eGym has developed a programme specifically designed to combat diabetes, giving operators the perfect way to attract and assist this segment of the population

Leading developer of smart fitness equipment eGym has launched a programme designed to combat diabetes, giving operators the perfect way to attract and assist this segment of the population.

Metabolic Fit is a training programme proven to regulate blood glucose levels, enabling operators to provide bespoke, effective, automated training programmes to people with type 2 diabetes on a mass scale.

Diabetes affects more than 3.7 million people in the UK, with a further 1 million undiagnosed cases. One in every 16 people suffers from the condition and it's predicted by 2025, the number of people with diabetes in the UK will rise to over 5 million. Currently, 10 per cent of the NHS budget is spent on the treatment of this condition and unless changes are made, this figure is set to rise.*

*Statistics provided by diabetes.co.uk

Widening the market
Most operators are focused on servicing the 15 per cent of the population who already own a membership and are potentially looking to move gyms. This leaves 85 per cent of the market largely untapped. Metabolic Fit aids operators who want to support a wider segment of the population through the provision of a scientifically proven, automated programme, developed specifically for a demographic group with a diagnosed medical condition. This new software advancement is a prime example of how the physical activity sector can work alongside the health sector to achieve patient-centred outcomes.

Every member needs to be prescribed an individualised programme to progress them quickly and effectively towards their goals. This is a challenge in itself but add to this individuals with diagnosed health conditions and the prescription of an exercise programme becomes even more complicated and challenging.

Metabolic Fit makes it possible for trainers to support a wider segment of the population without medical training.

The new programme appears under the ‘Health’ training goal option on eGym strength equipment and applies all the benefits of eGym’s well-established intelligent training system.

Periodisation and regular strength tests are automated to ensure the programme is effective and progressive. The introduction of Metabolic Fit means gyms can now prescribe an effective activity programme that fully supports medical assessments and treatment plans.

The science
Physical activity, performed regularly at optimal intensity, has been proven to help control blood glucose levels, and combat the effects of type 2 diabetes.

Scientific studies show the optimal training for people with type 2 diabetes is a large number of repetitions over long periods, working all major muscle groups.

The eGym intelligent system increases insulin receptor sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels in the long-term through building endurance, which, according to the German Diabetes Association, is the most effective type of training for those with diabetes.

eGym ensures the delivery of optimal efficiency and effectiveness. Once the member has attended an initial consultation with a trainer and the eGym strength test has been completed on each piece of equipment to determine their capabilities, the diabetes programme prescribes an automated four-phase programme with increasing intensity.

Following an initial four-week acclimatisation or ‘Preparation’ phase, based on two 30-minute workouts a week, individuals enter the ‘Goal’ phase, when training is designed with long exposure times and high repetition rates, using eccentric loading to generate high intensities and working all large muscle groups. The focus is on increasing muscle stimulus without triggering a rise in blood pressure.

By applying training variables such as intensity, duration, number of reps and speed of movement – in measures found by scientific research to have the most positive impact on the reduction of blood glucose levels – and then applying periodisation, the eGym system has reverse the effects of type 2 diabetes in 39 per cent of cases.