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CNET
22-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
I Tested the First Full-Scale, AI-Powered Gym. It's Fun, but Humans Are Still Needed
Even from the sidewalk, Fred Fitness has you wanting to know more. Looking in, you'll see members with Therabody JetBoots wrapped around their legs, providing compression, vibration and red light therapy as they recover after a workout. But despite this peek at its tech, you wouldn't think Fred Fitness runs on AI with its open, welcoming space that includes warm wood beams, plant life, plush seating and a community table. However, as you venture further into the gym, you'll see it's filled with AI-powered machines and fitness tech designed to maximize your workouts. I was intrigued. As a wellness expert who pays close attention to whether new technology and trends can actually benefit our health, I aimed to find out if Fred Fitness, the first full-scale AI gym, could potentially be the future of fitness. Anna trying the Therabody JetBoots. Anna Gragert/CNET How does Fred Fitness work? Fred Fitness was launched in mid-February by CEO Andre Enzensberger, whose brother Alfred founded the Clever Fit gym franchise in Germany. To break into the US market with a unique concept, Alfred teamed up with smart fitness technology company EGYM, which created Genius, an AI that generates training plans. Fred Fitness is now the first full-scale EGYM. It all starts on your wrist, with a green band that is the key to your entire experience. It contains all your information and workout history -- your height, weight, strength, pace, reps, sets and even your biological age -- all controlled by Genius. Since it was my first time here, I was guided by General Manager Miguel Alvino, who emphasized, "We are super people-driven. The tech is just here to assist us." Alvino demonstrates how the wristband connects to the fitness hub. Anna Gragert/CNET In other words, it's not like your average gym where you can sign up and immediately begin working out on the machines. It involves teaching members how to use the machinery, and make adjustments. Fred Fitness has received negative feedback for taking away trainers' jobs with its AI tech, but even in the short time I was there, I saw several staff members walking around to offer members assistance. The Fred Fitness fitness assessment Every member starts with a fitness assessment, during which they learn their biological age. It takes about an hour. The equipment for this process is in its own section and contains an InBody body composition analyzer, EGYM chest press, leg press and two fitness hubs, where all the onboarding happens. You simply tap your wristband on the fitness hub, log in and answer questions about your birthdate, gym training experience, areas of the body you want to focus on, injuries and any pieces of exercise equipment you want to avoid. You also choose your main fitness goal out of the options general fitness, body toning, rehab, athletic, weight loss or muscle building. Each goal shows the different percentages the machine will use to create your workout. General fitness, the one I chose, is composed of 40% strength, 40% cardio and 20% mobility and flexibility. I then stepped back on a gray EGYM mat and the camera turned on to measure my height. It was spot on. I took my shoes and socks off to step on the InBody body composition analyzer. It recorded my weight and then I was instructed to grab onto the machine's arms so it could scan the rest of my body. Anna using the InBody body composition analyzer. Anna Gragert/CNET The fitness hub allows you to choose whether or not to see your body composition stats, such as your metabolic rate, muscle mass and fat mass for each arm and leg. Either way, it shows your biological age, so you know where you're starting. Alvino mentioned that you can retake your assessment. He often advises members to come back first thing in the morning when fasting to take the test for more accurate results. Next, I stepped back on the EGYM mat, was handed a wooden pole and began the flexibility test. The fitness hub demonstrated different stretches it wanted me to hold with the pole for balance and then used its camera to measure the degree of my flexibility. I struggled to follow the machine here, and occasionally the camera was unable to recognize my purple sneakers, so I appreciated that Alvino was there. Eventually, I had to remove my sneakers, and the camera was better able to identify my bright white socks. I could also understand why members would want the option to retake the test after they are used to the machinery. Anna taking the flexibility test. Anna Gragert/CNET Next, I took the strength test, which involved logging into chest and leg press machines with my wristband so the equipment could have my information. All equipment runs on gamification software, which Alvino compared to Pac-Man. Essentially, after a tutorial, you push and pull the machine to make a circle go up or down along a path where you can collect coins on the screen. At certain points, the machine would remind me to breathe out. I enjoyed this aspect of it, since I didn't feel like I was working out, and I was still able to focus on what I was doing. Anna tests her strength on the leg press. Anna Gragert/CNET Each machine currently has four different training modes: regular, negative, eccentric and concentric. Because the machines are electric, they can maximize your muscle contractions by providing resistance. As I got set up at the different