Yoga experts at The White Studio have developed a line of bespoke wooden yoga flexibility wheels.

The White Studio created the wheel to help increase flexibility of the user’s middle and lower back, open the upper back and develop strength, balance and control, as well as perform deeper stretches and backbends. Because of its shape and sturdiness, the Flexibility Wheel can be used for both passive and active stretching, and as an aid for strength-focused exercises.

Managing director of The White Studio, Simon Lines, says: “The White Studio Flexibility Wheel was born from an unwillingness to accept second best. Historically, the only yoga wheels available in the UK and Europe were cheap plastic from China or very expensive wood from the US. We decided it was time to create something in natural materials, individually made with love and care by a small team of real people, not just popped out by the hundreds from a machine.

“Our flexibility wheels will never replace the cheap plastic wheel, just as the bicycle will never replace the car. However, not unlike the bicycle, our wheels allow those who truly care to move that tiny bit closer to a more harmonious lifestyle.”

The White Studio’s flexibility wheel is a 33cm-diameter wheel with an ergonomically-friendly 14.5cm width to accommodate the individual’s backbend and provide stability. The wheels are designed to be strong and light, and come with a written and dated warranty.

The White Studio also provides health clubs and individuals with tutorials, support and advice on how to use the wheel.

fitness-kit.net keyword: The White Studio

The new EXCITE CLIMB stair climber from Technogym has been designed for space efficiency. The stair climber is 1.89 m tall and uses just one sq m of floor space, making it the most compact in its category.

Users can choose between different training programmes, including high intensity routines that are designed to shape the lower body, burn calories, increase muscle performance, strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve co-ordination and balance.

Newly developed ‘split step’ technology guarantees at least three steps are always available during exercise, which, along with the addition of lateral footrests, gives exercisers a much wider variety of workout options.

Like all products in the EXCITE line, EXCITE CLIMB is integrated with the mywellness cloud. All training data is automatically saved to the user’s profile on the cloud and can be viewed from the UNITY 3.0 console or from any personal devices. UNITY 3.0 also provides virtual landscapes where users can engage in a solo workout or link with a friend.

“EXCITE CLIMB is an innovation in the stair climbing world thanks to its split step technology and immersive virtual entertainment options,” says Steve Barton, managing director of Technogym UK. “It complements the EXCITE range, giving operators a more extensive choice of cardiovascular equipment.”

fitness-kit.net keyword: Technogym

Physicist turned tech entrepreneur Raj Sareen has created the Styku 3D Body Scanner, which aims to help clients achieve their weight loss goals by providing them with a powerful visual.

Unlike traditional methods of measuring body composition, Styku is quick, easy and non-invasive. Within 30 seconds, the 3D scanner takes a range of measurements, and then creates a 3D image of the person. According to Sareen: “There’s nothing more motivating than seeing the changes in your body reflected back as a real image. Styku is able to lay one scan on top of another to give a very accurate before and after image.”

Styku is partnered with tech giant Microsoft, the makers of the Kinect – the world’s most precise 3D camera. This ensures that measurements are accurate to within 2-3mm.

The system allows clients to set workout activity and calorie targets to reach their ideal body fat percentage. Shape analysis can be tracked over time; a person’s statistics can be compared to other people of their age and gender; and health risks can be identified.

Sareen says Styku can help clubs with member acquisition, retention and sales revenues. “Clubs can use Styku to engage and motivate,” he says. “Members are happy to invest in their transformation and see measured results.”

fitness-kit.net keyword: Styku

Physical Company has released its new PBX power bag, which comes embedded with an NFC tag.

With multiple handles and a sturdy barrel, the bag – offered in a weight range of 5-35 kg – is designed for use in circuits and bootcamp-style sessions.

The power bag is a single piece of equipment that gym-goers and athletes can use to target a range of different muscle groups. But the true innovation lies in the Near Field Communication (NFC) tag embedded in the bag.

Near Field Communication is a method of wireless data transfer that detects and then enables tech devices in close proximity to communicate with each other. The PBX bag tags are loaded with exercises designed for the power bags. When the user holds their smartphone over the tag, the information uploads so they can see the recommended exercises.

“We strive to be at the forefront of cutting-edge and innovative fitness equipment,” says John Halls, managing director of Physical Company.

“Usually this innovation is focused on the physical design, shape and materials of a given piece of kit.

“The PBX bag is a great design, but the addition of the NFC tag takes it to a whole new level. Not only does it give the user plenty of new ideas, it also encourages interaction with the kit and a different experience on the gym floor.”

fitness-kit.net keyword: Physical Company

Escape Fitness has launched MOVE IT, a functional, high-intensity interval training experience for fitness clubs and studios. The class allows clients of all abilities and fitness levels to train together on a full range of functional equipment – including hurdles, kettlebells, medicine balls and sandbags – progressing through a series of zones, increasing the intensity as they go along.

MOVE IT has been designed as a fun, challenging, self-paced workout that delivers results and, ultimately, improves member retention. There are two MOVE IT programmes in one: 30-minute and 45-minute workouts are included for programming flexibility and wider appeal. It’s provided to clubs as an all-in-one package, including instructor training, programming, and operations and marketing support.

Matthew Januszek, co-founder of Escape Fitness says: “Our aim with MOVE IT was to enable clubs to equip their trainers with more functional training knowledge and skills, as well as workouts that many members will want to get involved in.

“The sessions are proving really popular – it’s getting more people into functional training and they love the experience. That’s great for clubs, as when people are both engaged and achieving results, they’re more likely to keep coming back for more.”

MOVE IT provides a multi-purpose functional training area that can also be used for one-to-one PT sessions.

fitness-kit.net keyword: Escape