately coach effort during a workout. It elicits the right psychological and physiological responses to encourage greater effort. It also fosters connections among members and enhances instructor communication, increasing social interaction, while maximising results.
The ICG Connect System is an interactive multimedia set-up that brings experiential fitness to the heart of the group cycle offering, driving purposeful goals and fitness targets by unifying the bike’s interactive animated consoles, music, choreography, video and real-time data, along with team and individual gaming.
Riders can also connect to the bike’s console with the ICG Training App to record, track and share their workouts.
We enhanced our IC7 bike model with a new Pedal Efficiency Graph (PEG). The graph allows participants to see in real-time the power output between right and left legs.
At any point during class, instructors can direct riders to the PEG on their bike console and perform pedal stroke drills to increase overall efficiency which leads to better balance between right and left legs, higher total power output and increased training results.
More: www.lifefitness.com
Gamification is revolutionising indoor cycling, with platforms such as Zwift and Rouvy leading the charge. These platforms offer e-sport competitions, which drive motivation and community involvement.
To capitalise on this trend, we’ve enhanced our Wattbike Hub app and plan to introduce new features to maximise its potential over the coming months. We currently have a leaderboard in beta testing that will go out to the public over the next few months. This will help people compete against each other and see where they rank amongst their peers.
We hold an annual educational day for industry experts to help upskill them on the usability of the bikes, as well as share resources they can use at their facilities to create an engaging environment. This will be a growing part of our calendar as we look to do more of these types of events with varying communities.
Another key area we focus on in order to build engagement is the spaces where our bikes are located – in particular, our Wattbike zones. We have excellent setups in some of the largest gyms across the UK, utilising Zwift and Wattbike zones to capitalise on the current trend of gamifying indoor cycling.
Our bikes are fully compatible with third party apps such as Zwift, Rouvy, Intelligent Cycling and CicloZone, allowing riders to access virtual racing and integrated workouts.
The Wattbike Atom is a Zwift-Certified indoor trainer, which means you can compete in the Zwift racing league and battle against other virtual riders.
More: www.wattbike.com
One project we’re proud of at Wattbike is the collaboration with Zwift and Fitness First to develop dedicated Wattbike zones. This project involves integrating Zwift software with three AtomX bikes on the gym floor at Fitness First Cottons.
Since installing the AtomX bikes last year to replace the previous spin bikes, we’ve seen a remarkable proof of concept, demonstrating the opportunity to grow more spaces such as this.
To further enhance the space, Fitness First has brought in an AV and design company to elevate the area, creating an engaging and motivating environment. The goal is to link all its bikes to Zwift, allowing more members to participate in community rides on this dynamic platform.
