Friday 16th November 2007
In September 2007, the Inclusive Fitness Initiative welcomed a new addition to their team!
Christopher Forrest began the role of IFI Audio Feedback Researcher / Designer to research the use of Audio Feedback within the fitness industry, and specifically fitness equipment consoles. The IFI are currently undertaking a major research project into Audio Feedback and the ways it could be incorporated into gym equipment. The intention of the project is to make fitness equipment more inclusive and easy to use for people with and without impairments, although particularly making it more accessible to people with sensory impairments. The project has been initiated following large amounts of feedback from disabled users during IFI Accreditation Sessions about the lack of audio feedback on fitness products and the benefits audio feedback could bring.
Christopher graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in November 2006 with a first class honours degree in Sports Equipment Development. During his final year at university, he received the Harrod UK prize for Excellence in Sports Engineering for his final year project. Christopher has previously worked for Sheffield Hallam University on a number of consultancy projects within the sports industry. One project undertaken for Which? Magazine involved the technical testing of 15 household treadmills currently on the market against BS EN957 safety standards.
The purpose of Christopher’s role and the equipment project is to make sure that everyone can benefit from all the features of fitness equipment. Currently the IFI have produced a set of Equipment Standards (Stage 2), which must be followed by suppliers if they wish to have their equipment recognised as ‘IFI Accredited’. This accreditation gives manufacturers the opportunity submit tenders for IFI Accredited equipment to all facilities, including Local Authorities, Private Leisure Clubs and IFI Accredited sites. IFI Accreditation recognises that the equipment has inclusive features which will benefit disabled and non-disabled users. The current Stage 2 Equipment Standards are in operation until 2010, then to be replaced by the Stage 3 Standards which will introduce detailed requirements for audio feedback.
The IFI’s Audio Feedback project will look into all aspects of integrating audio into gym equipment, making the workout safer, easier and more productive for users. The project will involve detailed research, design and prototyping of different audio solutions for typical fitness products such as treadmills and bikes. Findings of the research will be shared with the IFI Research Associate Suppliers who can then implement the gathered information to develop more accessible equipment.
o Equipment that gives confidence to the user increases health and safety in the gym environment.
o Audio feedback can be used as a unique selling point for equipment manufacturers, differentiating their fitness products from their competitors.
If you are interested in becoming involved in the IFI Audio project or would like further information on any aspect of the IFI, please contact the IFI Office on 0114 257 2060 (Textphone users add prefix 180001 for Typetalk) or email christopher@inclusivefitness.org
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