machines, Alvino adjusted them for my arm and leg length but mentioned that an "extremity update" would soon be coming that would have the machines measure your limbs and adjust for this automatically. Though a trainer will still be there to make sure it's the right fit, this should decrease the amount of physical adjustments they have to make. At this point, I realized how crucial Alvino's presence was during this test and asked if members typically do it by themselves with the machine as their only guide. "Originally, that was the idea of how it worked. Early on, we learned that was never going to be a thing," he said. "We've shifted even more so that original idea to now you can see [trainers] walking around and we are fully staffed at all times. That's because we want to make sure we have human people available and trainers on staff." Next was my final test -- the cardio test. Fred Fitness uses new Matrix treadmills that were launched at the end of 2024. These machines allow you to log into Netflix, Spotify and more. You also only have to do so once because your wristband saves all that info for you. The treadmills also use a gamification system, in which you have to keep pace so that a ball moves along a corridor on your screen. During the test, it asks you every 60 seconds what your fatigue level is, and once you hit nine, the workout will stop. You can also pause at any time. Anna taking the cardio test. Anna Gragert/CNET This was another part of the test when I was glad to have a human guide. When the treadmill picked up the pace faster than I expected, I wanted it to pause, but had trouble pressing on the touchscreen. Then, the faster it went, the more trouble I had because I was focused on running and not falling over. Eventually, Alvino had to come over to stop the machine for me. The Genius AI workout plan Between the cardio, strength and flexibility tests, the fitness hub was able to show me my biological age for each category, which gave me a good idea of what I have to work on. Then, Genius uses these metrics to generate a workout plan, which you can access on the Fred Fitness app. All of this is included in the membership, which is $150 per month. There are no hidden fees -- the only add-on is an extra $15 per month charge if you'd like the gym to provide you with towels for showering. Alvino showing us his Genius workout plan on the Fred Fitness app. Anna Gragert/CNET If you don't like the workout plan Genius creates, you can re-order the exercises or do "individual" mode instead, treating it like a normal gym where you do whatever you want. As part of the membership, you can also sit down with one of the Fred Fitness personal trainers, who can use the Genius plan as a base, but then further customize the whole plan so that you'll enjoy it more. Trainers can also upload their own workouts into the app, for which there are options you can do at home or when traveling. Once you're done with your fitness assessment and have your plan, you're free to use the entire gym. In addition to the machines in the general "open mode" area, there is a circuit training area where you can do a full-body workout in 40 minutes, a "game day" area where members can compete to get their name on a leader board and win a prize (this month, it's a $300 InBody smart scale), a cardio deck, specialty machines and dumbbells. The Fred Fitness "game day" area and leaderboard. Anna Gragert/CNET Interestingly, downstairs, there is an "analog room" where they keep the AI tech out. Here, you can find Hyperice massage guns, a cable system, ZeroWheels (which Alvino dubbed "the ab rollers of the future"), yoga mats and foam rollers. Upstairs, there are locker rooms complete with Dyson Airwraps and hand dryers, so tech is omnipresent in the gym. The analog room. Anna Gragert/CNET The future of fitness -- and Fred Fitness "We've learned a lot with this one. When we opened, we had no dumbbells. We had no cable system. We're just paying attention," said Alvino. "We'll probably never be that gym that has a sauna or cold plunge. We want to stay focused on what we're really good at and let the people who are really good at that stuff do that stuff." However, Fred Fitness does recognize that some members want those other amenities, so on its app, it offers discounts to businesses that offer cold plunges, saunas, healthy meals, supplements and more. One of the most surprising aspects of the gym is that, other than the energetic workout music, it's relatively quiet. There is no clinking or clanking machinery -- just a peaceful hum. As someone who is sensitive to loud sounds and can experience sensory sensitivity when overstimulated, I could see myself enjoying workouts here. A view of the machine floors. Anna Gragert/CNET Since fully opening on Feb. 15, Fred Fitness has about 600 members. Within nine months to a year, Fred Fitness plans to open a new location in Culver City, California. As if on cue, when I walked out of the gym, a self-driving car was parked outside. While I watched it drive off, I asked myself: Is an AI-powered gym something I would sign up for? If I could afford the $150 per month membership and it was in my area, I would. I like the AI-driven training that personalizes your workouts and adapts each machine to your plan, but most importantly, I appreciate that there are personal trainers there who can correct your form. I would say that this gym would be great for someone who doesn't want human contact when they work out, but I do think that personal touch (literally) is still essential -- at least for now.
