Virtual Trainer software in gyms
As gym design and WELLNESS facility DESIGN consultants and gym equipment experts we constantly monitor the latest technology impacting the gym industry and right now there is nothing hotter than virtual trainer software, be it for home gym, hotel gym or commercial gym environments. So what are they?
iFIT connected fitness gym equipment
iFIT is a major player in the virtual trainer and connected fitness space with multiple apps across mobile, TV and desktop as well as premium video content. The brand has partnerships with gym equipment companies such as NordicTrack, Freemotion, Weider, and Matrix, covering rowers, indoor cycles, fitness mirrors, strength training, running, and cross-training.
The iFIT mobile App is meant for your mobile device and can be connected to an iFIT-enabled gym machine or used to find workouts that require no equipment. It is available on the Apple app store and Google Play priced at $15/month with a 30-day free trial).
A TV app meanwhile is more suited to home gym use; it is available on Apple TV, Amazon TV, Google TV and Android TV-Roku also at $15/month with a 30-day free trial.
Fusion is a separate company using a specific type of gym machine called the Fusion CST which comes with an iFIT tablet partnered with iFIT to use their coaches and training programs but is still a separate app specific to the Fusion CST which is only available on Google Play. ($15/Month) (30-day free trial). The Fusion CST Machine itself costs $1,999.
DRAX Runbeat gym equipment
DRAX are an up-and-coming South Korean brand with a plan to enter the European market big time over coming years, we’ve got them on our radar and have been learning about their sleek, high-tech equipment with interest, expect to hear more about them in future posts in fact!
Runbeat is a digital entertainment company partnered with DRAX’s motorized and curved treadmill.
Based on the Windows 10 operating system this innovative solution of curved treadmill + virtual trainer equipment is used by schools, hospitals, sports centers, fitness centers, and government offices - so commercial gym use effectively, rather than home gym use, as the concept involves racing against others on the treadmills next to you!
Essentially this is an indoor running experience focused on the competitive experience of track and field events.
Peloton virtual trainer gym app
Peloton may need no introduction but their standalone training app may do as not everyone knows they can access the same content via the web or a smartphone app, android TV, apple TV, etc for a monthly fee of approx $13.
Peloton supports lots of equipment-based workout regimes including rowers, treadmills, indoor cycling and strength training.
There are plenty of different packages to choose from including equipment (cycle trainers, treadmills) or simply the app by itself, as well as the Peloton guide which is a hardware display on your TV with a personal AI trainer.
Anyone with Peloton home gym equipment and a subscription can get the virtual trainer workout app at no extra cost.
https://www.onepeloton.com/scf
Les Mills virtual classes for group fitness
Les Mills are the established giants of group fitness class concepts in gyms and studios around the world, and with good reason.. they currently offer three different subscription options (€14.95/month) (€38.00/3-monthly) (€134/year) and all come with a 30-day free trial.
These virtual classes are designed especially for clubs, assuming more than one user at a time, which in turn immediately gives us as gym designers a sense of the required layout in the group fitness studio.
A variety of virtual classes on offer with a range of class types and fitness levels to suit all tastes and abilities. This type of product raises the question of whether a group fitness instructor is entirely necessary for every class session, or if some can be replaced with a pre-recorded digital alternative such as this one?
We might imagine a hotel or resort gym scenario for example, where there are limited options in terms of highly skilled, well trainer personal trainers or group fitness instructors, meaning a virtual alternative may have a place in the overall mix, perhaps not replacing live in-person content completely but supporting it when needed.
Music and instructors with amazing talent specifically designed to get results
Technogym live digital user interface for gyms
The Italian gym equipment brand clearly saw this shift to digital coming a long way off and made the necessary moves to line up a high-end selection of digital fitness concent for subscribers to their LIVE app.
Again, this is a software service integrated into their own brand equipment but also available as a standalone product. The app can therefore be used at home, in a gym or even outside on a smartphone.
No equipment is needed necessarily although in our experience, having at least a couple of dumbbells around, some bands, perhaps a kettlebell or two and a bench or something to lean on merely makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable.
Plenty of different class types are available, from boxing to HIIT, stretching, yoga, strength, meditation, various signature programs coached by top athletes.
Apple Fitness Plus - digital fitness content for home gym use
Available through the fitness app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch this subscription-based service provides classes in meditation, yoga, HIIT and strength training, both in video and audio only.
A user can track daily fitness goals and access on-screen timers as well as trainer call-outs, when integrated with an apple watch there are also real-time personalized metrics like heart rate and calories burned.
Classes cover beginner to advanced level and pricing at the time of writing was $9.99/month or $79.99/year which can be shared out with up to five family members.
New workouts/meditations lasting between 5 and 45 minutes are added each week. The production values of this fitness content alone merits our attention, ideal for anyone familiar with the apple user interface already.
https://www.apple.com/apple-fitness-plus
Funxtion digital fitness for gyms
Netherlands based Funxtion provide customizable digital fitness content aimed at supporting gyms to enhance their member's experience, rather than being for home gym use or home workouts. Instead they look to partner with hotels and commercial gyms.
Funxtion is essentially a software platform that allows gym owners to use their own content, 3rd party content, or Funxtions content, all streamed via the mobile app, a smart device or in a gym installation.
Other platforms we have our eyes on (full review coming soon):
WEXER VIRTUAL TRAINER SOFTWARE (CORE HEALTH & FITNESS GROUP)
FITBOX VIRTUAL TRAINER SOFTWARE / HARDWARE
https://www.fitboxvirtual.com/