Fitness tech firm Motosumo has launched a new service, allowing gym operators to deliver HIIT group workouts and indoor cycling classes to their members' living rooms.
Designed as a low-cost feature for operators, HomeTeam can be set up in just five minutes.
The service is capable of delivering a connected at-home fitness experience for a "fraction of the price" of high-end, home-gym solutions.
Instead of having to acquire indoor bikes or specific hardware, users can tune in to a video live stream and join in with a smartphone and a heart rate monitor – or, if they have one, a stationary bike.
All participants will then be connected through the app, which offers a range of fitness data as well as games, races, countdowns, music, emojis and more.
According to Kresten Juel Jensen, CEO of Motosumo, HomeTeam was created in response to the challenges fitness clubs and gyms will face over the coming weeks or months, as they are forced to keep their doors closed.
“The world is going through some tough times right now, and we all have to adjust," he said.
"Gyms have already responded by live-streaming classes to their members. These are great, but they don’t capture the social experience of a real indoor cycling class or HIIT session.
“The thing missing from these live streams is interaction between users. With HomeTeam, users can actually work as a team, compare stats, or even compete and race against each other.
"We’ve tried to capture the group fitness vibe and bring it to people's living rooms."
HomeTeam will be offered on a monthly subscription to gym operators at US$124 (€115, £106) per gym – or $208 (€192, £177) for indoor cycling – and there is no binding contract.
Jensen said the feature will help operators keep their members involved in their gym, even when facilities remain closed.
“Businesses everywhere are struggling to keep their customers,” he said.
“The fitness industry is no different. We think HomeTeam can help retain members at a low cost. If an operator keeps just three extra members, the feature has paid for itself.”
Copenhagen, Denmark-based Motosumo offers a comprehensive fitness tracking system using motion sensors in smartphones.
The firm appointed industry veteran Nick Coutts as chair in December 2019.
• Look out for an interview with Kresten Juel Jensen and Nick Coutts in the next issue of FitTech.