CNET
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
I Tried the First Full-Scale, AI-Powered Gym: Is It the Future of Fitness?
When you walk into Santa Monica's newly opened Fred Fitness, you wouldn't think, "This place runs on AI." The space is open and welcoming, with warm wood beams, plant life scattered throughout, a comfy couch, window seating and even a community table where members can work between workouts. But as you venture further into the space, that's when you see it's filled with AI-powered machines and fitness tech designed to maximize your fitness journey. Even on the window seats that look out onto the sidewalk, all members have access to Therabody JetBoots for compression, vibration and red light therapy to boost recovery. And behind the front desk -- where, yes, there are people to help you -- there's a Therabody massage gun. Anna trying the Therabody JetBoots. Anna Gragert/CNET I was intrigued. As a wellness expert who pays close attention to whether new technology and trends can actually benefit our health, I aimed to find out if Fred Fitness, the first full-scale AI gym, could potentially be the way of the future. How does Fred Fitness work? Fred Fitness was officially launched in mid-February by CEO Andre Enzensberger, whose brother Alfred founded the Clever Fit gym franchise in Germany. To break into the US market with a unique concept, Alfred teamed up with smart fitness technology company EGYM, which created Genius, an AI that generates training plans. Fred Fitness is now the first full-scale EGYM. It all starts on your wrist, with a green band that is the key to your entire experience. It contains all your information and workout history -- your height, weight, strength, pace, reps, sets and even your biological age -- all controlled by Genius. Since it was my first time here, I was guided by General Manager Miguel Alvino, who emphasized, "We are super people-driven. The tech is just here to assist us." Alvino demonstrates how the wristband connects to the fitness hub. Anna Gragert/CNET In other words, it's not like your average gym where you can sign up and immediately begin working out on the machines. It involves teaching members how to use the machinery, and make adjustments. Fred Fitness has received negative feedback for taking away trainers' jobs with its AI tech, but even in the short time I was there, I saw several staff members walking around to offer members assistance. The Fred Fitness fitness assessment Every member starts with a fitness assessment, during which they learn their biological age. It takes about an hour. The equipment for this process is in its own section and contains an InBody body composition analyzer, EGYM chest press, leg press and two fitness hubs, where all the onboarding happens. You simply tap your wristband on the fitness hub, log in and answer questions about your birthdate, gym training experience, areas of the body you want to focus on, injuries and any pieces of exercise equipment you want to avoid. You also choose your main fitness goal out of the options general fitness, body toning, rehab, athletic, weight loss or muscle building. Each goal shows the different percentages the machine will use to create your workout. General fitness, the one I chose, is composed of 40% strength, 40% cardio and 20% mobility and flexibility. I then stepped back on a gray EGYM mat and the camera turned on to measure my height. It was spot on. I took my shoes and socks off to step on the InBody body composition analyzer. It recorded my weight and then I was instructed to grab onto the machine's arms so it could scan the rest of my body. Anna using the InBody body composition analyzer. Anna Gragert/CNET The fitness hub allows you to choose whether or not to see your body composition stats, such as your metabolic rate, muscle mass and fat mass for each arm and leg. Either way, it shows your biological age, so you know where you're starting. Alvino mentioned that you can retake your assessment. He often advises members to come back first thing in the morning when fasting to take the test for more accurate results. Next, I stepped back on the EGYM mat, was handed a wooden pole and began the flexibility test. The fitness hub demonstrated different stretches it wanted me to hold with the pole for balance and then used its camera to measure the degree of my flexibility. I struggled to follow the machine here, and occasionally the camera was unable to recognize my purple sneakers, so I appreciated that Alvino was there. Eventually, I had to remove my sneakers, and the camera was better able to identify my bright white socks. I could also understand why members would want the option to re-take the test after they are used to the machinery. Anna taking the flexibility test. Anna Gragert/CNET Next, I took the strength test, which involved logging into chest