THE EFX FACTOR
This year, Precor is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the world’s first elliptical fitness cross-trainer: the EFX544. Launched back in 1995, Precor’s very first cross-trainer is still going strong according to Miles Rimell, head of marketing for the company. Rimell explains: “We know that there are EFXs in clubs
today that are 14 years old and still performing as well as the ‘new kids on the block’. The EFX was a world fi rst and, as such, it’s fi tting that it’s still out there proving its worth.” Tony McParland from Bodyworks Gym, Northern
Ireland, can testify to the longevity of the EFX. He explains: “I bought two second-hand EFXs when I opened the gym back in 2000, as I couldn’t afford to buy new. “All I’ve had to do over the last decade is switch the
Tony McParland at Bodyworks in Northern Ireland
EFXs on in the morning and off again at night. They’re going as well now as the day I got them and have played a huge part in making Bodyworks a success.”
THE BIG 30
Pulse is well placed to talk about longevity. The company celebrated 30 years in business this year and, at LIW in September, it presented its long-standing customers with a commemorative plaque in recognition of ‘their commitment and contribution’ to Pulse’s business over the years. Dave Johnson, company co-
founder and production director, says: “We still have equipment being used in gyms that’s more than 12 years old, including steppers, bikes and even treadmills.” So what’s the secret to keeping
equipment going for more than a decade? “Our British-based research and development team’s work on the design, build, function and aesthetics of our equipment – coupled with our comprehensive service, support and maintenance training packages – ensures longevity of the products,” says Johnson.
Remanufacturing Life Fitness kit, and (right) the Lifecycle
THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA
Life Fitness has been manufacturing equipment since the mid-70s, when it launched its first exercise bike – the Lifecycle. Life Fitness marketing manager Lawra Angell explains: “Life Fitness has
produced 10 different models of the Lifecycle, all of which encompass the original components that make the Lifecycle the legend it is today. It was the very fi rst computerised exercise bike before the word ‘cardio’ was widely known and, in 2007, Life Fitness produced the 500,000th Lifecycle.” And how does Life Fitness ensure its products stand the test of time? “Before
a new product line reaches our customers, it has gone through rigorous reliability testing, using robots to simulate the extreme use our products undergo in high- use environments. In addition to our internal reliability and testing operation, we also test our products in health clubs and multi-use facilities,” says Angell.
www.servicesport.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84