Wattbike drives digital technology innovation with new product launches

Using technology to measure, test and track performance has become an essential consideration for many health club operators. Whether it’s members using their own wearable tech to monitor performance, or the expectation that a facility will provide this service, operators understand the power of continual feedback to motivate exercisers and to boost retention.

Ensuring Wattbike remains at the forefront of technology for exercisers, this spring sees the launch of the new Wattbike powerapp, a system that will enable users to view and analyse their workouts on iPhone and Android mobile devices (now available on Google Play store and Apple App store).

Coinciding with the launch of the new app, which will be unveiled at the FIBO convention in April, Wattbike will also launch the powerhub, a revolutionary new digital platform which will serve as a cloud-based session log and provide the opportunity for users to analyse extensive data from their training session via hub.wattbike.com, track their improvements, both in terms of pedalling effectiveness and fitness in order to aid performance.

The launch of these new technologies follows a huge surge in demand for Wattbikes across the fitness and sports sectors. Leading fitness operators such as Virgin Active, David Lloyd Leisure and Nuffield Health now include Wattbikes on the gym floor across venues, with international sports organisations such as England Rugby and the UCI World Cycling Centre recognising the powerful features Wattbike offers athletes in elite sport due to bike’s unique accuracy, reliability and capacity to track and report on an extensive range of physical measures including power and VO2.

As well as displaying live session data on a mobile device via a Bluetooth connection, the new app and powerhub technology will also allow users to save and review data from each individual session. Whilst via the powerhub cloud system, the open API will allow data to be shared across personal tracking apps such as Strava or the Apple Health app. Operators are also recognising the benefit, with Virgin Active and Nuffield Health already planning to share data across their digital platforms.

The Wattbike powerhub, which will be separate to the Wattbike website, allows users to log, analyse and share their Wattbike sessions. This ‘hub’ will hold an overview of user history, a historical log of all the sessions that have been uploaded and a zone records page including details of an individual’s training zones, which are based on MMP and MHR statistics.

Keen to hear directly from customers and tailor future product developments, Wattbike have also included a ‘feature request’ option, where users will be able to view and vote on requested features or suggest their own.

Also on display at FIBO will be the updated Wattbike Power Cycling Software, ground-breaking free software that transforms individual training, group training and indoor racing. The system allows users to display accurate performance data on a screen including heart rate, cadence and power – all tailored to their specific heart rate training zones. Perfect for group training, the software calculates the correct training zones for each cyclist, so that a group of varying abilities can all work out together.

Once an individual’s data is entered into the software, the Wattbike Power Cycling Software stores all their sessions, and applies their personal training zones to each subsequent session. This makes the system incredibly versatile for all users, whether that’s personal trainers and coaches looking to track each client’s progress, facilities looking to offer exciting, engaging cycle classes based on each individuals training zones or for members who just want to get started with a private ‘free ride’ session, a new option recently introduced.

Commenting on the new launches, Richard Baker, commercial director at Wattbike, said: “The introduction of the powerapp and powerhub will have a significant impact on Wattbike users – both consumers and leisure facility operators. The new software takes tracking and analysis of individual data to another level and will help riders build social bonds as well as adding some healthy competition.

“This unique digital training solution will significantly enhance the experience of any rider of any ability. These developments will also further enhance Wattbike’s reputation as a highly effective, and accurate diagnostic tool, which is often marketed by clubs as a complete fitness test.”

Recently voted ‘Best Training Product’ at the Sports Technology Awards, Wattbike’s appeal extends beyond the cycling and triathlon markets, reflected in the product’s extensive usage across a variety of sports including Rugby, Football, Rowing and Athletics. UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport were early adopters of the Wattbike, which also has a very large presence in the military.

Head to the Wattbike stand at FIBO to try the new powerapp and powerhub, speak to the team, experience the ‘real ride’ feel of the Wattbike and discover your individual training zones.