Technology Helps Members Assess Fitness in a New Light

Numbers inspire the majority of members. There is nothing like dropping a few pounds to get people motivated to consistently come to the gym. However, sometimes the scale won’t budge, but that doesn’t necessarily mean positive changes in the body aren’t happening. While muscle develops and endurance increases, those changes might not be reflected on the scale.

“We see many clients start strong only to fade because they don’t see the changes in their weight,” said Greg Moore, the CEO of Fit3D. “The Fit3D gives clubs the ability to visually show how a client’s body is changing, even if it isn’t showing on the scale.”

Now members have a way to track their progress more precisely than just by their weight. The Fit3D is a full-body scanner that can assist members in targeting their goals and tracking results. The machine uses cameras to measure and capture every detail of the body, giving members precise feedback in only 35 seconds.

“The camera attached to the ProScanner is a depth camera, so instead of capturing a picture like you would do with friends or family, it knows how far each pixel is away from the camera and builds what is called a depth map,” said Moore. “We capture about 1,000 of those images during each scan and securely transfer those images to our servers.”

Once the scan is complete the various images are stitched together to create a 3D model of the user. The scan incorporates about 450 different girth, length, height, volumetric and surface area measurements from the body.

“The user can login to fit3d.com to look at their scans, measurements and wellness assessments side by side to ensure that his or her body is changing the way that they desire,” explained Moore. “It reflects additional wellness assessments like VO2 Max, RMR, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. The user can also print out reports to share with coaches, friends, doctors and share data online with their coach or trainer.”

According to Moore, most people have never seen their bodies in 3D, so gyms can benefit from using the Fit3D in a multitude of ways.

“First and foremost it is a motivating assessment technology for their current and prospective clients,” said Moore. “It is tremendously motivating for them to see exactly what areas they are targeting with their workouts.”

Moore explained the Fit3D can also be used to enhance sales. “The Fit3D is quite often used on membership tours to showcase the new technology available to help members reach their goals,” added Moore. “Clients love to know that they are going to get the most from their membership and that they can track their body changes easily.”

Finally, the technology can be used for new member assessments and personal training consultations. “This gives the trainer and client the opportunity to view the client’s body objectively so that they can truly craft a program that works for the client and track progress,” said Moore.

Bill McBride, the president and CEO of Active Sports Club, served on the advisory board for the Fit3D. “They approached me with the concept and they wanted some advice so I was involved with them from that perspective,” said McBride. “There is really no other way to look at yourself in a 3D manner, but the Fit3D lets you do that. It is a really neat technology.”

As McBride points out, exercise and weight loss can be extremely emotional and people might be hesitant to showcase their weight struggles in front of others. “One cool thing about the Fit3D is you can do the assessment with no one in the room,” explained McBride. “It is a really cool fitness assessment. It is quick, confidential and very impactful for the client.”

After launching in April 2014, the Fit3D has seen a strong sales start and Moore is predicting 2015 will be even better.

“We are tirelessly working to make the system more effective as well as providing additional assessments to the client that will help incentivize gym members to repeatedly use the technology,” said Moore. “We are, at our hearts, a technology company that puts clients and their members first. We know that if our technology can help keep people in the gyms and in their personal training programs then we can continue to help people live healthier lives.”

By Emily Harbourne