| Innovations | FIT Extra Recumbent Bikes On a Roll!
Stationary bikes’ ever-evolving and constantly improving features continue to attract enthusiastic users
Stationary bikes—the original indoor cardio units—continue to attract exercisers at health clubs worldwide, despite the proliferation of new workout modalities.
“We pioneered this category with the Lifecycle, and it remains very important to clubs, the industry, and us,” observes Dan Wille, the vice president of global marketing and product management at Life Fitness. Adam Hubbard, the director of product management at Precor,
adds: “Bikes are a staple for clubs globally—they’re a compact, affordable category that delivers a great workout in a familiar form.” Ironically, the growing popularity of outdoor cycling has led to
increased in-club usage, and operators are finding their indoor cycles are filling up more fully and frequently. At the same time, the more sophisticated needs and greater expectations of experienced cyclists are forcing manufacturers to focus on improving the fit, feel, and appeal of stationary bikes. “There’s an ongoing trend toward producing a more realistic bike
experience, driven partly by the growing cyclist cohort that wants to replicate real-world outdoor riding inside,” explains Kurt Kenney, the director of sales at LeMond Fitness. For cycling aficionados, data-capture options and workout tracking
via USB ports facilitate coaching, self-coaching, and personal training, while virtual-reality and race-simulation capabilities further enhance the indoor riding experience. Recumbent models are attracting another growing population:
people who are deconditioned, rehabilitating, disabled, elderly, obese, or have other limitations or medical issues. Companies are taking the needs of this group into consideration and incorporating solutions into their stationary bike designs. “Based on this broadening user demographic, we see a greater
need for a very low start-up resistance and minimum workload. Also, a step-through design is an absolute must,” reports Stephen Suchanek, the director of product management at Cybex International, Inc. Another innovation with respect to the member experience is the
introduction of green energy, as reflected in Life Fitness’ new hybrid Lifecycle exercise bikes, which switch automatically from electric to self-generated power when the user reaches a certain intensity level, lowering the console’s energy draw by more than 75%. And, as in all cardio equipment categories, engaging entertain-
ment—via interactive workouts, LCD screens, and MP3 player docks— is now regarded as essential. “With expanding technology platforms constantly emerging, naturally
an excitement exists around these new features,” indicates Kelly Harvell, a product manager at TRUE Fitness. Check out all of the exciting features on the upright and recumbent bikes on the following pages of F.I.T. Extra! —|
www.
ihrsa.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 | Club Business Internat ional 69 BH Fitness R8
The R8 offers easy entry and exit, as well as an adjustable fore/aft seat for comfort and ease of use. Self-balancing sure-grip pedals with easy adjust straps help riders feel secure as they cycle. The R8 also boasts a large sensory console with 12 built-in programs, and a large blue/ orange backlit LCD matrix screen. The R8 recumbent bike can help inspire health club members to exercise.
Manufacturer’s list price: $1,799.00
RECUMBENT BIKES BH NORTH AMERICA
BH Fitness R9
Boasting all the refined features of the R8 model; the R9 recumbent bike comes standard with an embedded, cable-ready, 7" LCD display and MP3 player input and headphone jack. The R9 also features a large sensory console with 12 built-in programs, and a large blue/orange backlit LCD matrix screen. Easy entry and exit, as well as an adjustable fore/aft seat, help ensure ease of use and comfort.
Manufacturer’s list price: $1,999.00
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