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New gym technology turning resolutions into a lifestyle

Posted at 6:45 AM, Jan 04, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-04 06:45:29-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Getting off the couch and exercising is one of the number one resolutions for 2015. Allegro Coaching, a local gym in Eastown, is revolutionizing the way people workout.

Exclusively at Allegro Coaching, "MYZONE" is a personalized bio-metrics belt that gives an edge to athletes in the gym, broadcasting a live look at your workout on a TV.

Allegro Coaching General Manager, Amanda Blackburn, said the belt fits discretely under your shirt and strapped around the lower chest.

“You get to record in live time everything that you’re burning, your heart rate, what training zone you’re in, and how many calories you're burning,” Blackburn said.

Members agree MYZONE has changed everything about their trips to the gym.

“I've only had the my zone for probably a month and a half now,” said Allegro Member Jeff Kemperman. “My workouts are ten times harder. You think you're working hard but then you look up at the screen and it doesn't reflect it in the numbers. It's like I have to push it a little bit harder than I was."

It uses the iCloud to record performances from every workout, making it great for going back to compare past workouts. It can even be used outside the studio.

“They can go online look at their profile,” Blackburn said. “They have charts and graphs of how hard they were working. It has a calendar and logs every day’s activity.”

But if you want get in on the fun, you’re going to have to wait. Allegro only allows 20 members per class and there’s a waiting list.

If you’re not into other people tracking your gym performance you can take your workout to G-Force fitness. Saturday, G-Force offered free classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“People are very intimidated when working out cause everyone is watching,” said G-Force Co-Owner, Melissa Cramer. “We try to get rid of that so they're not apprehensive to come in here and get fit.”

G-Force is the only gym in West Michigan to offer flying yoga, focusing primarily on Les Mills choreographed classes.

A lot of people have that idea they need to be in shape before they come to the gym,” Cramer said. “So we try and squash that cause everybody's normal here.”

If you’re looking to turn your resolution into a lifestyle, Cramer encourages you to write down your goal.

“A lot of people will only think of it in their head and it's still a dream,” Cramer said.

Cramer added, if you write it down and schedule it in your calendar, you’re more inclined to stay committed to your plan.