CyberFitness has been playing a role in the fitness industry for some time now. The pioneer in this field is the company CyberConcept GmbH. Around 250 fitness studios are already equipped with the company's various concepts.
Via a video screen or monitor, course participants are guided by an experienced, digital coach. The instructor is shown almost life-size and can therefore present the correct movements exactly. The more than two million virtual fitness classes (CyberClasses) offer an all-round package of different training options that every gym operator can select to suit their members.
CyberConcept's offerings are an ideal solution, especially for studios with smaller budgets. Around 35% of running costs are incurred by staff. In addition, membership fees are getting lower and lower - members expect more and more services at less and less cost. The acquisition of the system is manageable and calculable. The monthly fixed license fees ensure low costs.
At present four different variants of CyberConcept are offered:
CyberMoves:
Here the course participants get along in principle without equipment. Strength, endurance and coordination are trained. Full-body workouts, abs/legs/buttocks or Pilates are also offered.
At FIBO 2014, the company presented an extension of CyberMove that can be seamlessly integrated into the concept - dance classes. With motivating Latin sounds and experienced dance trainers, female visitors to FIBO 2014 were particularly taken with the new option. "We didn't expect Dance to be such a big success at FIBO in advance. But we are of course pleased that we have hit the bull's eye with it," explains Managing Director Alexander Krause.
CyberCycling:
With CyberCycling, course participants are shown motivating images of landscapes in addition to the virtual trainer. Different levels of difficulty are worked through, from mountain rides to relaxing sections. The possibility for athletes to put together their own workouts means that beginners and professionals can train together and motivate each other.
CyberCrossing:
The most popular training device in fitness studios is the cross trainer. CyberConcept cannot ignore this successful device and therefore offers CyberCrossing. Here you train together on an elliptical trainer. Through setup films, newcomers are perfectly prepared for the program - from the adjustment of the device to safety issues to the individual setting of the difficulty.
CyberRowing:
CyberRowing is the newest version of CyberConcept. Here you can row virtually. In cooperation with the WaterRower brand, the rowing machines are equipped with real water tanks, which makes indoor training feel like real rowing on water. Rowing machines are part of the basic equipment of every gym. They work the entire body, which makes them very popular among athletes.
However, one disadvantage of virtual training can be the lack of support from a real trainer. Although the movements are perfectly demonstrated and explained on the video screen, no one checks whether the participants are doing them correctly. And incorrectly learned exercises can cause more harm than good in sports.
All CyberConcept systems are designed to the beat of the motivating music that always runs in the background during the training sessions. The fact that the courses take place on specially designed areas also makes this type of virtual training unique.
One thing is certain for us - CyberFitness will play a major role in the fitness industry in the future. But will this type of training be able to replace the real trainer in the flesh? Probably not.
Published on: 19 May 2014