Founded by former Goldman Sachs banker, Anta Pattabiraman, Auro is a subscription-based personal training app that offers audio PT sessions, delivered by a number of well-known PTs, including Omar Mansour and Body A-Wake founder Jane Wake.

Billed as an ‘impactful, smart and bespoke fitness experience’ Auro is designed to make personal training accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.

The app combines PT-created audio programming with data-driven analysis, which means fitness programmes can be adapted to the needs of the individual, as with a real PT.

The app has been designed to inspire people to attend the gym regularly, by creating a connected and motivational experience.

“I wanted to build a product that would provide personalised instruction at scale and at an affordable price,” says Pattabiraman.

“When you add all the elements a PT brings, including proven programming, curated music playlists, data-driven personalisation and a vibrant fitness community you can be a part of, you have an engaging, personalised fitness solution in an app.

“We’re focusing on personalising workouts to suit every individual, using technology. We’re also building a platform for the future, where the intensity and duration of the classes will be adapted to the user in just the same way as a great PT would adapt fitness programmes for their client.”

fitness-kit.net keyword: AURO

Matrix has developed a new performance trainer that combines magnetic resistance training with high-intensity low-impact workouts.

Designed to be used on the gym floor or as part of circuit or small group training the S-Force Performance Trainer offers five resistance levels and Sprint 8, an exclusive 20-minute HIIT workout.

Users can measure their performance, which is monitored through the activity-tracking console, and access other programmes at the touch of a button.

Featuring a smooth, quiet magnetic resistance motion system, S-Force creates ‘challenging and progressive’ workouts for users of all ability using isokinetic magnetic resistance, which increases the harder the user works.

“S-Force hits both athletic performance and HIIT, making it versatile and valuable to fitness facilities,” says Matrix UK MD Matt Pengelly.

fitness-kit.net keyword: MATRIX

Where the mind goes, the body will follow. That’s the philosophy behind THE TRIP, one of the latest cycling innovations from the team at Les Mills International.

The fully immersive experience combines a 40-minute multi-peak cycling workout with a journey through fantastic digitally-created worlds.

Inspired by cinema, live concert experiences and interactive gaming, THE TRIP helps increase motivation and the energy output of participants. In fact, research from Les Mills shows using technology to create an immersive fitness experience, like THE TRIP, increases satisfaction and also decreases the rate of perceived exertion for new exercisers.

Making it feel easier
Basically, exercisers find immersive cycling easier, even though it isn’t – great for club owners who want to get more people through the door – and we know unique experiences, especially in the cycle studio, are on an upward trend.

Not only is the technology and uniqueness a driving factor, but also research shows that if you’re new to exercise, immersive classes like THE TRIP can be an ideal environment in which to achieve your fitness goals, because you can reach a high heart rate zone to get fitter faster, without feeling the discomfort of the intensity.

“You have to engage with today’s gym members in an effective way,” says Wendy Coulson, CEO of Les Mills UK and Ireland. “When you combine purpose-built studios with immersive video, as we do with THE TRIP, the potential is limitless. The experience is everything.”

Focus on cycling
THE TRIP is part of Les Mills’ expanded cycle programme, which offers both instructor-led, live formats and virtual class formats. It includes the full suite of LES MILLS cycling classes – THE TRIP, RPM and LES MILLS SPRINT.

This cycling suite offers something for everyone:
RPM is a traditional low-impact cycling class where participants ride flats, climbs and downhills, getting a solid cardio and leg workout.

LES MILLS SPRINT is a 30-minute workout on a bike, which builds on the science of HIIT and is designed to enable participants to get fitter and leaner faster.

All three bike workouts are also available as virtual classes – a great offering for new members, as many like to start group training this way, so they get a feel for it before heading to a live class.

Virtual is also a great solution to help clubs maximise cycling studio space during off-peak times.

While the experience of an immersive cycling programme is best when coupled with cutting edge audio and video technology, THE TRIP is also available with alternative studio equipment to suit all budgets and locations.

fitness-kit.net keyword: les mills

Italian fitness equipment company Reaxing has developed the ReaxChain, a new type of free weight that uses ‘Sudden Dynamic Impulse’ technology to destabilise its users.

Part of a new product range that features Reaxing’s patented ‘Sudden Dynamic Impulse’ technology, the ReaxChain is billed as an ‘unpredictable and multi-purpose’ tool that combines the features of standard free weights with the softness and flexibility of a rope.

Designed to offer endless training options, as well as improved coordination, balance, strength, reactivity, power and proprioception, the ReaxChain has adjustable flexibility and intensity that – when combined with inertia, dynamics and centrifugal force – transforms free weight training into highly intensive neuromuscular training.

A multi-purpose functional tool, the ReaxChain can act as a kettlebell, dumbbell, barbells, battle rope or Bulgarian bag, depending on the grip that is used.

The ReaxChain is available in several different weights and sizes, as well as one-, two- or five-ring versions.

“ReaxChain is the first free weight that’s dynamically unpredictable,” says Gionata D’Alesio, CEO at Reaxing.

“It’s progressive, flexible and soft, with patented technology to create a series of highly intensive neuromuscular workouts.”

fitness-kit.net keyword: REAXING

Luxury french skincare brand Sothys has named professional tennis player Caroline Garcia as a brand ambassador for its new Athletics range of products.

Designed to prepare and repair the skin both before and after exercise, the Sothys Athletics line consists of two body treatments: Smoothing/Warming and Nutri-Relaxing-Modelling.

Smoothing/warming combines a warming effect with a foam wrap for a sensory treatment that warms and tones the skin, prepping it for exercise, while the Nutri-Relaxing-Modelling treatment tones and comforts the skin, and combines smoothing actions and drumming motions to relieve strain and ease tension in the body.

The Sothys Athletics product line also features a Smoothing/Warming Gel and a Nutri-Relaxing Oil, and incorporates active ingredients, including camphor, cypress essential oil and vitamin F to soothe, nourish and tone the skin.

“Customers who enjoy bodycare and those who practice sports, either as a hobby or at an elite level, often share the same types of skin concerns,” says Sothys CEO Christian Mas.

“We’ve chosen Caroline Garcia to be an ambassador for Sothys Athletics range because tennis and beauty share the same values of excellence and performance.

“The partnership with Caroline was essential for these ideas to come across, and we are happy to have her on our side,” Mas adds.

fitness-kit.net keyword: SOTHYS