Technology at the Gym

I joined my gym, Vitality Fitness in November because the personal trainer, Harold Quinn came highly recommended and because of of patron “Poppy” in this video at age 75. My hope is in a couple of decades I can look as good as him :)

The gym does not have the latest in equipment like say what the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Woburn is introducing, but what it does have is pretty tech savvy. Take a look at the electronics and software that drive the options on the console below of the Precor efx544 Elliptical

Much of the equipment like the Vision Fitness T9700 treadmill communicates  with heart monitor straps (Quinn loans me a Polar) if you don't  want to wear a watch or keep looking at your smartphone for the readings. Others like the Concept 2 PM3 Rowing machine (the “erg”) allow for USB interface to pass data to a laptop.

Some of the equipment like the Cybex Leg Press and the Star Trac Spinner Elite bike don’t have electronics, but are sophisticated in their own way. Ditto for plenty of exercise balls and belts which are low-tech.

Of course, no gym can do without music and there is a constant stream of MP3s from various iPods and other players. Quinn keeps notes on each patron on his Macbook. When I travel he emails me exercises for the road. He is always recommending iOS Apps like Lose It!. The vending machine at the gym, not surprisingly, sells protein bars and energy drinks.

The gym has introduced me to other technology. The body has been unhappy with the workouts so I have had to go in for XRays for a swollen elbow and to the chiropractor’s table for other aches and pains. More blog fodder :)

Photo Credit

Comments

[gym]

Wasp dudes! Awesome stuff keep it up.