The 33rd annual IHRSA international convention and trade show wrapped up in San Diego last week, having run from 12-15 March, with 371 exhibitors in attendance demonstrating the latest developments in fitness equipment and technology.

Among the big names in attendance, Cybex caught the eye, unveiling its new Eagle strength line. The 12-piece kit will be available during this quarter and the focus on strength training is the result of a three-year customer-focused initiative that found it remains an integral part of consumers’ gym experience, although goals are now more diverse than a decade ago.

Eagle line’s patented Dual Axis Technology allows users to train in either pre- or user-defined patterns of motion, while the workout is complemented by instructional videos (standard and advanced) that can be accessed via QR code or mobile app, with a smartphone and tablet holder added to allow for on-machine viewing.

On the cycling front, there was innovation from Cascade Health and Fitness, which was demonstrating its CMXPRO range of indoor bikes that utilise a magnetic resistance system.

Outlining the long-term benefits of a magnetic system, company CEO John Post said: “Especially in a fitness facility, maintaining indoor group exercise bikes can be a real challenge.

“With magnetic resistance, you get an extremely smooth and quiet ride, with no moving parts for wear and tear.”

One product that caught the eye was the Wheelers' Paramill wheelchair treadmill, which made its debut at the show.

The product – designed by a paraplegic athlete – trains the relevant muscle groups of the wheeled community and is suitable for people just getting used to there wheelchair right through to para-athletes training for the Games.

Using a patented flywheel system that elevates wheels slightly above the platform, eliminating the possibility of being thrown, the treadmill can also be used in reverse, helping to prevent the effects of overdeveloped muscles due to prolonged wheelchair use.

The company says that although the product can be used at home, installing it in health clubs is likely to lead to increased footfall as it is likely to encourage other family members to come and use the gym as well.

Continuing the innovative treadmill theme was Master Spas, which showcased its range of Michael Phelps-designed RX Swim Spas. The technology will enable people to train at home or at the gym in what is effectively a swimming treadmill.

Designed for elite swimmers, the Michael Phelps RX 18 model measures nearly 18ft (5.5m) long and 8ft (2.4m) wide, with a 5ft (1.5m) depth, offering plenty of space to work with. The powerful current can be controlled to any level of workout and afterward, the 39 jets fitted into contoured seats can be set to a massage function.

In a similar vein was Endless Pools selection of counter-current swimming machines – on show to a commercial audience for the first time – whose Endless Pool Elite model was recently installed at the US Olympic Training Centre in Colorado Springs, the flagship training centre of the US.

With thousands of products on display at IHRSA, it's a tough job to keep track of them all. If you've developed an innovative product that you think we should be covering, get in touch by emailing: [email protected]