Form, a Vancouver-based tech startup that creates smart swimming goggles, has released a new collection of digital real-time workouts for swimmers called Plans.
Following a period of development and research with world-class coaches, users can now benefit from digital swimming coaching from more than 20 fitness plans, as part of a monthly membership programme, which sync with Form’s intelligent goggles during the workout.
Swimmers, from beginners to advanced, can follow real-time instructions that are displayed in the goggles. The series is progressive – plans range from 2-24 weeks with two to three workouts each week – so that all levels can improve their fitness and swimming abilities.
“With Form Plans, for the first time, swimmers have access to smart technology that not only improves their technique and overall fitness while in the water, but also provides structure that keeps them coming back," said Dan Eisenhardt, Form’s founder and CEO.
“For the millions of swimmers that swim solo, they now have a tool that will make them stronger in the water without worrying about what to do, how hard to push, and whether they're progressing towards their goal.”
Users can choose from different categories depending on what aspect of their swimming performance they are trying to improve. Triathlon Plans “focus on race format distances and pacing”, Fitness Plans “improve aerobic endurance and build swim confidence” and Skill Development Plans “help any swimmer hone their swimming technique and get faster”.
Form’s smart swimming goggles deliver metrics such as split times, distance, stroke rate, heart rate and pace per 100m through an augmented-reality display. The goggles can detect breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke and freestyle, and support pool lengths of 15m and up. They can also connect with Garmin and Apple watches in open water mode.
Form’s app syncs with the data which members – who also become part of the Form community – can analyse to improve their level and performances. Membership starts at £18 (US$19) or £216 (US$228) per year (for a 12-month commitment) and includes the smart goggles, more than one thousand guided workouts, Plans, app access, video tutorials and access to Form’s swimming community.
Form was founded in 2016 by tech entrepreneur Dan Eisenhardt who formerly created Recon Instruments, a pioneer in the field of mobile AR which used augmented reality to produce smart glasses with a heads-up display. Intel bought the company in 2015 and Eisenhardt, formerly a competitive swimmer, went on to launch Form so he could focus on the intelligent swimming goggle market and creating the “underwater coach” product that the company produces today.
Zwift founder Eric Min and Uber’s former VP of Product and Growth Ed Baker recently joined Form’s board to support the company in its next phase of growth.
