fitness
On the leaderboard CrossFit CrossFit’s high-intensity cardio and strengthening workouts have become an explosive fitness phenomenon – there are now over 11,000 affiliated gyms globally – fuelled in part by the annual CrossFit Games for the “The Fittest on Earth”. To qualify for the games, people submit workout scores on an internet leaderboard: a tactic that attracted nearly 140,000 contestants in 2013 according to Forbes magazine.
Myzone Other companies such as Myzone® are using rating and points systems to engage spa fitness customers. The Myzone chest strap tracks heart rate, calories burnt and time spent
Users work harder to earn more points with the Myzone rating system
exercising and is used to calculate Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) which are awarded for every minute spent active. The more intense the workout, the more points earned. This information is displayed on a monitor or streamed to an app in real time. Using the MEPs system, challenges can be set to keep users engaged and on track to achieve goals. With built-in leaderboards, status rankings and social integration, it’s easy to monitor progress
and earn points, turning fitness into a game with an option to compete against others. The Spa Naturel Fitness Club at Mercure’s Southgate Hotel, UK installed Myzone® a year ago. Gym manager Steve Forbes says: “Usage went up, people want to come to the gym to get their MEPs so they can appear on the leaderboard.” Myzone is available globally and costs £295 (US$445, €420). Operators pay a monthly licence fee of £99 (US$149, €141).
Gaming & immersion
Les Mills’ Immersive Fitness launched in 2014 and is available globally
Les Mills International Mixing indoor fitness with virtual reality is a popular way to motivate people to exercise. Leading the charge in this arena is group exercise specialist Les Mills. In mid 2014, it launched the Immersive Fitness™ experience that projects cinema-quality video content onto a screen, while instructors cue exercise moves to synchronise with music and graphics. Les Mills says an immersive environment brings a heightened sense of anticipation and reward. By suspending belief, people stop thinking about the duration of the workout and push themselves further.
“If exercisers are more mentally engaged, they’re likely to put in 10-15 per cent more effort... and to complete a course or session”
Webracing Webracing is also combining gaming, virtual reality and competition. Webracing™ gives spa fitness goers on machines such as bikes, rowers and cross trainers a chance to compete against individuals or groups, while watching 102 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016
Duncan Lawson, Webracing
themselves in a virtual world. A small device fitted to the equipment connects everyone online for an on-screen race. With voice over internet protocol, users can talk to competitors or training partners, turning static exercise into an engaging event. “If exercisers are mentally engaged, they’re likely to put in 10-15 per cent more effort and anecdotal evidence shows that people are much more likely to complete a course or session,” says Webracing founder Duncan Lawson.
©cybertrek 2016
He says the Webracing Peloton programme for multiple bike racing would be a good fit for spas with studio space. It requires an average of five static bikes and a projector or LED screen with costs starting at £5,000 (US$7,540, €7,110).
Embedded Fitness
Embedded Fitness blends physical fitness with entertainment, new media, technology and gaming. Using interactive devices, users can play games while they exercise. Activities include ice-skating, rowing, dancing, trampolining and even basketball. With some devices the user can set a high score and use it to compete against others. CEO Carla Scholten says: “Embedded Fitness is fun, but also therapeutic. For spas we prefer to make specially designed and personalised interactive rooms.” The Dutch-based company already has an installation in Qatar and is looking to continue its global expansion in 2016. l