Life Fitness: The Rise of Next-Level Technology Ecosystems

Technology ecosystems have evolved greatly--especially in the health and fitness industry--during the past 20 years. Yet, they can be traced back to the early 20th century when Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone and fax machine, created a primitive digital ecosystem. Today’s ecosystems still operate on that same early premise: Connecting devices and people and facilitating real-time information access.

Tech Ecosystems' Initial Impact

"For me, ecosystems didn’t come into play until the early 2010s, when the Internet of Things (IoT) significantly took off through the expansion of internet connectivity and growth in cloud computing capabilities," notes Anthony Radek, Senior Director of Connected Fitness at Life Fitness. "It was then that we began offering truly connected products and that platforms like Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple started to offer connected fitness devices that synced with mobile apps, allowing users to track their activities, set goals, and monitor progress over time. That connectivity also allowed operators to gain deeper insight into members’ regimens and progress."

Those ecosystems continued to grow, equipment became increasingly connected, data insights were able to drive more effective communication with members and more efficient operations, and apps brought more of the connectivity into play.

So, what's next in ecosystem evolution? As with nearly every business and industry, AI will have a presence.

"While AI is still in the early stages of implementation within our industry, it can play a crucial role in our future by enhancing the speed and accuracy of data collection and analysis," Radek says. "Exercisers will be able to have a more personalized, performance-driven workout experience through predictive behavior analytics that can customize workout plans. Or providing immediate feedback and coaching during the workout to optimize form and intensity."

There is no question, he adds, that software advancements have had and will continue to make a profound impact on our industry. From improving engagement through personalized and interactive fitness experiences to providing insightful data to help make informed decisions about equipment placement, maintenance, and marketing strategies. These and many other advancements have enhanced user experiences, optimized operations, and driven the industry toward a more data-driven, personalized approach.

An Ecosystem Pioneer

Although Radek points to the 2010s as a watershed time for tech ecosystems, Life Fitness represents among the industry’s first developers. Back in the early 2000s, it offered a software feature called “Virtual Coach” that allowed exercisers to save their workouts via USB and monitor results on their laptops. While it seems low-tech and rudimentary now, Virtual Coach was one of the very first steps toward tracking fitness activity and movement to glean insights on performance and fitness progression.

"That said, Life Fitness has always been at the forefront of connected fitness, well before IoT and the World Wide Web," he says. "In the early-90s, Life Fitness collaborated with Nintendo to create the LifeCycle Exertainment Bike: a stationary bike you could use to play video games. A few years after that, Life Fitness created its computerized workout system Life Center with IBM. Like all Life Fitness innovations, we focus heavily on exerciser and customer research to ensure we are creating fitness solutions that provide motivating and progressive experiences."

In 2012, Life Fitness launched its first connected cardio platform, Discover, along with LFConnect, the first fitness app that connected to cardio equipment. Discover was paired with software that allowed facility managers to customize equipment and remotely collect equipment usage and performance data to enhance their training and business capabilities. Supported by the industry's first open APIs, Life Fitness was able to connect its product solutions with other third-party systems most requested by customers and exercisers.

"Since then," Radek continues, "a notable evolution has been the launch of Life Fitness On Demand+, which to this day, offers over 500 motivational fitness experiences from instructor-led videos to interactive terrains. In addition, the platform gives commercial customers the ability to upload and stream their own video content on our cardio products, powered by a custom-developed content management system on our platform, Facility Connect."

The latest benchmark in Life Fitness' offering is the Connect System, which seamlessly connects Life Fitness strength equipment to its customer’s digital suite, providing comprehensive tracking and coaching features across all areas of the fitness facility, including cardio, strength, and functional zones.

Today, all of the ecosystem components fall under the company's Digital Solutions banner.

A Next-Level Platform

“Digital Solutions represents the evolution of our ecosystem,” he says. “At its core, the platform provides tools that maximize profitability and deliver more personalized workout experiences for trainers and exercisers. It includes the new Connect System , which is composed of our Life Fitness Connect App, Trainer Connect, and Connect Kits. Facility Connect, our complementary web application, maximizes your equipment lifespan, personalizes the experience, and enables data-driven decisions to unlock the full potential of your investment. Integrated with compelling Life Fitness On Demand+ content and our host of partner integrations, Life Fitness Digital Solutions is designed to provide digital tools that will enhance the member experience and empower your business."

While Digital Solutions is an overarching platform, how does that impact Life Fitness' core business, producing equipment?

"Let's use our Symbio™ cardio line as an example," explains Radek. "We believe it sets the benchmark for premium cardio equipment and is the most innovative and immersive fitness equipment available, offering purposeful design, personalized sensory experiences, and advanced next-gen biomechanics. When connected to the Digital Solutions platform, Symbio is a powerful portal, linking users to an engaging and entertaining fitness journey. With a high-definition console loaded with innovative options for personalization and advanced metrics and guidance, Symbio is redefining cardio workouts. The Digital Solutions platform then serves to amplify the data collected from the Symbio equipment, making it useful for both operators and members."

To learn more about the Life Fitness Digital Solutions platform, click here. Learn more about Symbio here.