and leg press machines with my wristband so the equipment could have my information. All equipment runs on gamification software, which Alvino compared to Pac-Man. Essentially, after a tutorial, you push and pull the machine to make a circle go up or down along a path where you can collect coins on the screen. At certain points, the machine would remind me to breathe out. I enjoyed this aspect of it, since I didn't feel like I was working out, and I was still able to focus on what I was doing. Anna continuing the strength test on the leg press. Anna Gragert/CNET Each machine currently has four different training modes: regular, negative, eccentric and concentric. Because the machines are electric, they can maximize your muscle contractions by providing resistance. As I got set up at the different machines, Alvino adjusted them for my arm and leg length but mentioned that an "extremity update" would soon be coming that would have the machines measure your limbs and adjust for this automatically. Though a trainer will still be there to make sure it's the right fit, this should decrease the amount of physical adjustments they have to make. At this point, I realized how crucial Alvino's presence was during this test and asked if members typically do it by themselves with the machine as their only guide. "Originally, that was the idea of how it worked. Early on, we learned that was never going to be a thing," he said. "We've shifted even more so that original idea to now you can see [trainers] walking around and we are fully staffed at all times. That's because we want to make sure we have human people available and trainers on staff." Next was my final test -- the cardio test. Fred Fitness uses new Matrix treadmills that were launched at the end of 2024. These machines allow you to log into Netflix, Spotify and more. You also only have to do so once because your wristband saves all that info for you. The treadmills also use a gamification system, in which you have to keep pace so that a ball moves along a corridor on your screen. During the test, it asks you every 60 seconds what your fatigue level is, and once you hit nine, the workout will stop. You can also pause at any time. Anna taking the cardio test. Anna Gragert/CNET This was another part of the test when I was glad to have a human guide. When the treadmill picked up the pace faster than I expected, I wanted it to pause, but had trouble pressing on the touchscreen. Then, the faster it went, the more trouble I had because I was focused on running and not falling over. Eventually, Alvino had to come over to stop the machine for me. The Genius AI workout plan Between the cardio, strength and flexibility tests, the fitness hub was able to show me my biological age for each category, which gave me a good idea of what I have to work on. Then, Genius uses these metrics to generate a workout plan, which you can access on the Fred Fitness app. All of this is included in the membership, which is $150/month. There are no hidden fees -- the only add-on is an extra $15/month charge if you'd like the gym to provide you with towels for showering. Alvino showing us his Genius workout plan on the Fred Fitness app. Anna Gragert/CNET If you don't like the workout plan Genius creates, you can re-order the exercises or do "individual" mode instead, treating it like a normal gym where you do whatever you want. As part of the membership, you can also sit down with one of the Fred Fitness personal trainers, who can use the Genius plan as a base, but then further customize the whole plan so that you'll enjoy it more. Trainers can also upload their own workouts into the app, for which there are options you can do at home or when traveling. Once you're done with your fitness assessment and have your plan, you're free to use the entire gym. In addition to the machines in the general "open mode" area, there is a circuit training area where you can do a full-body workout in 40 minutes, a "game day" area where members can compete to get their name on a leader board and win a prize (this month, it's a $300 InBody smart scale), a cardio deck, specialty machines and dumbbells. The Fred Fitness "game day" area and leaderboard. Anna Gragert/CNET Interestingly, downstairs, there is an "analog room" where they keep the AI tech out. Here, you can find Hyperice massage guns, a cable system, ZeroWheels (which Alvino dubbed "the ab rollers of the future"), yoga mats and foam rollers. Upstairs, there are locker rooms complete with Dyson Airwraps and hand dryers, so tech is omnipresent in the gym. The analog room. Anna Gragert/CNET The future of fitness -- and Fred Fitness "We've learned a lot with this one. When we opened, we had no dumbbells. We had no cable system. We're just paying attention," said Alvino. "We'll probably never be that gym that has a sauna or cold plunge. We want to