With one final song left in class my group cycle class, I glance up at the screen. I am in second place, having biked 18 miles. My competitive side kicks into overdrive. For those last three minutes of class, I poured all of my energy into every single pedal stroke, watching as my heart rate, power, watts and speed increased, trying my hardest to get first place.
As an indoor cycling instructor, keeping my clients motivated is a crucial component to my job. But sometimes no matter how loud I yell words of encouragement or how exciting the music playlist is, keeping everyone at a high energy level can be a challenge, especially when the equipment is not very technologically advanced. Participants don’t always know how hard they are working, how many calories they are burning or how far they are biking.
But now an increasing number of equipment companies are working to enhance the workout experience by adding technology and more immersive elements. Technogym recently unveiled its new Group Cycle experience, which seeks to engage users and provide extensive workout feedback and data.
I had the privilege of taking a Technogym Group Cycle class at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, and experienced first hand the transformative workout experience the new platform and equipment provides. Throughout the class I was able to see how far I had biked in comparison with everyone else participating. Knowing this information inspired me to work even harder throughout the 45-minute session.
Here is a quick break down of everything the new Technogym Group Cycle experience has to offer.
Getting Started
Sometimes approaching an indoor cycling bike can be intimidating. Especially if you are new to the format, with so many knobs and levers, it can be difficult to understand how to adjust the bike settings. Plus, once on the bike, you might have to make several adjustments to make sure you are in the proper position.
With patent pending On-The-Fly settings, adjusting the new Technogym cycle bike is easier than ever. Riders can select the ideal handlebar and saddle position in one simple touch, easily accessible from both on and off the bike.
Prior to starting class, users can log into their mywellness account on their phone to view all personal data in real time throughout the class and save it for future reference. All they need to do is simply scan the barcode on the bike.
On the Bike
Instructors can track class performance using the UNITY SELF kiosk. They can select one or two key workout parameters to track including watts, cadence, distance, resistance level and much more. These metrics are displayed on a screen in the front of the class so riders can see and compare their performance with the rest of the class. Instructors can also choose from a wide variety of videos to play throughout class from the integrated library of action sports and virtual outdoor courses.
Participants in class can switch between four different viewing modes on the self-powering console in order to get optimized feedback. Riders can view cadence, watts, heart rate, resistance level, elapsed times, average calories, current speed, distance and several other metrics to improve the ride experience. An added bonus for club owners, the console is powered by the user’s motion, using a battery-free system.
Throughout the ride, participants can adjust between 20 resistance levels with a quick click on the magnetic resistance knob, located conveniently on the center of the bike.
“I like the entire concept from the perspective of being able to track my workouts, logging into the mywellness app and being able to see my user data on the screen,” said Jay Muller, the sales director – hospitality at Technogym. “It is a really intuitive and innovative solution. As a cycling enthusiast, the ability to be on the seat and make all the necessary adjustments with the On-The-Fly settings is really convenient.”
After Class
Once class comes to an end, participants can view a summary of the class on the console and trainers can display overall class data using the UNITY SELF. Then, users check their data on the mywellness app on the go, making it easy to track progress and view pervious rides.
“This solution will help facilities that are looking for a complete, turn-key solution that is easy to use and innovative,” explained Muller. “The features of the bike are designed to be maintenance free. Then the UNITY SELF has some really great offerings, providing the ability to connect in the audio and visual on the screen.”
The Technogym Group Cycle experience is currently being launched, with the first location being at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas. “We are going to continue to work with our partners, our target customer base, to deliver the message that the enhanced Technogym group cycle is here and what it can do,” added Muller. “We will really start to work with those facilities and engage their member base and get their members amped on utilizing this great solution.”
For those interested in learning more about the group cycle experience, contact Technogym at 800.804.0952 or visit technogym.com.
Stay ahead in the fitness industry with exclusive updates!
Emily Harbourne is the former assistant editor of Club Solutions Magazine.
