Virgin Active has become the first fitness operator in Europe to introduce Apple GymKit-enabled cardio equipment.

Virgin members who have an Apple watch will be able to pair it with Technogym treadmills, cross-trainers, indoor bikes and stair steppers at its Mansion House club in London.

Once connected, the watch and equipment exchange data with no need to download additional apps, press extra buttons, or navigate menus.

The innovation allows data such as heart rate, calories burned, distance, speed and incline to be communicated wirelessly between devices.

“Technology is becoming increasingly part of everyday life and advancements like these allow us to track and monitor our fitness and wellbeing,” said Andy Birch, product and fitness director at Virgin Active.

Fitness First Australia became the first fitness operator in the world to introduce cardio equipment to its gym floor that pairs wirelessly with Apple Gymkit technology, as reported last month.