stay focused on what we're really good at and let the people who are really good at that stuff do that stuff." However, Fred Fitness does recognize that some members want those other amenities, so on its app, it offers discounts to businesses that offer cold plunges, saunas, healthy meals, supplements and more. One of the most surprising aspects of the gym is that, other than the energetic workout music, it's relatively quiet. There is no clinking or clanking machinery -- just a peaceful hum. As someone who is sensitive to loud sounds and can experience sensory sensitivity when overstimulated, I could see myself enjoying workouts here. A view of the machine floors. Anna Gragert/CNET Since fully opening on Feb. 15, Fred Fitness has about 600 members. Within nine months to a year, Fred Fitness plans to open a new location in Culver City, Los Angeles. As if on cue, when I walked out of the gym, a self-driving car was parked outside. While I watched it drive off, I asked myself: Is an AI-powered gym something I would sign up for? If I could afford the $150/month membership and it was in my area, I would. I like the AI-driven training that personalizes your workouts and adapts each machine to your plan, but most importantly, I appreciate that there are personal trainers there who can correct your form. I would say that this gym would be great for someone who doesn't want human contact when they work out, but I do think that personal touch (literally) is still essential -- at least for now.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ABC and EGYM join forces to expand market reach and bring smarter, personalized fitness experiences to more gyms worldwide
ABC Fitness and EGYM Dallas, Texas, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABC Fitness, a global leader in fitness technology management software, today announced a new partnership with EGYM, a leading provider of smart fitness solutions. This collaboration will integrate EGYM workout tracking and analysis technology as the exclusive workout tracking and analysis technology across ABC Fitness' Trainerize, Ignite, and Glofox platforms. In turn, EGYM will position ABC Fitness as the sole preferred member management system within the global fitness market, expanding ABC Fitness' reach across Europe and the Middle East. By integrating their best-in-class technologies, the partnership will drive innovation, expand market reach, and deliver AI-powered solutions that enhance the member experience, empowering fitness operators to build more connected memberships. 'Our collaboration with EGYM is an important path to redefine the entire landscape of fitness tech to deliver a differentiated personalized member experience and unlocking even more personalization for fitness operators and members alike,' said Mohammed Iqbal, Chief Strategy Officer, ABC Fitness. 'By combining our strengths, we are not only broadening our global opportunities but also creating a holistic, integrated member experience that brings together training, tracking, and management in a new way.' ABC Fitness will integrate EGYM workout and analysis tracking into its mobile app solutions, which will include connecting to EGYM's BioAge, a metric that determines a user's fitness age in terms of strength, flexibility, metabolism and endurance. Additionally, EGYM allows ABC Fitness customers to map their gym equipment, enabling the creation of hyper personalized workouts based on available machines. A proof-of-concept will be released and showcased at the FIBO Annual Conference in April 2025, with general availability expected later this year. 'Our partnership with ABC Fitness will help bring our smart fitness solutions to a broader audience, expanding the types of data and services that gyms and studios can offer their members,' said John Ford, CPO, EGYM. 'This collaboration aligns with our vision to bridge the gap between expert exercise products and everyday fitness enthusiasts, ensuring that every workout is effective, engaging, and data-driven.' According to ABC Fitness' Q1 2025 Wellness Watch Report, 31% of consumers have used virtual fitness trainers or workout generators. This partnership enables gyms and studios to transform their mobile apps into comprehensive health and fitness tools for their members, enhancing member engagement, delivering greater value, and generating deeper data insights, which supports growth and retention. More details on this partnership will be available in the coming weeks. About ABC Fitness ABC Fitness is the number one technology provider for fitness businesses everywhere. Simplifying club and member management for 40+ years via scalable solutions, ABC Fitness' innovations transform fitness visions into seamless reality. From personal trainers, boutique studios, and gyms, to international franchise health clubs, ABC Fitness provides the technology