Next Generation Strength Tracking Has Arrived

Immersive strength tracking products for home users have been getting a lot of attention. Connected strength training for commercial fitness clubs has always been more challenging to deliver, but it’s happening. Clubs and medical fitness centers are now building connected weight rooms with products from suppliers like Matrix, IncludeHealth, eGym and Technogym.

However, not every facility that wants to deliver unique strength tracking experiences has the budget to install expensive new equipment. And data silos don’t cut it these days. Clubs like that should explore ShapeLog’s easy-to-install retrofit solution. They can slide their tracker onto previously ‘dumb’ machines and you’ll instantly be surfacing strength equipment usage and member performance data. Trainers and members can track weight, reps, power, work and range of motion on any device. Operators can use this same dataset to better understand member behavior and trends.

“People have been trying to connect the strength equipment for decades,” said Chris Clawson, chairman of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). “This half-stick of butter [ShapeLog’s device] is the holy grail.”

A diverse group of facilities have created a wide variety of applications for connected strength tracking. Black Box uses connected strength equipment to create an immersive VR experience. Exercise Coach uses tracking and real-time visualization to motivate clients and provide high-end personal training. Mercy Health uses smart strength equipment to design better workout regimens to help patients get better faster. Anytime Fitness in Ypsilanti, MI, uses connected strength equipment to power member challenges and group strength classes. “It’s something unique we can offer that really helps people,” said Daniel Allen, the gym’s head trainer.

As more trainers, club operators, doctors and developers get their hands on strength data, the depth and variety of connected strength training experiences will grow exponentially. We are witnessing the emergence of a suite of next generation products from not just a single supplier. Are you in the process of “connecting” your club?

For more information, check out ShapeLog online.