AusLeisure

Fitness First Australia has announced plans to introduce breakthrough cardio equipment that pairs wirelessly and seamlessly with Apple Watch so members can track and record the most accurate measurements possible.

Using Apple GymKit technology, Fitness First members can now simply tap their Apple Watch on their favourite cardio equipment to seamlessly pair it with Technogym treadmills, ellipticals, indoor bikes and stair steppers.

This groundbreaking innovation allows data not previously communicated to exchange seamlessly like heart rate, calories burned, distance, speed and incline.

Once connected, Apple Watch and the equipment exchange data with no need to download additional apps, press extra buttons, or navigate complicated menus. This industry-first offering gives members the most accurate and holistic activity tracking available.

Greg Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of Fitness First Australia parent company the Fitness and Lifestyle Group, explains “as an industry leader, Fitness First has always embraced and invested in the latest innovations in fitness to ensure we provide an enhanced member experience at our clubs.

“We’re constantly thinking of ways to give our members a premium fitness experience and value from their membership. Introducing Apple’s GymKit-enabled cardio equipment reflects our unwavering commitment to providing our members with the latest innovations, facilities and equipment in our Fitness First clubs.”

Select Fitness First clubs in Australia will be the first gyms in the world to provide members with Apple GymKit-enabled equipment, first announced by Apple in June 2017 at its Worldwide Developers Conference.

Jay Blahnik, Senior Director of Fitness for Health Technologies at Apple comments “we wanted to simplify the cardio machine experience and make it more accurate than ever before.

“With a quick tap on your favourite cardio equipment, you’ll see for the first time, two-way data exchange in real time that will result in the most accurate measurements possible with less device management.

"Now when Apple Watch customers view metrics during their workout, the metrics on the machine match what they see on their wrist.”

Fitness First Australia National Fitness Manager Michael Cunico explained “keeping our members motivated on their fitness journey has been a consistent priority for Fitness First.

“We’re dedicated to helping our members go further with their training goals, and understand that for many, Apple Watch plays an integral role in tracking their fitness journey.”

Oliver concluded “together with Apple’s GymKit technology Fitness First is able to create the gym of the future. This new integrated and innovative experience with Apple Watch brings our members a truly ground-breaking cardio experience.”

Just in time for summer, the first clubs to introduce the new cardio equipment will be the recently refurbished Bond Street, followed by Bondi Junction and Barangaroo in Sydney then Richmond in Melbourne. 

Images: Apple GymKit technology (top) and Michael Cunico (below).

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