Smart vs Traditional Gym Equipment: Which One is Right for Your Gym?

The fitness industry is changing. And this change is being fuelled by technology.

You’ll see it on the wrists of your members. Many, if not most, now track their workouts with a fitness wearable.

Forward-thinking gyms know that performance data and insights are becoming increasingly important to fitness fans, so they’re doing whatever they can to give members access to as much as possible.

Enter smart gym equipment: AI-powered fitness machines that collect and crunch workout data, then offer personalised, real-time feedback to users to help them optimise their performance and reach their goals sooner.

The popularity of smart gym equipment is exploding. So should you invest in it?

In this guide we’ll help gym owners, property developers and personal trainers answer that question, by comparing smart commercial gym solutions with traditional gym equipment.

 

What is smart gym equipment? 

Smart gym machines are capable of offering real-time feedback to users, helping them train smarter and harder, and reach their fitness goals sooner:

• Sensors collect and analyse user performance data, then adjust settings based on performance levels.
• This data can be used for AI coaching, to help members work more efficiently and effectively towards their specific fitness and body goals.
• This instant feedback and goal-oriented training helps members stay engaged and motivated.

Smart gym equipment can connect to most gym wearables, allowing members to analyse their performance whenever they choose.

Examples of smart equipment include include smart treadmills, connected strength machines, adaptive resistance training and interactive fitness consoles.

 

What is traditional gym equipment? 

Traditional fitness equipment encompasses everything that doesn’t fit into the ‘smart’ category above: conventional cardio and strength training machines, and unpowered equipment like free weights, boxing gear and training ropes.

Traditional equipment is more manual, and offers limited opportunities for users to get feedback on their performance and progress.

On the flipside, traditional commercial equipment is cost-effective, reliable and generally easy to maintain. Users are familiar with it, so there’s an element of comfort that members might not feel with smart equipment, at least initially.

 

Smart vs traditional gym equipment: pros & cons

Which type of equipment is right for your gym? 

Still not sure whether you should go smart or traditional? Let’s look at the best gym equipment for your business on a case-by-case basis.

 

For high-end gyms and premium fitness clubs

Bigger spending gym members expect nothing but the best. If you cater to a more premium audience, smart gym equipment can meet their expectations by offering AI coaching and personalised workouts, all included in the membership fee.

Smart equipment also attracts tech-savvy members who value progress tracking and data-driven performance.

 

For budget-friendly gyms and traditional weightlifting facilities

If cost is a primary concern for your target audience, and you have a limited budget yourself, traditional machines demand a lower level of upfront investment and also tend to be simple to maintain.

Commercial-grade machines can also stand up to heavy, rough use, which is why they’re often the equipment of choice for powerlifters, bodybuilders and experienced gym-goers who don’t need digital coaching.

 

For hotels, corporate gyms and property developers

Smart fitness equipment enhances the gym experience for hotels and high-end residential developments. It requires less supervision, making it ideal for these self-service spaces.

Ultimately smart equipment can be the X-factor that can help residential complexes attract buyers and hotels attract guests.

 

For hybrid gyms

If your fitness business offers a mix of PT sessions and independent training, a combination of smart and traditional equipment can give your members the best of both worlds.

PTs can use smart technology for coaching, and premium tier members can access these AI-powered machines. Basic tier members and self-sufficient gym-goers, meanwhile, can enjoy your selection of traditional machines.

 

Future trends: Where is the gym industry headed? 

The rise in popularity of smart gym equipment hints at a broader fitness trend: fitness fans are beginning to understand the power of data in exercising smarter and reaching goals faster. You can capitalise on this evolution through:

• AI-driven training: As we’ve already discussed, smart machines can personalise workouts for every user based on their exercise needs, goals and preferences.
• Hybrid gym models: By combining digital and analogue training methods, a gym can cater to the full spectrum of users.
• Connected ecosystems: Maximise performance data with smart gym equipment that can connect to each other and the fitness wearables worn by your members.
• Smart recovery tools: Recovery can be just as important as training, so consider investing in AI-powered recovery stations, massage guns and cryo chambers.

Smart gym equipment is here to stay. But this doesn’t sound the death knell for traditional machines – they’ll continue to have their place, particularly with experienced gym-goers who don’t feel like they need the extra bells and whistles of a smart machine.

Ultimately choosing the right mix depends on your target audience, gym goals and budget.

And if you need help in finding that mix, our expert GymQuip team is here to provide it.

 

GymQuip: modern gym equipment specialists

At GymQuip we’ve spent the last three decades helping people reach their fitness goals by placing ourselves at the leading edge of fitness innovation, including as the exclusive supplier of DKN smart gym equipment in Australia: machines designed to take strength training to the next level with the help of built-in AI.

But no matter whether you’re looking for the latest and greatest in smart gym equipment, or you simply want high quality, commercial gym solutions that work well and are built to last, we’re ready to help.

We even offer a complete commercial gym fitout service, where we design your layout, choose the perfect equipment, and install all of it in your gym, studio, hotel or residential complex.

Get in touch with our friendly team today to learn how the right mix of smart and traditional gym equipment can transform your business.