Seeks to Advance Collection of Real-Time Wellness Data Through Creation of Interoperability Standards for Technology-Based Exercise Devices
SHELTON, CT, July 17, 2012 – FitLinxx, a provider of health and wellness technology that motivates people to live actively and improve their well-being, today announced that Thomas Blackadar, chief technology officer, has been elected to the Fitness Industry Technology Council (FIT-C) Board of Directors, which was formed earlier in 2012.
FIT-C was established as a non-profit membership organization focused on growing the fitness industry, improving the fitness user experience and maturing the collection of real-time wellness data through the creation of interoperability standards for technology-based fitness devices.
With this leadership position within the FIT-C, FitLinxx now participates in four associations committed to fitness and wellness programs and to the development of healthier lives, including Continua Health Alliance, Fitness Industry Association, IHRSA and FIT-C.
The members of FIT-C are working to build or improve several important technology standards for the fitness industry. Among initial work areas are the following:
- Calorie Consumption: FIT-C is working to build standards around the way that calorie burn rates are measured so that they are consistent across all makes and models of fitness equipment. Doing so will enable more consistent results for users who use different fitness equipment for their workouts. These standards will also support the efforts of the wellness community to trust the calorie consumption data provided by fitness machines.
- CSAFE: CSAFE is a communications protocol developed by FitLinxx and the industry more than 10 years ago that supports communications between various types of networked fitness equipment. FIT-C plans to update this protocol to better support modern communications practices, particularly the intersection between fitness machines and other consumer electronics.
According to Blackadar, “FitLinxx has been focused on extracting and making exercise data accessible and informative since the company’s inception. Tracking exercise performance interactively can help participants get better results and stay motivated to adhere to their programs. With FIT-C, we can work as an industry so organizations can help people obtain more and better health and wellness results. We are excited to work as part of FIT-C so that consumers garner value from data, including employer incentive programs, gaming and social networking. The goal is to provide the fitness industry with updated standards and technology.”
FitLinxx offers an exercise workout tracking system called FitLinxx Professional that attaches directly to fitness equipment, adding an extraordinary “intelligent” dimension to the workout experience. The system guides members through their program and provides interactive feedback that helps them adopt exercise habits to achieve their health, wellness and fitness goals. By offering members a more engaging workout experience, fitness facilities attract new members, increase referrals and promote fitness adherence.
About FitLinxx
FitLinxx develops patented health and wellness technology that motivates people to live actively and improve their well-being. Sold exclusively through partners to businesses, its wireless activity monitors, health devices and software make it easy for people to accurately track and measure daily activity levels and health indicators like weight and blood pressure. In addition, its fitness facility solution helps members adopt exercise habits that achieve health, wellness and fitness goals.
Using FitLinxx technology, the company’s global partners have created customized fun and engaging programs that help people begin and maintain active and healthy lifestyles. Employers benefit by lowering their healthcare costs, increasing worker productivity and improving overall employee health. FitLinxx is unique in accurately tracking all-day activities in an end-to-end wireless solution. The company’s network of fitness facilities and more than 50 partners has helped more than four million people experience the benefits of FitLinxx offerings.
