For a long time, the equipment central to group fitness was very slow to innovate. As a world leader when it comes to group exercise programming, Les Mills has been in a unique position to develop cutting edge equipment that integrates seamlessly into group fitness classes, improving safety and delivering maximum results. It’s been a decade since Les Mills introduced the first pieces of SMART TECH, following three years of focused customer insight and development. The initial Les Mills equipment to launch under the SMART TECH banner was the SMARTBAR and SMARTSTEP, although the range has expanded and evolved over the years, changing their group exercise classes and home workout series for the better.
Les Mills equipment designed with group training in mind
THE SMARTBAR:
The launch of the SMARTBAR set a new benchmark for the industry as far as ergonomic design and functionality goes. With its strong and durable construction, the SMARTBAR is incredibly versatile and can be used beyond the group fitness studio – for example, for functional and personal training.
The design allows quick and easy plate transitions, and with no clips to fiddle around with, classes will always run on time. The rotating ends enable smoother movement, improve form and aid muscle isolation. The plates can also be used as ergonomic hand weights, reducing the need to purchase other products as well as saving space. The modern and stylish design of both the SMARTBAR and its rack ensures that your equipment is a selling point, even when not in use. The SMARTBAR was redesigned in 2018 to make super fast plate loading and adjustment even easier during a workout and enhance ergonomics and comfort for the user.
THE SMARTSTEP:
Tested to withstand a busy gym environment, the SMARTSTEP features a sturdy construction and design. The round shape of the risers makes assembly simple and efficient. You can also safely stack up to eight risers on each side. The non-slip feet increase the users’ confidence in the stability of the equipment, enabling them to push harder and get fitter faster.
Incline functionality, resistance band integration, and a red target line for coaching reference enable it to be used for functional or personal training. Plus, with the SMARTSTEP, there is no need for racks.
THE SMARTBAND:
By using thermoplastic elastomer rather than traditional latex or rubber, the SMARTBAND is a safe, durable resistance band that creates consistent force increase, meaning the resistance remains the same through the entire range of movement.
SMARTBAND is designed with a flat profile, rather than round, which prevents it rolling and shifting during exercise and the handles have been crafted to ensure they move easily and create a comfortable grip for the user.
What makes the SMART TECH range of Les Mills equipment unique?
The SMARTSTEP provides increased stability, non-slip feet and improved riser alignment so you can leap onto it in confidence. SMARTSTEP’s multi-directional surface improves grip while increasing back and hand comfort during bench work. The SMARTSTEP can also be locked as a unit, allowing you to pick it up in one piece.
SMARTBAR’s rotating ends enable smoother movement which, improves form and aids muscle isolation. The ‘gator’ clip allows quick and easy weight transitions on SMARTBAR.
The SMART TECH range of Les Mills equipment includes:
- SMARTBAR™ barbell
- SMARTSTEP™ fitness step
- Individual weights in 1kg, 2.5kg, 3.7kg, 5kg, 7.5kg and 10kg
- SMARTBAR™ racks
- Locking units
- SMARTSTEP™ risers
- Bamboo Sliders
- Sculpt Bands (with 3 levels of resistance)
- MXB Mat
About LES MILLS & SMART TECH:
Every week more than 700,000 people use LES MILLS SMART TECH equipment in thousands of clubs around the globe. Designed to cater to the specific needs of a group fitness class – quick transitions, wide variety of moves and exercises – SMART TECH is not only perfect for LES MILLS group fitness classes, but also well-suited for personal and small-group training. Research shows that using the SMARTBAR makes their group fitness experience 36% more enjoyable, with 71% of participants in agreement that the quality of the equipment has a big impact on the workout.
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