and industry insights needed to move your business forward. ABC Fitness currently supports more than 40 million members and 30K+ fitness businesses globally, processing over $12 billion in payments every year. Learn more at About EGYM EGYM is a global leader in fitness technology and corporate wellness with the vision of transforming healthcare from repair to prevention. EGYM Wellpass partners with companies to improve employee health by providing access to fitness and health facilities and EGYM Technology equips those facilities with smart gym equipment and digital solutions to offer an AI-driven workout experience for people of all skill levels. Corporates benefit from reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity, while clubs gain a growing, engaged membership base. Attachment ABC Fitness and EGYM CONTACT: Hilary Strath ABC Fitness 6042181958 press@ in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
03-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Kolter Homes Announces 50% Sold Milestone for Cresswind Wesley Chapel, an Active Adult Community in the Greater Charlotte Area
Kolter Homes MONROE, NORTH CAROLINA / ACCESS Newswire / March 3, 2025 / Kolter Homes is pleased to announce that Cresswind Wesley Chapel, a premier 55+ active adult community in Monroe, NC, has reached the significant milestone of being 50% sold. This achievement highlights the community's appeal and the strong demand for quality homes and an active lifestyle in the Greater Charlotte Model Home Cresswind Wesley Chapel offers new homes designed specifically for active adults, with options ranging from 2- to 5-bedroom floor plans. The community is part of Kolter Homes' award-winning lifestyle program, 'Set Yourself FREE,' which is built on the cornerstones of Fitness, Relationships, Education, and Entertainment. This program provides residents with a vibrant array of events and clubs, fostering a sense of community and engagement. One of the standout features of Cresswind Wesley Chapel is the Cresswind SmartFit Training Center, which is equipped with the EGYM training system. This state-of-the-art fitness technology offers personalized workout programs tailored to individual fitness levels and goals, ensuring that residents have access to the best health and wellness resources. For those seeking the convenience of moving into a new construction home, Cresswind Wesley Chapel offers a selection of move-in ready homes. These homes come with fixtures and finishes selected by design professionals, providing a seamless and stylish living experience. Josh Donovan, the Community Director at Cresswind Wesley Chapel, reflects on the past year and the community's progress: 'Reaching the halfway mark in our sales is a testament to the unique lifestyle and quality of homes we offer at Cresswind Wesley Chapel. Over the past year, we've seen our residents thrive and build meaningful connections through our lifestyle program. We're excited to continue welcoming new homeowners and expanding our vibrant community.' Cresswind Wesley Chapel's location in the Greater Charlotte Area provides residents with easy access to a variety of amenities and attractions, making it an ideal place for active adults to call home. The community's thoughtful design and comprehensive lifestyle program ensure that residents can enjoy a fulfilling and active retirement. As Cresswind Wesley Chapel continues to grow, Kolter Homes, a leading home builder, remains committed to delivering exceptional new construction homes in NC and an unparalleled living experience. The community's success is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the entire Kolter Homes team. The Kolter Group LLC (together with its affiliates, 'Kolter'), based in Delray Beach, Florida, is a private investment firm focused on real estate development and investment. Led by CEO Robert 'Bobby' Julien, Kolter operates four residential development business units and has sponsored over $29 billion of realized and in-process residential real estate projects throughout the southeastern United States (including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee). Kolter has completed 99 residential projects, delivering over 27,800 units Kolter has current investments in 91 residential projects expected to deliver a total of over 65,500 units Kolter Homes LLC (together with its affiliates, 'Kolter Homes'), is focused on the development, construction, and sale of 500-1,500 for-sale single-family units, often as Cresswind-branded, age-restricted, amenity-rich master-planned communities, with additional focus on smaller, traditional and age-targeted add-on communities of 100-500 homes. Kolter Homes has sponsored over $16 billion of realized and in-process real estate projects throughout the southeastern United States. Contact InformationJohn Manrique SVP Marketing 561-515-4450
