Just about a year ago, I was introduced to two people that had been working on a technology product in the fitness industry. We were in my office and they held in their hand what looked like a sleeve and an IPhone.
With a closer look they showed me censors built into the sleeve with the ability to detect muscle activity called EMG or electromyography.
Being the fitness nerd that I am, I knew exactly what this was and more importantly I realized the potential this can have.
I got very excited. In fact I went home that night and I couldn’t sleep. I told Chelsea that we need to keep a close eye on this. I kept thinking of how this can be applied at Free Form Fitness. This could impact runners, cyclist and everyday people who want the best out of their workout.
At Free Form Fitness we could compare exercises on the spot getting real time feedback on exercise selection, exercises per muscle group and feedback as to their fiber type per muscle. It would be great for rehabilitation, preventing injuries and improving performance for those that want to get fit.
Don’t think this isn’t my first look at a fitness technology either. I make it a point to stay up to date with what is going on in the fitness technology space. Over the recent years there has been great advancement in apps and products like the Fitbit but nothing has impressed me too much.
I also looked at other products the average person would probably think are similar to this one but the biosignals are all wrong. Take for example a shirt that tracts movement or a band that is attached to a forearm that claims to tell you how much you lift on a press. These are are not accurate.
Up until now EMG or electromyography equipment was mostly reserved for the scientists in the lab. Everything I would research about EMG for the past 18 years came from books that scientist wrote like Muscle Alive (at $180) or Stuart McGill who famously wrote the book Lower back disorder who tested muscles function using EMG. That information saved many backs from being injured.
Anyway, the band is called “LEO” and has recently launched an Indiegogo campaign offering a 30-40% discount here. Take advantage, I know we did.
