Australian fitness trends: high tech training equipment, choreographed classes and eco-fitness
At the Australian Fitness & Health Expo in April eco-fitness, choreographed fitness classes, high tech fitness apps and internet-equipped gym gear are just a few of the innovations set to get fitness junkies amped.
The annual trade-only fitness event is the largest health and fitness event in the Southern Hemisphere. It outshines the Melbourne-based, consumer-oriented FitX expo (held annually March) in terms of both visitors and exhibitors but is smaller than the international FIBO fitness trade show (April 19-22). The Australian Fitness & Health Expo is the event trainers and gym owners attend to discover next year’s fitness trends.
Sarah O'Brien, director at Square One PR, who manages the public relations campaign for the Australian Fitness & Health Expo, gave Relaxnews a preview of some of the most interesting products due to go on show at the 2012 Australian Fitness & Health Expo.
For eco-conscious gym-goers Summit Fitness Equipment has developed a range of fitness machines called the “Green System” that tap human energy to generate up to 2000 watts of power per hour during full use. As people pedal or run on the machines the energy is fed back into the power grid to reduce electricity bills and to help the environment.
Tech-savvy exercisers may be more interested in the Technogym Recline Personal, the first gym bike that lets you surf the internet on a built-in tablet as you ride. The technology-enhanced bike features a 19” touchscreen, apps for checking your email and social networks and the ability to connect to your iPhone.
Both the Green System and the Technogym Recline Personal will launch at the expo on April 27.
Fitness company Jungle Body is sparking a new group exercise trend with its unique range of body-sculpting classes. Jungle Body offers four different classes that incorporate moves from Latin and contemporary dance, hip hop, boxing, Pilates, 1970s disco and football training.
The company started up in Perth but will be rolling out its classes to the rest of Australia over the next few months. Classes are priced at around AU$10 each.
Additional highlights from the show include brand new smartphone and tablet apps for trainers and their clients, a constantly moving training system that strengthens your core, new fitness options for women in the 40+ age bracket who are approaching or have reached menopause, boxing for one, foldable water bottles, ultra-lightweight Cloudracer shoes, and intelligent workout gear that improves your posture while you train.
While most of the cool new tech will be priced out of the reach of the average fitness fanatic, Sarah O’Brien said that people should start to see the new equipment and classes at their local gym or personal training studio in the near future.
More than 300 exhibitors will be at the Australian Fitness & Health Expo which takes place from April 27 to 29 in Sydney, Australia in association with the FILEX fitness industry conference.
http://www.fitnessexpo.com.au/
