D’Alessio, Canadian territory manager for Matrix Fitness in Etobicoke, Ont.


Enhancing the member experience When members are connected to


television and the internet with a tab- let-like touchscreen, they can watch YouTube videos, check in on Facebook, sign up for group exercise classes, read the club newsletter and book a court. When they sign in to their personal page they can track, store and review data – like calories burned and dis- tance travelled – from their previous workouts. The club can also reach out to mem-


bers with a club-customized page with member messages that are based on their personal preferences.


Automating equipment management While these new benefits are be-


ing welcomed by members, there are equally as appealing benefits for club managers and owners. In fact, some equipment manufacturers say it will forever change the way that clubs manage their equipment. “Typically, a club learns about


equipment breakdowns only when members report squeaks and squeals or when a machine shuts down and flashes an error code,” says D’Alessio. And equipment parts that are near- ing or past their best-before dates are discovered only once the maintenance person checks. But when cardio machines that are


networked need a repair, they send an email with an error message to the club owner, manufacturer, repair per- son, or anyone the club chooses to alert. It’s a pro-active approach that lets the machines be monitored from a distance.” Despite the benefits, some clubs are


waiting before they commit and in- vest in the new technology. D’Alessio compares it to 10 years ago when clubs worried about the cost of adding cable television and seven years ago when personal viewing screens were introduced. But D’Alessio isn’t concerned. “Most clubs don’t want to be left be-


hind and want to be forward thinking. It’s only a matter of time before this takes off.”


Trainerize Trainerize is an online tool that allows trainers to manage client information, workouts and sched- ules. Trainers can create workout templates to quickly get clients started and can track all types of exercise statistics with flexible charting tools to analyze progress. Clients get a login to access their training plans anywhere. Exercises have streaming video integrated with YouTube. Mobile access lets you and your clients sign in anywhere using an iPad, iPhone or android. Extend your experience with add-ons, including social media linkups to Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger, as well as connections to MindBodyOnline and more. For more information, visit www.trainerize.com or call 917-310-3827.


What – no email or web? In theory, once a club invests in networked equipment,


members could have full access to the internet and even connect to their home computers. But this isn’t typically the direction the industry is going, says Alphonso D’Alessio of Matrix Fitness. “I think most people want to disconnect when they come to a club,” he


says. “The last thing they want to do is check their email. Plus it’s not really ideal to be jogging on a treadmill while you’re writing an email.” There are other and bigger issues too, he adds. “With email, there’s the


risk of viruses infecting the system. And with web surfing on a big 18-inch monitor, other members would be able to see your screen and members could be watching inappropriate websites.”


Technogym UNITY UNITY is Technogym’s newest cardiovascular interface with swipe technology. It’s the only open platform interface on the market that can exploit existing standard android applications. By selecting applications from the exclusive Technogym app store, operators can create a custom- ized premium experience for their members. End users can sign in using their smartphones or via NFC technology. UNITY offers a seamless experience, recognizing social media login information, preferred TV channels and web- sites, favourite apps and more. For more information, contact Guy Tousignant at gtousignant@ technogymusa.com or call 800- 804-0952 x 643.


» July/August 2013 Fitness Business Canada 43


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