Data-driven spinning class? How tech is revolutionising fitness

Through apps and wearables, technology is creating a workout that's more data-rich, smarter and convenient than ever before

It's Monday lunchtime and gym-goers at Virgin Active in Moorgate, London, are grabbing a bike for their group cycle class. But this isn't any ordinary spin class, where the teacher enthusiastically shouts instructions like "sprint" and "climb" and the backdrop is an uninspiring grey wall. This is the "Pack", a class divided into three teams that compete in a series of interactive challenges while each rider's bike data is tracked in real-time and projected on to a screen.

"We created the Pack in response to the growing demand for cycle-based classes and technology that tracks workout progress," says Virgin Active group chief information officer Andy Caddy. "It creates a wholly differentiated group cycle offering." With Virgin Active rolling out RFID (radio-frequency identification) bands that track members' workout, the gym chain is designing products with tech at the forefront.