INNOVATIONS - GYMKIDS EXERCISING ON THE ‘NET
Thames Valley Enterprise Hub client Gymkids is working with schools in Bedfordshire to pilot a unique new fitness system that will enable pupils to row, run or cycle in virtual races against pupils in other schools. Gymkids Elite, which utilises Vector Sport technology, connects to the exercise equipment a child is using and allows them to compete with other children connected to the same system elsewhere by being able to watch themselves as they row, run or ride in a virtual race against other racers on a screen.
Gymkids are suppliers of a range of children’s fitness equipment and programmes to schools, hospitals, gyms, health clubs and leisure centres. Rick Dalton, Gymkids’ Director of Educational Development, explained, “Gymkids Elite offers a ready made solution for competitive sport that not only reduces the demands on teachers’ time outside of school, but with schools being able to link up over the Internet to compete with each other, it saves on transport issues and costs.”
The system will be integrated into primary school PE lessons as well as being used in a partnership-wide schools’ rowing competition as a way of encouraging interest in fitness, leveraging children’s interest in video games and countering child obesity, incidence of which has trebled in the UK over the last 20 years.
A number of special Elite packages will be available to schools, from just the transmitter (which enables five pieces of equipment to be connected at the same time) to a full suite, with exercise equipment and screens. A sound-only option is also available for schools for the blind. The packages also come with a variety of racing environments including a river course for rowing and a Tour de France-style course for cycling, which can be used to easily create rowing or cycling leagues.
Thames Valley Enterprise Hub Director Ed Cooper commented, “Gymkids have developed a genuinely innovative approach to health and fitness that is both a great business opportunity and a fantastic way of helping to encourage people to take up and enjoy exercise. It’s been a pleasure to work with them so far, and we look forward to continuing to help them as the company grows.”
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