Nuffield Health has secured an exclusive tie-up with the recently-released Microsoft Band to produce a series of workouts for wearable tech users on the move.
The collaboration is significant for gym operators, as it offers a prime example of how the sector’s specialist knowledge can provide opportunities for positive collaboration with wearable technology, which has to date been regarded by many as a threat to traditional gyms.
As the UK fitness and wellbeing partner for the Microsoft Band, Nuffield Health fitness experts have created guided workouts designed to help people of all fitness levels get the most out of their workouts. Each of the nine training sessions can be downloaded from the Microsoft Health app straight onto the Microsoft Band worn on the user’s wrist, enabling them to exercise wherever and whenever they like.
Once downloaded to the Microsoft Band, small vibrations and on-screen instructions guide users through each stage of the workout. At the same time, Microsoft Band measures heart rate and calories burned to provide key stats from a workout to help people monitor their progress and make improvements.
The Nuffield Health guided workouts include Back Fit – an exercise routine promoting core strength and stability for the back; Anytime, Anywhere – a routine designed to help fitness in all locations; and the Speed Round – a high intensity express circuit centred on raising the heart rate.
“Exercise is one of the key factors in keeping people healthy, however, one of the main problems we see in encouraging people to lead healthier lifestyles is getting them to continually exercise,” said Jay Brewer, professional head of clinical wellbeing at Nuffield Health.
“People are normally very motivated when they start exercising but can lose momentum when they get bored. One of the great things about Microsoft Band is that the guided workouts by Nuffield Health provide variety for people with different fitness levels which can help them form a routine.”
The next step in the partnership will see the Microsoft Band linking with the Nuffield HealthScore app. HealthScore converts body and lifestyle data into an easy to understand number which increases when users make good lifestyle choices, such as completing a workout or eating a healthy meal, and decreases during periods of inactivity or when they reach for the chocolate. Meanwhile, further Nuffield Health guided workouts will be made available throughout the year.
