With more than 8,000 convention visitors, plus nearly 400 exhibitors, IHRSA 2015 saw the unveiling of a raft of new products. Here, we round-up just some of the many new pieces of equipment – and increasingly software – which were on show in Los Angeles last week.

Indoor bike range the next step for Stages Cycling

A line of SC Series indoor cycling bikes has been launched by Stages Cycling, which has pedigree as the power meter supplier to Team Sky. A new company and brand, Stages Indoor Cycling, has also been established to house the new range.

Two models have been developed; flagship SC3 features the ‘Stages Power’ power measurement system, while the SC2 is the same in all respects but does not include this system.

The SC Series bikes feature ‘SprintShift’, a dual-action resistance adjustment, which pairs a traditional micro-adjust dial with a three-position macro-adjust lever. This allows for large, consistent jumps in resistance for intervals and rest. The SprintShift lever ‘FitLoc’ replaces the standard twist-to-lock pop-pin height adjustments with a new cam operated pop-pin, allowing fit adjustments for height to be made quicker.

Matrix Fitness unveils products and programmes

Matrix Fitness showcased a new lineup of commercial cardio and group training equipment, technology and tools at its mammoth stand in the centre of the trade show.

Among the new offerings was the Connexus Series – a functional training system (available wall-mounted or free-standing) which accommodates a wide range of accessories and training modalities including bars, bands, med balls, boxing bags and suspension training straps.

Maintaining the functional theme, the new In-Trinity incline training platform was on show. In-Trinity can be used independently for group training or integrated into existing yoga or martial arts programmes. Matrix also introduced In-Trinity programming which features imaginative movements and sequences intended to increase range of motion and breathe new life into traditional practices.

Matrix also debuted the T3xh Treadmill, designed specifically for therapeutic settings (active ageing and PT) based on research with users, facility owners, personal trainers and service providers. T3xh features a slow startup speed, reverse operation, simplified touchscreen and low step-on height with extended handrails for enhanced user security.

Life Fitness launches adaptable, realistic rowing experience

Life Fitness introduced the Life Fitness Row GX Trainer, a rowing machine that gives exercisers the feeling of a natural rowing motion for a challenging full-body workout.

Designed with a state-of-the-art, patented Fluid Technology Resistance system, the Row GX Trainer creates a smooth and natural motion that challenges the entire body and delivers an effective workout. Its unique design allows each user to feel, hear and see water churn in the tank, creating an engaging rowing experience, and its adjustable resistance design lets the machine adapt to their individual fitness level.

This adaptability allows the Row GX Trainer to complement the assortment of programming options facilities are offering exercisers, while the portable design makes it easy for the rower to be repositioned throughout the facility for individual workouts, or small group training sessions. The Row GX Trainer can also be stored vertically when not in use to create more floor space in training areas.

Precor launches bespoke exercise entertainment via Video on Demand

Precor unveiled a Video on Demand service that enables gym users members to select music and entertainment that not only complements the intensity of their workout but also lasts the full duration.

Preva On Demand provides an extensive menu of music and entertainment videos from YouTube, designed to motivate and inspire exercisers while they work out. The Precor-curated music video playlists include pop, rock, country and a wide variety of other music genres. Users simply select their favourite genre and workout intensity level.

Preva Video On Demand includes four categories each containing up to 10 playlists. There are two music categories, an extreme sports section showing exercise stunts against sweeping landscapes, plus an Editor’s Pick category featuring the most watched online videos from all over the world.

Integration with Apple HealthKit, Garmin devices announced by Technogym

Technogym announced a new integration with Apple's ‘HealthKit’ platform, while two Garmin devices are now compatible with the company’s ‘Mywellness Lifestyle CRM’.

The collaboration with Apple enables iPhone users to integrate all data collected through HealthKit into the Mywellness open platform, which is designed to allow health enthusiasts and operators to see all of the fitness information tracked by their third party fitness apps and devices in one location.

Myzone launches bluetooth-enabled version of tracking system

Myzone revealed that a new bluetooth-enabled version of its heart-rate tracking belt is launching this month (March), along with a new mobile app.

