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Biomechanics

When human motion and machine become one.

A lot goes into perfecting the way Life Fitness products feel. In fact, we have a Biomechanics Team whose sole focus is just that: studying how exercisers move and interact with the machines we design. We’re the only fitness equipment manufacturer with an in-house biomechanics department of this kind. It’s the most sought-after group guided strictly by the power of motion science and a healthy conscience. Here are some reasons why these experts never use the term "biomechanically-correct" lightly.

How do exercisers move naturally?

The team begins by analyzing what happens when the human body is in motion during certain activities such as running. For instance, how high does the average runner lift their knees with every stride? How much are they enlisting their calf muscles? Where do their arms hang or swing while in motion? Endless questions are raised to get to the heart of how people move during all types of activities – walking, riding a bicycle, going up a staircase, lifting everyday objects, making a football tackle, swinging a golf club, you name it. It’s all done so that when the machine starts to take shape, it’s built around the user, not the other way around.

How do exercisers interact with each machine?

Once a working prototype is built, it’s time to analyze how different exercisers use every function, every setting, and every speed. These analyses take many forms and involve asking many questions that will eventually guide the rest of the product development process. Where and how hard are the user’s feet striking the treadmill platform? Can their arms easily reach the console display? Are the Cross-Trainer user’s wrists in the most natural position on the handlebars?

The final proof is in the feel.

Try any Life Fitness product and you’ll experience all the reasons why we invest more time and effort in biomechanics research than any other fitness equipment manufacturer. You’ll instantly notice how every machine is uniquely designed to ensure your comfort and safety. In the end, every stride, every ride, every rep, and every step feels as natural as the moves you make throughout your daily life.

Life Fitness Biomechanics 101

What muscle groups are used?
Electromyogram Studies (EMG) measures the muscle activity in order to understand which specific muscles are activated during each type of exercise.

Does it feel natural?
Kinematic Analysis tells us if the equipment analyzed provides the correct movements, body positions, and ranges of motion needed to accommodate exercisers of varying sizes.

Does it feel comfortable and safe?
Force Studies help us reduce the amount of impact and pressure exercisers are subjected to at all interface points on a product – pedals, grips, seats, etc.

How much energy is used?
VO2 Max Studies quantify the submaximal and maximal amounts of energy an exerciser expends while using the product at varying speeds, inclines, resistance levels, and different heart rate levels.

Julie Daly Interview
Senior Biomechanical Engineer

LF Case Study #82:

The Cross-Trainer’s Ellipse

Using the Kinematic Analysis System, the Biomechanics Team started by studying the most natural motion in existence – the human body in running form. Many runners of varying sizes and stride lengths were analyzed. To do this, reflective markers were placed on the subject’s upper- and lower-body joints to record and analyze the motion of their limbs, alignment of their joints and overall body positioning. It’s a study that aided in designing an ellipse that mirrors natural human motion.

LF Case Study #36:

The Comfort Curve™ Seat

With wireless Force Analysis, the Biomechanics Team was able to focus on the areas of the Lifecycle bike seat that needed to withstand various amounts of pressure – from light to heavy loads, based on exerciser weight. Further research helped the team compile and break down seat pressure point data into four distinct quadrants. The result is the industry’s most comfortable seat regardless of how long you sit, how much you weigh, and how long you ride.