SeptembeR 2011 - Test - IHRSA

| Innovations | FIT Extra Recumbent Bikes
On a Roll!
Stationary bikes’ ever-evolving and constantly improving
features continue to attract enthusiastic users
Recumbent BIKES
BH North America
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 entertainment—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! —|
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
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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