How smart fitness is changing the way we work out
Technogym redefines fitness through AI and connected wellness
By John Legaspi
If there’s one constant pursuit everyone is trying to ace, it’s achieving their fitness goals. From different diets and workout techniques to the latest wellness trends, people are always searching for smarter and more efficient ways to become healthier. But, much like many things in life, a fitness journey is most effective when it is tailored to an individual's needs.
(Photos: Technogym)
This is where science, technology, and lifestyle intersect. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, today’s innovations are focused on personalizing fitness, helping individuals better understand their bodies, track their progress, and make informed decisions that support long-term health and sustainable results. That is where Italian wellness and fitness equipment company Technogym steps in.
Founded in 1983 by Nerio Alessandri in Cesena, Italy, the company has grown from a garage startup into one of the world's leading manufacturers of premium fitness equipment. Through the years, it has been guided by its Wellness philosophy—the belief that regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and healthy lifestyle habits are essential to improving quality of life. To bring this vision to life, the brand combines exercise science, industrial design, and digital technology to create connected fitness equipment and personalized training solutions that help people move better, train smarter, and achieve lasting results.
During the opening of the "Wellness in Focus" activation on July 16 at Focus Global in Power Plant Mall, Makati City, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got to experience some of its equipment and discover how these innovations are designed not just to support a proper fitness journey, but modern living as well.
To fully maximize the equipment, downloading the brand’s app is essential. Serving as the digital hub of the Technogym ecosystem, it is perfect for both fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike. Think of it as your wellness passport or personal coach. It creates your profile, assesses your fitness level, and generates tailored workout programs. The app also syncs with Technogym's connected cardio and strength equipment, automatically recording workout data such as duration, intensity, calories burned, and performance metrics.
Connected Dumbbells+
One of the first pieces of equipment we tried was the Connected Dumbbells+. It features a sleek, space-saving silhouette designed for people who want to build strength in the comfort of their own homes. The system features 12-in-1 connected dumbbells, allowing users to adjust the weight simply by rotating the handle. Once synced with the app, users can follow guided workout videos while the equipment automatically recognizes the selected weight, tracks repetitions and performance, and delivers real-time coaching for a more intuitive and personalized strength-training experience.
Technogym Run
Next was the Technogym Run, an intelligent treadmill. What sets it apart is its Technogym Slat Belt, which mimics the natural feel of road running. It also features a 27-inch display that integrates entertainment options while you train. One of its standout features is its ability to recreate your outdoor run. Using the app, users can import or record an outdoor route through GPS or compatible services like Strava, allowing the machine to automatically adjust its incline to mirror the terrain's elevation changes.
Technogym Checkup
Lastly—and this author's favorite—is the Technogym Checkup. Unlike the aforementioned equipment, this machine is designed not for exercise but for assessment. In just a few minutes, it evaluates key health and fitness markers, including balance, mobility, strength, body composition, and cognitive abilities, to provide a comprehensive snapshot of your overall wellness.
Using artificial intelligence and advanced testing technology, the Checkup calculates your Wellness Age—an indicator of how your physical condition compares with your actual age. I have to admit, after going through its series of tests, I was pleasantly surprised by my own Wellness Age. More than just a number, the assessment provides valuable insights into your overall health and fitness, identifying your strengths as well as areas that could benefit from improvement.
Personally, I don't think the Technogym Checkup is something people need to have in their homes. The good news is that it's available at the Technogym Philippines Experience Center in Bonifacio Global City, where customers can undergo the assessment and experience the brand's connected wellness ecosystem. If you'd like to experience Technogym's equipment firsthand, you can also visit the "Wellness in Focus" activation at Power Plant Mall until July 31.