CYBEX extend partnership with Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI)

CYBEX International UK, a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, has recently had three new pieces of fitness equipment from its CYBEX 625 cardiovascular range accredited by the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI).

The three new pieces, two cycles and an Arc Trainer, form part of CYBEX’s Total Access range. Developed in partnership with the IFI, the Total Access range is a commercial line of equipment designed to be accessible to disabled people with different impairments and inclusive to all exercisers. Other CYBEX products that form part of the range include a treadmill, bikes and Arc Trainer, alongside a comprehensive strength line.

The introduction of the new products to the Total Access range has reaffirmed CYBEX’s support of the IFI, as the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) continues to encourage gym use and exercise to inactive populations through direct engagement with fitness equipment suppliers. With already well-established relationships with fitness equipment manufacturers, the IFI will be partnering with CYBEX in a series of joint marketing opportunities.  These will focus on delivering a number of the organisation’s key strategic aims and working towards increasing sport and physical activity levels of disabled people.

Accredited to IFI stage 2, the 625R IFI recumbent cycle and 625C IFI upright cycle have been developed to meet the requirements of the IFI accreditation.  This notably incorporates an adjustable saddle height, easy access side handles and bespoke aesthetics including raised iconography for the console and seat adjustment, as well as unicam pedals with heel straps to prevent the user’s feet from slipping.

The 625AT IFI total body Arc Trainer includes a locking mechanism for foot pedals and static side handles for maximum stability, as well as the changes to iconography also seen in the 625C and 625R IFI bikes.

The CYBEX sales team will also be working with its facilities in raising awareness of the IFI Mark, an accreditation scheme which recognises the achievements and commitments of leisure facilities to support disabled people to become physically active.  The IFI Mark not only requires gyms to include accredited fitness equipment which provides both a cardiovascular and strength workout but also assesses physical access and service provision, staff training, marketing and engagement and additional sports provision.  The accreditation encourages a cultural change within facilities to create inclusion.

Dawn Hughes, national project manager for the IFI said:

“As a manufacturer of one of the largest ranges of IFI accredited equipment in the industry, CYBEX clearly recognises, understands and supports the need to raise awareness of physical activity amongst disabled people.

 “By working more closely with equipment suppliers, we are engaging with a wider audience which enables us to educate on the benefits of physical activity, raise awareness of the options available both to gym providers and equipment users and spread the word that fitness really is for everyone.”

There are over 400 facilities nationwide that hold the IFI accreditation.  A number of these are equipped with CYBEX equipment and include the Royal National College for the Blind, London 2012 Games-time training venue SportHouse which was also home to wheelchair rugby athletes as well asYork Energise, the first gym in the UK to be accredited with the IFI Mark in 2007. In recognition of the site's popularity and increased member demand, the gym at York Energise was redeveloped in September 2012, doubling the size of the existing facility.

Commenting on CYBEX’s relationship with the Inclusive Fitness Initiative, Rob Thurston, CYBEX UK’s commercial director, said:

“Our extensive range of IFI accredited fitness equipment is one of our unique selling points and something that our customers appreciate and recognise the value in. Raising awareness of sport and fitness and encouraging inclusive fitness provision in our customer’s facilities is something that we feel very strongly about and look forward to working with the IFI in support of their objectives.”

 

About Cybex

Cybex International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment primarily for commercial use. The Cybex product line, including a full range of strength and cardio training machines, is designed using exercise science to reflect the natural movement of the human body. Led by the Cybex Research Institute, Cybex fitness equipment is engineered to produce optimal results for users from the first-time exerciser to the professional athlete. Cybex designs and builds its products in the USA for a wide range of facilities, from commercial health clubs to home gyms, in more than 85 countries worldwide.  For more information on Cybex and its products, visit the Company’s website at www.cybexintl.com.

For more information about Inclusive Fitness click here.