Spring 2011 marks the global launch of the new Experience Series range of CV equipment from Precor. The new Series - combining award-winning cardio units with a new choice of consoles - was officially launched at IHRSA earlier this month, with its European debut taking place in April, at FIBO 2011.

The launch of the new Series is the culmination of a major three-and-a-half year research and development project undertaken by Precor. In late 2007, the company established a Seattle-based research laboratory, where a broad range of exercisers were both analysed and consulted on exactly what they wanted from their workout experience.

Precor used the findings to develop the new Experience Series, which consists of three consoles - the P80, P30 and P20 - and promises to offer Precor customers a broader choice, and users a significantly enhanced workout experience. Whilst all three consoles offer new aesthetics and functionality, the P80 is the most radical advancement from Precor’s existing console offerings. Undoubtedly the flagship of the new range, it features a highly robust, commercial grade capacitive touch screen – similar to those used for other high-use commercial purposes, including bank ATMs and airport check-in terminals.

The capacitive screen also allows users to perform 'gesture motions', such as sweeping across different screens in the same way that users can control leading phone and entertainment devices. Among a host of features, the P80 console promotes new workout programmes to users when they first engage with the equipment. Research conducted after early installations suggests that this will be particularly beneficial, with 40 per cent of users surveyed already trying a new workout as a direct result of the feature.

Doug Johns, director of global marketing and product management for Precor, said: "From the onset, the design philosophy has been 'fitness is foremost'. The User Interface is simple and intuitive, to provide even the most novice of members with a more stimulating and enjoyable workout." Each P80 console also features an Ethernet connection, enabling users to benefit from the current and future possibilities of a networked fitness experience. Brent Brooks, vice president of networked fitness at Precor, commented: "The internet now shapes so many aspects of our daily lives and so understandably the whole industry is excited by the prospect of networked fitness. Whilst certain 'connected' benefits will be available from launch, Precor will be continually developing and launching further applications, all of which promise to significantly benefit exercisers and operators."

The new Series is completed by the P30 and P20 consoles. The P30 is an evolution of Precor's existing Experience Series console and features elements of the P80, including the new 'Motion Controls', which enable exercisers to perform frequent functions such as adjustments in speed and incline quickly and easily. The P20 offers an entry level console, suitable for customers who seek a durable Precor base unit, but a less sophisticated console. Jez Whitling, UK sales director for Precor, added: "Precor is extremely proud of its history of innovation, from introducing the first Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer in 1995, to the first Adaptive Motion Trainer in 2007.

"The significant research and development which has gone in to the new Experience Series - coupled with the tremendous reaction we're getting from users and customers who have already tried the new consoles - bodes very well. "We're delighted to be at the forefront of new technologies but - more importantly - it's how these consoles will enhance the member experience which is so tremendously exciting."