PRESS RELEASE MARCH 2010
For immediate release 

Get fit the luxurious way

Exercising is often considered a chore as the ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality is still followed by many who do it and who teach it.  This spring however a brand new at-home fitness concept is being launched in the UK which promises a luxurious alternative to traditional fitness routines.

WebRacing™ machines – choose from a Nordic skier, treadmill, rower or bike – connect to your home computer allowing you to view yourself as an avatar on the screen racing wherever your heart desires.    This may be cycling along the beautiful Alpe D’Huez course, rowing down a tranquil Thames, or taking part in the world famous Boston marathon.  You are in control of your fitness experience and can even choose the colour of your outfit!

Exercising in these exotic and picturesque locations undeniably adds an element of luxury to a workout but there is also a more serious reason for adopting a fitness routine which is both enjoyable and decadent.  MD of UK WebRacing™, Duncan Lawson, explains more,

“Failing to enjoy your chosen form of exercise is the single biggest reason for giving up on your fitness routine.  It is vital that you pick an activity which keeps you interested and motivated otherwise failure is inevitable.”

Why should we be made to feel guilty about finding a form of exercise which does not follow the no pain no gain school of thought?  Research shows that we shouldn’t as 86% of people who have tried WebRacing™ prefer it to their usual workout, and that repeat usage stands at over 90%.  Those who try WebRacing™ are therefore much more likely to stick to it and reap the health and fitness rewards it brings, certainly more than those who prefer to follow a routine they dread.

WebRacing™ will be available for home use from April 2010 with prices starting at £500.  www.webracing.co.uk.

- Ends -

Word count: 311

PRESS RELEASE / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY MARCH 17TH 2010, 10AM – 4PM
For immediate release

The latest interactive fitness technology demonstrated by UK’s top companies

On 17^th March Frogmore Leisure Centre on Potley Hill Road, Yately, will play host to the future of fitness technology as the UK’s top industry pioneers gather together for the first time ever to showcase their newest and most dynamic interactive fitness products.

The show gives the fitness industry a unique opportunity to see how, by incorporating the motivational factor and brain engagement into their routine, people are far more likely to achieve their fitness goals – a factor which has been overlooked in the past.

Traditional cardio machines do little to involve the user in the workout.   The new technology to be showcased at Frogmore engages the user by connecting them via the web to like-minded people all over the world, allowing them to compete on virtual courses and train together live online.

Some of the equipment on show has never been seen before, including Instyle Fitness’ range of WebRacing™ machines, available on the market from March. 

WebRacing™ combines high-action gaming with a motivational cardio workout.  The machines (Nordic skier, treadmill or bike) have an inbuilt screen, allowing the user to view their avatar taking part in the high paced action of their race as it unfolds.  The user can choose to take part in some of the most famous athletic events in the world from the Boston Marathon to the Sydney 2000 trial bike course!  The Nordic skier is perfect for those who are inspired by the Winter Olympics http://www.instylefitness.co.uk/-simultrainer-crosstrainer.html. 

Other fitness leaders demonstrating the latest in hi-tech gadgets include Fitness Gaming.  Their ground-breaking Cobalt Flux Dance Mats incorporate 4, 5 and 8 arrow software and can even be used with upper body routines for a higher intensity dance workout.

Experts in children’s interactive fitness gaming, Veqtor, will also be appearing at Frogmore to showcase their laser tag tactical action games, electronic climbing walls and the incredible Circuit Coach which gives positive feedback on children’s jump height, distance and speed.

 The Frogmore event is designed to demonstrate the future of fitness to leisure trusts and schools, showing how fitness technology in the 21^st century can be highly effective against child and adulthood obesity, and that boring cardio workouts should be a thing of the past.

 “These days there are more options available for fun, interactive fitness and working out on dull static machines is quickly falling out of favour” (93% of women and 90%** of men admit that they disliked exercising in the gym) says MD of Instyle Fitness, Duncan Lawson.

Duncan continues “Failing to enjoy exercise is the reason why thousands of people cancel their gym memberships every year.  In order to keep people interested leisure facilities need to invest in equipment which motivates users and offers a strong interactive element.  Centres that embrace the advancements in fitness technology will thrive and those that don’t will inevitably suffer as a result.”

- Ends -

Word count: 483

**Survey conducted on behalf of Marks and Spencer

Study reveals that 93% of women dislike the gym

Three times more people join a gym in January than at any other time of the year, but a recent survey* shows that a staggering 54% of women and 42% of men give up on their new exercise regime within the first 4 weeks.  This figure is not so surprising when it is revealed how many people feel de-motivated by working out at the gym: 93% of women and 90%** of men admit that they disliked this form of exercise regime, with half of those questioned saying it only took a matter of days for them to give up on their new year good intentions.

“Failing to enjoy your chosen form of exercise is the single biggest reason for giving up on your new fitness routine” says Duncan Lawson, MD of Instyle Fitness.  “It is vital that you pick an activity which keeps you interested and motivated otherwise failure is inevitable.”

Duncan’s company is currently pioneering WebRacing™, a revolutionary new technology which combines high-action gaming with a thoroughly effective workout.  A WebRacing™ machine (Nordic skier, treadmill or bike) connects to the internet to allow the user to compete against fellow users from all over the globe.  The user can view the action on their pc, seeing themselves as a virtual avatar racing in some of the most famous athletic events in the world from the Boston Marathon to the Sydney 2000 trial bike course.

If the element of competition doesn’t appeal, there is a ghost rider option which allows users to test themselves against their own personal best.  WebRacing™ records personal fitness data to enable users to monitor their improvements.  It ensures a fantastic workout is achieved while the presence of other participants and authentic scenery keep your mind engaged to the point that you can easily forget how hard you are actually working.

“This is great way for the family to keep fit together – adults and kids love it” says Duncan.  “Traditional exercise equipment offers no interaction or mental stimulation, whereas WebRacing™ keeps you focused and psychologically engaged, meaning you burn more calories and achieve greater muscle tone over the same period.

The presence of other riders provides a competitive and motivational element and ensures that you stay focused for longer.  In fact, research shows that 86% of users prefer this interactive addition to their workout with repeat usage standing at over 90%.”

WebRacing™ will be available for home use from April 2010 with prices starting at approximately £500.  Visit www.webracing.co.uk.

- Ends -

Word count: 428

Media contact:

If you would like to test WebRacing™ yourself or request images please contact Mark Prevett.  Interviews with Duncan can be arrange on request.

E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it         M: 07540 359840

*Survey commissioned by TOTAL 0% Greek Yoghurt
**Survey conducted on behalf of Marks and Spencer

 It’s the perfect Christmas gift for gadget lovers and the ideal kit for someone who hates exercise but wants to get fit.  The Simultrainer connects your home fitness machine (bike, cross trainer, rower or treadmill) to the internet, giving you a unique virtual WebRacing experience...

Read the full article