“One of the biggest issues facing many gyms today is the demand to remain open for longer whilst providing a personal service with limited staff,” explains Sean Kennedy, director at Oneone Promedia, adding: “Budd-e is an effective solution for gyms with limited or no staff, as it allows members to learn how to use gym equipment and access new training programs, without staff intervention enabling, personal trainers to use their time more effectively.”

The digital signage pods can create personal fitness plans, give the ability to search and book classes, personal trainers, as well as search for specific exercises defined by body part or by apparatus.

The pod can be interacted with via a touch-screen and is powered by a content management software solution from Acquire.

“After a long search we chose Acquire because it gave us the largest scope to develop a really powerful system,” continues Kennedy, who adds: “The team have been great in supporting us, fixing issues, providing training and even developing bespoke solutions for us. We will continue to work closely with the team as Budd-e is rolled out, commercially.”

The digital signage system utilises 15 of the 100 apps available to buy for the Acquire Editor and include Facebook, twitter and other RSS feeds, and a function for sending e-mails and capturing customer feedback.

“Over the years we have added more and more apps to the editor to enable our customers to create highly intelligent, interactive and engaging digital projects like the Budd-e,” says managing director of Acquire Digital, Neil Farr.

Launched by exercise equipment manufacturer Cybex at Body Power Expo and Leisure Industry Week, the system is now scheduled for international role out to a number of big gym chains.

The first of the big UK gyms to take the system was Metro Fitness, owned by champion boxer Ricky Hatton’s father, and it is projected that UK sales of Budd-e will reach over 100 by January.

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