Astons Health Studio Lead the Way with eGym SmartStart

Set in a 300-year-old West Sussex flint barn conversion, Astons Exclusive Health Studio in Chichester, is one the first gyms in the country to offer eGym SmartStart, featuring modern connected training concepts, on its Precor equipment.

The 260 sq. ft. gym features nine eGym strength machines in combination with integrated eGym SmartStart on the Precor cardiovascular consoles, giving the fitness studio’s 150 members a fully interactive and connected workout. On the cardio machines, they can either jump on and go by pressing the traditional Quickstart button or, for individualized training, with intuitive, progressive, personalized cardio and strength workouts, choose eGym SmartStart.

During an induction, each member takes a step-by-step physical performance test showing the results as “Cardio-Age,” which the software uses to automatically prescribe an individual training program based on the selected training goal for all connected cardio machines. 

Members are encouraged to train on the Precor equipment and use eGym SmartStart at least twice a week and once logged in via RFID, are presented with the eGym training experience which includes interactive, visually-engaging graphics to guide them through the workout.

The workout and results are tracked automatically and synchronized with the open-cloud platform eGym ONE and eGym apps, allowing members and trainers to follow their individual training plan.

Jo Perkins, Gym Manager at Astons, explains: “Installing eGym software on our Precor equipment was important to us as we want to provide members with the ability to complete effective cardio training and save time in the gym. Members are tested every 28 days to ensure they are benefitting from the optimal cardio program to suit their current fitness level and physical ability. eGym SmartStart enables them to experience personalized cardio training programs, align workouts to their training goals, monitor training sessions and track results easily. The eGym circuit also enables us to provide personalized strength training alongside the cardio workouts. The machine’s built-in software program changes every six sessions to a new training method and also encourages members to repeat the strength test.  This enables them to obtain regular maximum strength measurements which automatically determines the optimal training weight they use and progresses them towards their goal. The system allows members to choose their training program, from general fitness, body toning, athletic, muscle building, metabolic fit, and rehabilitation or weight loss.”

Perkins continues: “Members love the eGym fitness app as they can see the points they gain through both cardio and strength activity and compete in the digital ranking leaderboards. Installing eGym SmartStart on our Precor equipment is delivering members with quick results, automated progression, as well as tracking and sharing results. It enables members to train independently and instantly see the progression, while also providing information on muscle imbalances and a biological age based on their strength. The combination of eGym and Precor working together is the future of fitness and is perfect for a boutique health studio, like us.”