These are frustrating times for fitness fanatics who are waiting to be told they can return to gyms closed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now an island-based company says it has moved quickly to provide a new tool enabling clubs to deliver a service to their members while at home.

Myzone, based in Ridgeway Street, Douglas, said it includes the display of biometric data.

Island-based group chief financial officer Phil Whittam said this will enable clubs to remain fully engaged and also importantly generate revenue which will help them to survive the present economic conditions. He said more than 1,000 clubs worldwide have already taken advantage of the new technology.

The company says the new MZ-Remote has been designed to allow operators to stay connected with their members during the restrictions imposed by global governments during the coronavirus crisis. Integrated with the cloud-based video conferencing service Zoom, the new ’solution’ takes live streaming to the next level by allowing instructors to give real-time feedback to class participants based on the effort they put into the workout, as recorded by Myzone.

MZ-remote allows a live class to be transmitted to multiple clubs at the same time, making it suitable for both single-site and multi-site operators. The company says that the biometric data of members can be viewed on screen by the instructor as well as by class participants.

This re-creates the in-club experience, driving high levels of motivation and engagement, which is just not possible with traditional virtual broadcasting.

It means that instructors can focus on coaching form and technique, while still having insight into how each member is performing simply by looking at their heart rate data which is clearly displayed on the Myzone group tiles on screen.

At the same time, individuals working out from home can see how they are performing against their fellow participants encouraging them to push themselves and engage in some friendly competition, just as they would in a club session.

Mr Whittam, who works with an eight-strong team at the head office in the capital, told Business News: ’With MZ-Remote, operators can connect and engage with their members working out remotely in the same way as they would in a club session.

’This brings an entirely new level of engagement to the digital space giving operators a distinct advantage over other providers and enabling them to meet the needs of existing members while reaching new audiences.

’This is a vital tool for operators or personal trainers wanting to engage with their members with an enhanced online offering and will be equally valuable when restrictions ease.’

myzone.org/mz-remote