New Elevation Series Products Receive Accreditation From IFI
Life Fitness has announced that three new products have been awarded accreditation under Stage Two of the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI).
The products, which are from the company’s new Elevation TM Series, are the 95C Inclusive Upright Lifecycle® Exercise Bike, 95R Inclusive Recumbent Lifecycle Exercise Bike and the 95T Inclusive Treadmill. The Signature Series Cable Motion Inclusive Dual Adjustable Pulley has already been Stage 2 accredited by the IFI.
Life Fitness has been involved with the IFI since its inception and is committed to providing equipment that is suitable for exercisers of all abilities. Lawra Joseph, marketing manager for Life Fitness, explains: “This is the first time that our IFI accredited products will have fully integrated inclusive features. The new approach demonstrates the company’s continued dedication to the IFI and also reflects its growing importance for operators.”
The new developments to the Lifecycle Exercise Bikes and the treadmill include a new console overlay and a keypad with dome switches accented by brighter colors making it easier for people with a visual impairment to navigate the console. Modified level controls on the exercise bikes’ handlebars allow users to more easily identify and reach resistance level controls. The Lifecycles also feature a new colour for the seat height adjustment mechanism, a tactile label for the seat positions and a pedal with a heel strap. The Inclusive Upright Lifecycle and the treadmill also feature a platform to reduce the step-up height on to the machines. In addition, there are now contrast lines and a larger logo on the edge of the treadmill’s running belt to assist all exercisers identify when the belt is rotating.
The Life Fitness Signature Series Cable Motion Inclusive Dual Adjustable Pulley (D.A.P) received accreditation from the IFI earlier this year. Featuring ergonomically shaped adjustments and high- contrast tactile weight stack labels, the Inclusive Dual Adjustable Pulley makes it easier for visually impaired exercisers and people with reduced manual dexterity to make adjustments on the machine. Offering over 225 different exercise options and stability handles, the Inclusive D.A.P. provides variety and ease-of-use for all exercisers.
The IFI has been working with equipment manufacturers for over eight years to develop machines that are appropriate for all users. Disabled people are very much at the centre of the accreditation process and involved in the testing of the products, together with a panel of experts who assess and provide feedback on each one. Stage Two of the IFI Equipment Standards indicates compliance until 2010, when Stage Three will come into effect.
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