DISQUS

VentureBeat: Expresso pulls in $14M for interactive cardio equipment

  • JohnLoGioco · 11 months ago
    Great idea here. Given the lackluster performances put on by gym goers who are lulled into a routine while watching CNN, this is an upgrade.

    What I would suggest is an iphone/mobile app that you can input into the machine so you can take your "experience" on the go. This would allow for greater personalization and even the opportunity to push relevant content back out to the user if they opt in.
  • cindyalvarez · 11 months ago
    So far, the execution is lacking. My gym has a couple of these for evaluation, and the interface for setting up your "ride" is clunky and slow (and for some reason, the displays sometimes seems to get 'stuck' displaying in German.)

    But if they can clean up the user experience so that setting up your "ride" is as easy as setting up your program on the treadmill, it has the potential to be a great upgrade for gyms.
  • Alex · 5 months ago
    Rode one of these for 9 miles on "wicked workout" settings and nearly died. As a 22 year old in good shape, but not admitted cycling enthuisiast, this concept is great. It motivates you to go faster than you would otherwise because it has a pace setting. Try one at a gym and see how that works out if you are contemplating buying, but so far, it seems great.
    The realism is also pretty good. I bicycle to work every day about 2 miles and I think the inclines keep resistance fairly realistic; however you might kill yourself on some of the most difficult routes: my heart rate averaged 176 over the 45 minute route!