Integrating smart fitness equipment in gym design
As gym design consultants we monitor PROFESSIONAL gym equipment trends closely and the shift to ‘smart machines’ and ‘smart sport equipment’ is big
The influence of AI and IOT technology in fitness club equipment are here to stay. so which gym brands are leading the switch to smart equipment?
What does the smart sport gym of the future look like for gym users performing weight training exercises or knocking out an interval session on a smart exercise bike in a virtual reality training space full of other (virtual) exercise bikes?
What about an endurance session on a smart rowing machine in a high-tech personal training studio?
Read on to find out more about how Drax, Milon, Technogym and Reaxing and defining the future of fitness…
Drax - smart gym equipment from south korea
DRAX is a South Korean company with an interest in recreating workout environments similar to those we might experience outside in nature. Their gym equipment range covers treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, climbers, free weights, and a wide range of weight machines.
The smart tech component ion certain pieces of gym equipment automatically adjusts the treadmill speed and incline based on the visual workout displayed on screen creating a seamless experience that does not require the user to make these adjustments themselves.
As such, various DRAX treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and strength machines have Android touch screen consoles, the brand also has its own virtual trainer which is built into the console too.
Users can mirror their own device onto the display screen via either IOS or Android, meaning it could be used in a home gym environment but from our perspective as gym designers DRAX looks to be a predominantly commercial gym brand.
For anyone concerned about security issues in giving control of their treadmill to a computer program (!), the DRAX treadmills have an automatic speed control system which senses the user’s position and stride length via force plate sensors embedded into the running deck and responsively adjusts the belt speed without the user having to touch any controls.
This is an example of Internet Of Things (IOT) technology in gym equipment coming from South Korea, a global hub in advanced technology, allowing physical objects such as gym equipment to be enhanced with sensors, processing ability, software, and other tech to add interactive functionality for the user’s comfort and benefit.
DRAXfit meanwhile is the brand’s proprietary smart gym platform that takes a far broader view of how tech can improve the gym user experience by integrating membership management and workout coaching in one. The digital fitness system is aimed at both trainers and users as a means to systematically manage workouts, recording data on each repetition and set, as well as body transformation data points over time.
Finally, RUN BEAT is a hardware-software hybrid that provides a virtual running experience on a non-motorized DRAX FIT treadmill while displaying multiple avatars on screen, ideal for a competitive group fitness session!
As we integrate more and more advanced 3D gym design software into our design work too, the shift to a high-tech future is ever more real.
Milon Group - luxury smart gym equipment from germany
Milon are a premium gym equipment brand that was an early adopter of Artificial Intelligence and smart technology in their machines, making them a reference point for any gym designer with an interest in the latest trends affecting the market.
An initial screening of the gym user produces a 3D avatar that performs the function of a coach adjusting all the equipment to the user’s specific size, shape, strength and so on. A strenght tst is required for this last data point obviously.
All data is sent to the Milon CARE control software which allows the equipment to be set to the physique of the user. Users can select training objectives and goals in order to generate training plans are automatically created specifically for the user
Milon’s high-tech gym equipment recognizes users as they approach and make any necessary adjustments for them. This can be especially effective in a circuit training or group fitness context for example with multiple users moving from one strength machine to another.
Normally group fitness is done with free weights in order to allow each participant to select their own difficulty level. Milon boldly propose using strength machine in group fitness, thanks to this additional tech component removing the otherwise inevitable changes in seat height, resistance, and so on in between rounds.
A Milon app ensures gym users can track their progress, review training statistics and generally geek out on their data, if they enjoy that kind of thing. The equipment also has a screen display for those who prefer not to look at their phone during a workout.
The Milon brand also has a partnership with another company called five - a pioneer of modern fascia and mobility training - that produces a range of mobility training equipment made of wood and leather in the Black Forest in Germany.
https://milongroup.com/en/home
Biocircuit by Technogym luxury gym brand
Technogym are not always the first mover when it comes to launching new collections of their premium gym equipment, as a luxury gym brand they prefer to take their time and get it right before bringing a product to market., this reduces risk and ensures they do not tarnish their brand image with a less than perfect product that receives negative feedback.
We have seen this with their move into outdoor equipment for example and again we see it here with their Biocircuit concept that is based on a variety of different circuit training user types such as “start moving”, “lose weight”, “tone your body”, “stay young” and so on.
Circuit training gym users are encouraged to log-in at a Biocircuit kiosk screen and a trainer will associate their device with a program, prior to the cardio and strength machines being adjusted to personal preferences and abilities.
Workouts are guided and users can start from any station and follow their own workout, the equipment will adjust for them as they move from one station to the next. An app is available so you can track your workout and your progress.
Workout formats at the time of writing saw a 3”15 cardio block with 30-sec transitions between each of the strength machines for 45-sec rounds, for a total workout time of between 22-30 minutes.
Reaxing - luxury gym equipment Made In Italy
They may be a relative newcomer on the gym equipment manufacturer scene but Reaxing are now firmly in the ‘Made In Italy luxury’ camp, along with Technogym and MyEquilibria outdoor fitness.
The Reaxing range of smart gym equipment integrates an advanced level of tech to provide added unpredictability that looks closer to a real world workout, rather than the perfection of mechanized training sessions where every rep is exactly the same as the last.
A Reaxing treadmill can deliver unexpected, sudden impulses simulating what it would be like running on a trail outdoors rather than an indoor treadmill in a luxury gym. The treadmill is able to move up, down, and side to side all at the same time, creating an uneven surface for users to adapt and adjust to intuitively.
Reaxing also have a training platform which is essentially the same thing as the treadmill except it isn't meant for running, merely making micro adjustments for balance and stability.
This patented technology is focused on reaction times, responsiveness, body awareness, balance and stability, meaning we have elements of smart tech here as well as neuroactive training programs.
We can imagine these machines in a premium physiotherapy studio or luxury wellness clinic for example.
Further Reading
A Gym Designer's Guide To Integrating Rowing Machines In Gyms And Fitness Facilities
Top Virtual Fitness Content Providers - A Gym Designer Perspective
Revolutionize Your Fitness Space: Top Gym Design Software Every Designer Needs To Master
What It Takes To Be The Best Gym Design Company For Hotels, Resorts And Real Estate