The Laura Trott Leisure Centre, in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, has become the first UK local authority leisure facility to install eGym’s system.

The new installation follows an investment from the local authority to encourage members of the community to pursue an active lifestyle, including strength training.

The centre’s new eGym system is made up of nine modular strength pieces designed to train the upper body, core and lower body. Users can track their progress through a one-rep strength test taken at regular training intervals.

Since its installation, the club has reported a significant increase in member retention and eGym has recorded a 14 per cent average increase in strength performance for users aged between 20 and 70, with a 9 per cent increase seen among users aged between 70 and 90.

Jeremy Jenkins, sales director at eGym, says: “eGym is perfectly positioned to work with local authority partners to deliver against community engagement objectives. The system is intuitive and inclusive, accommodating almost every segment of the population.”

Jenkins adds: “As leisure sector providers start to work more closely with community groups and health care professionals to provide a frontline preventative health care solution, being able to monitor and evaluate success is vital. This functionality is absolutely integral to the eGym offering.”

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Commercial equipment manufacturer Life Fitness has recently installed its SCIFIT training equipment at a number of care homes across the UK.

The SCIFIT range was created to encourage active ageing by improving strength, balance, flexibility and endurance, while making daily tasks easier for the elderly.

SCIFIT has recently completed an installation at The Good Support Group in Plaistow, London – a company that helps vulnerable adults develop and maintain independence through a range of activities designed to improve overall health, fitness and wellbeing.

Equipment installed includes the SCIFIT Total Body Ergometer, a total body solution that includes an upper body exerciser and lower body recumbent bike.

The Belong Care Home in Didsbury, Manchester, has installed the SCIFIT Upper Body Ergometer, SCIFIT Recumbent Bike and SCIFIT Recumbent Stepper.

Andy Griffin, internal account manager at Life Fitness, says: “The SCIFIT equipment is well designed to suit all users and the products are easy to use. With physical activity being key to a healthy lifestyle, the equipment provides opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, which in turn helps to prevent slips, trips and falls and may help speed recovery from injuries.”

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Indoor cycling innovator Wattbike has expanded its product range with the release of the Wattbike Atom. Billed as the world’s first smart bike, Atom is a British-designed, premium, smart bike created for home use.

The bike was designed to combine the accuracy, data and real-feel ride of Wattbike’s Pro and Trainer bikes with connectivity, which allows Atom users to connect to third party training and data sharing platforms including Strava, TrainingPeaks and Zwift.

Atom users also have access to the Wattbike Hub, which allows them to ride iconic climbs, including Box Hill and Mont Ventoux, using automated resistance that adjusts to meet the gradient in real time.

The Wattbike Hub has also undergone an update and now features the Pedalling Effectiveness Score, helping riders to assess their pedalling technique in real time.

Richard Baker, managing director of consumer business at Wattbike, says: “The Wattbike Atom is a game changer for indoor cycling. Our first dedicated home trainer, aimed specifically at cyclists, it serves the needs of the connected rider yet retains our commitment to creating the most technically and scientifically advanced products for improving performance.”

Baker adds: “The Atom is geared towards a more structured cycling training base, this gives us a great opportunity to offer not only the best testing and general conditional tool, but also the best bike for cyclists.”

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Energy supplier British Gas has developed Panoramic Power, a wireless electricity monitoring system designed to track energy costs, and boost energy efficiency for health club operators.

Panoramic Power consists of wireless sensors that measure a device’s electrical output. The easy-to-install, self-powered sensors clip onto a device’s output wire and collect real-time data on its energy consumption.

This data can then be viewed on British Gas’ online portal, PowerRadar, which can be accessed via a computer, tablet or smartphone. The portal receives updated information every 10 seconds, and offers users recommendations on how to optimise their energy efficiency.

Natasha Martin, corporate business manager at British Gas, says “Panoramic Power can help identify what options are available for onsite energy generation, helping businesses to avoid costs at peak periods and even generate income.”