The company’s tracking systems transmit exercise intensity data in real time and online, and the new device – MZ-3 – allows users to upload exercise data to the cloud via a smartphone.

The Myzone system can be used without being a physical member of a club, and MZ-3 also integrates with most third party apps such as Strava and MapMyFitness as well as other ANT+ devices like Garmin. Myzone said its new app aimed to offer an improved interactive user experience.

Star Trac's Spinning debuts Fusion Drive belt system

Spinning announced the launch of a new belt-drive system with Star Trac, the exclusive manufacturer of the Spinner line of commercial bikes.

According to the company, Fusion Drive is the first integrated system that utilises several advanced technologies to achieve a natural road-bike feel, previously unavailable in any belt-driven bike.

The Fusion Drive system features an ultra-durable Poly-V Isoprene belt, a unique tensioning system, and the real road feel of a perimeter-weighted flywheel. Together, the system transfers more direct cranking energy without the sponginess or slippage found in other belt-driven systems.

MYE launches cardio TV with ClubCom content

MYE showcased a touchscreen TV upgrade for cardio equipment which features ClubCom interactive content.

The 15.6-inch MYE ‘Touch Screen Cardio TV’ combines entertainment with the promotion of club products and services and expands the ClubCom media offering to personal viewing; the company says its system currently reaches approximately 100 million viewers each month. MYE’s touch screen also features a headphone jack alert that signals the need for replacement, and the device comes with a two-year warranty.

Enhanced Zone dome matches film speed to running pace

A new innovation will allow users of Running Unlimited’s Zone dome to experience moving scenery at a speed to match their running pace.

The Zone dome incorporates surround vision technology to immerse indoor runners in HD films via a dome screen the width of a treadmill. The new technology showcased at IHRSA uses specialist treadmill manufacturer Woodway’s motorless and manual device, The Curve. It can, however, integrate with any treadmill.

Octane Fitness debuts XT-One Cross-Trainer

Octane Fitness introduced the new commercial XT-One Cross-Trainer – an all-in-one that equips exercisers to walk, run, hike or climb for customised variety.

With 10 incline levels, the XT-One offers exercisers a choice of hiking or steep climbing, which can be selected and changed on the fly during workouts to maximise endurance, strength, power and calorie-burning. Meanwhile, Octane’s trademark SmartStride interactive ergonomics replicate walking, jogging or running by automatically adjusting the stride length from 20’-28” based on an exerciser’s pace.

Thirty resistance levels and 23 workouts are on offer to challenge exercisers of every fitness level with variety and customisation options, while Octane’s Workout Boosters – SmartStride, X-Mode and ArmBlaster – facilitate cross-training and specific muscle use.

Treadmill desk puts workers through their pacesCanadian company Fitneff showcased its flagship product – the WalkTop Treadmill Desk – designed to combat sedentary behaviour by keeping workers on the move.

With sitting dubbed ‘the new smoking,’ the need to keep people out of their chairs has never been greater. The treadmill is typically set at a 2mph walking pace, allowing users to stroll leisurely as they work on a laptop perched on the desk.

The WalkTop easily adjusts to individual height requirements so each user can position and reposition the desk for optimal ergonomics and comfort. It is designed to attach onto the majority of popular treadmills currently on the market.

Cybex unveils new strength, cardio and service solutions

Cybex unleashed its latest innovations in strength, cardio, and service last week.

In the strength category, Cybex has launched Prestige Strength VRS – a 21-piece line of selectorised strength equipment. Prestige Strength VRS will be available in the spring of 2015.

In the cardio category, Cybex introduced the SPARC Trainer – designed to meet the soaring popularity of high intensity interval training. SPARC will be available in the summer of 2015.

Lastly, in the service category, Cybex introduced Cybex Care, a web-based asset management system designed to help gym owners save money, reduce equipment downtime, and manage machine usage. This feature is available now on all Cybex 500, 600, and 700 Cardio Series.

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