Middle East Health speaks to Nerio Alessandri, Founder & CEO, Technogym about the wellness trend and their new Biostrength REV smart fitness training product.
Middle East Health: At the recent Arab Health exhibition in Dubai, Technogym launched Biostrength REV smart fitness training equipment. The training equipment is designed for the sport, fitness and health for wellness sectors. Before we look at this new equipment in more detail, can you comment on the health for wellness sector, who does this include? Is there increasing demand from this sector for your equipment, and if so, why do you think this demand is growing?
Nerio Alessandri: Health is now more than ever the number one priority for people. In reality, non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and this depends on people’s lifestyles. There is an increased awareness of the benefit of physical exercise. People are more informed, but also at an institutional level, governments and local authorities are understanding that investing in health and prevention is a great tool to reduce healthcare costs that will be unsustainable going forward since the population is ageing.
That said, health is a huge trend and this is clearly revealed in the fitness sector. More and more fitness clubs are integrating rehabilitation and prevention programmes within their training formats.
In this arena, Technogym has a strategic advantage thanks to its unique digital eco-system that allows professionals to prescribe precise exercises or training programmes based on the needs of each individual user and at the same time the user can keep track of their movement and improvement.
Middle East Health: These are smart devices and presumably relatively expensive. Do you think this form of wellness is a luxury reserved for those who have the time and money to afford to use these advanced fitness training devices? Can you explain why?
Nerio Alessandri: Technogym has always invested in the health sector and in specific smart solutions for rehabilitation and prevention in order to support operators (both fitness clubs and medical centres) in offering people different fitness training formats and programmes. That’s why we believe this is not a luxury product since people can have access to them in a wide variety of formats. Technogym supplies its solutions to thousands of rehabilitation centres, fitness clubs, medical centres and even community centres all over the world. So, there are plenty of ways people can access this.
Middle East Health: The Biostrength REV is Technogym’s latest offering among their range of fitness training equipment. According to a recent press release, it incorporates a new technology called BIODRIVE, which is based on aerospace technology. Can you tell us a bit about the Biostrength REV, how does it work and what is unique about this equipment compared to other fitness training devices?
Nerio Alessandri: The new Biostrength REV products are the fastest and most efficient path to recover and improve performance. Two new additions – Leg Press REV and Leg Extension REV – add to Biostrength’s unique technology with a specific focus on rehabilitation and recovery. The sensors placed on the equipment enable it to detect and collect the necessary data to achieve the goal more safely and effectively.
MEH: What is BIODRIVE and why has this been incorporated in Biostrength REV?
Nerio Alessandri: The patented Biodrive system, which uses aerospace technology, offers six types of resistance, which can improve the effectiveness of the exercise depending on the goal to achieve. The user is guided through every aspect of the workout to achieve maximum results in a safe and effective way. Biodrive recognises when users are too tired, and the spotter function automatically reduces the load to allow them to complete the set. To keep users motivated and encourage them to improve, Biostrength gives reward badges when new goals are achieved.
Middle East Health: Is this equipment also suitable for personal use at home?
Nerio Alessandri: Technogym developed Biostrength REV specifically for the health market or for those fitness clubs offering products and services for rehabilitation and recovery. When it comes to home fitness, we have a full range of equipment integrated with the ecosystem and Technogym Live platform, which includes an extensive on-demand library of video content for fitness, such as live classes with incredible trainers, one-to-one cardio or strength training sessions, athletic training routines and more.
Biostrength REV is just one example of how innovation is always leading Technogym growth. Launched for the first time in 1992, the Technogym REV was the first isokinetic machine in the world to feature advanced technology and testing that enabled operators to carry out more in-depth analyses and diagnostics, thus advancing performance and speeding up recovery.
