Designed to help gym users assess their general fitness through non-sports specific measurements of fitness, FitQuest is fast becoming a key tool for giving gym goers greater control of their fitness outcomes. CEO of MiE and FitQuest Brian Firth explains more about the innovative fitness platform

What was the inspiration behind FitQuest?
The machine was developed by MiE Medical Research, which specialises in human performance monitoring instruments used in bioengineering, ergonomics, sports sciences, medicine, physiotherapy and work diagnostics. As CEO of MiE and FitQuest, I have over 30 years’ experience in medical technology innovation. I was involved in developing the fi rst diabetes home testing kit and the world’s first digital pregnancy testing kit. Recognising the opportunities for cross sector collaboration, I wanted to bring my experience in the medical sector to the fi tness industry. I believe we’re about to enter a new era of evidence-based exercise programmes to tackle health and fitness issues, which will require solid data.

What makes FitQuest different from other fitness monitoring systems?
FitQuest is the only machine that assesses the factors for fitness measurement defined by the American College of Sports Medicine. It’s a state-of-the-art concept that brings full bio-mechanical lab technology to the gym. The platform comprises a user-friendly touch screen interface and a custom computer that runs MiE’s unique algorithms, housed in a strong steel chassis to minimize maintenance. The machine measures motor sensory control, explosive leg power, upper and lower body strength, endurance, speed ability and cardiovascular fitness as users perform exercises such as press ups, explosive jumps, and cardio and balance tasks. To assess a user over these eight parameters takes just four minutes, after which the FitQuest machine provides an overall fitness assessment known as the Fitness Quotient. Members are subsequently given ongoing testing to help them track their progress and reach their fitness goals.

What are the benefits for the operator?
Knowing key data about your members increases your ability to deliver a tailored programme. Personalisation will be the next battlefront, and data-driven programming will be fundamental to this. By offering users individual, tailored exercise programmes, the machine creates an enhanced member offering, while the operator benefits from increased levels of retention due to improved member engagement.

Who are FitQuest customers?
We have several market-leading customers around the world including The Bundeswehr, Elements and SportsPass in Germany, Cityfit in Poland, Manulife in Hong Kong and after a successful pilot programme with The Gym Group earlier this year, we recently installed machines in 40 Gym Group locations across London. The machines were the fi rst of their kind to be fitted with the MIE FitQuest Body Composition Analyser, which uses medical industry standard techniques to determine body composition.

Who is the typical FitQuest user?
There really is no ‘typical’ user. Anyone can benefit from a FitQuest assessment and a personalised, prescriptive fitness programme. The service expectations of consumers are growing and they now expect more for their money. Today’s gym goer already expects the gym to offer more than just a room full of equipment; they want additional help to meet their goals, such as tracking and personalised programming. FitQuest allows users to access their measurement results, which is key to tracking progress and meeting goals, whether you’ve never stepped foot in a gym before or you’re an experienced gym goer.

Are there further plans for growth?
Absolutely. We’re expanding internationally and currently working on installations in several countries, including Spain, Germany, Poland, Egypt, Dubai, Brazil and China. Our clients range from gym chains and sports camps to luxury hotels, so the opportunities are endless. To help with this next phase, we recently hired Jim Graham, previously COO of The Gym Group, where he was part of the team that tripled the size of the business. We’re looking forward to continued expansion in 2018.