Brian Firth, CEO of MiE Medical Research, talks about the use and potential of fitness and body composition measurement to provide additional revenue streams and aid retention

physical condition and body composition device called FitQuest, which was developed by MiE Medical Research, has been widely adopted across the industry this year, being installed by The Gym Group in the UK, Go Fit in Spain, as well as operators in Asia, Poland, Germany and France.

The device measures eight metrics while users perform exercises such as press-ups and explosive jumps. These include motor sensory control, explosive leg power, upper and lower body strength and endurance, speed and cv fitness. It also measures body composition.

The machine has a user-friendly touchscreen, which members can use independently. It takes just four minutes to give an accurate health assessment and the results can be used to develop an individualised programme.

“We’re entering a new era of using solid data to produce evidence-based exercise programmes to tackle health and fitness issues,” says FitQuest CEO, Brian Firth. “The future of health and fitness will be about automation, personalisation and data-driven programming.”

Firth says there are a number of ways operators are incorporating FitQuest scanners into their clubs. A popular approach, which has been taken by The Gym Group, is to offer access to the scanner as part of a premium membership. In addition to this, the unit can be set up so that members who are not on a premium package can pay individually to use it. “This approach provides an additional revenue stream for the club, as well as an extra service to members which supports adherence to exercise and retention,” says Firth.

In Asia, where there's a greater uptake of PT than in Europe, the scanners are frequently used as a way of upselling PT services. “The PT goes through the scores with the member and talks about how they can work to improve their measurements,” says Firth. “It allows them to understand their client very quickly and the PT becomes more of a coach, helping the individual to get the most out of their training.”

Firth envisages FitQuest could also be used to create an exciting new category of digital membership, which drives up penetration levels: “FitQuest offers such an easy and effective way of creating a personalised exercise programme, clubs could use the scanners to create, and update, programmes for people who choose to do their training outside the gym,” he says. “They could come to the club every six weeks for a review and to tweak their programme.”

A significant Spanish operator, is taking a similar approach by using FitQuest to undertake health assessments and then prescribe exercise programmes which comprise a mix of activities based on members' capacity, interests and lifestyle.

In other locations, FitQuest devices have replaced 40-minute health assessments. “This means the instructors only have to spend four minutes assessing the member and can spend 36 minutes creating a highly personalised programme which incorporates the activities which interest them,” says Firth.

Innovative uses
“We're seeing the beginning of a more holistic approach from operators abroad," he continues, "They're offering a range of activities, including road cycling, mountain biking and running outside their clubs to complement activities in the gym.

"We're beginning to see individual programmes being built by operators for members that include a wider variety of options. This approach isn’t currently happening widely across the UK, but it's a way of driving penetration.

"For example, white water kayaking is excellent for building upper body strength, while purposeful walking to work could become part of a programme which makes people more engaged with both exercise and the club.”