There are many factors to consider when purchasing cardio equipment for your facility, including motor power and durability, the right belt size and quality, strength, stability, and warranty.
However, in reality, all of the above will make very little difference to most of your members. What really matters to them? How they interact with the equipment, how easy it is to use, and how available they are (uptime). A large part of accessibility comes down to the intuitiveness of the console, most of which can be filtered into two categories:
LED Consoles: A more simplistic console that uses buttons to control the machine, these consoles display tracking information, controls, and some pre-set programmes.
Entertainment Consoles: Mimicking the style of a tablet, ENT consoles build upon the traditional functions. These consoles include additional features, including app integrations, live TV and virtual trails.
So, what consoles are better for your club? Ultimately, it comes down to price point and your member demands:
Features: LED consoles are more limited, only containing manual programs, a quick-start and some presets, whereas ENT consoles have advanced features such as streaming services, web browsing and interactive training. However, LED consoles may be sufficient for the majority of your members who will use their phones for streaming; it comes down to your user base.
Tracking and analytics: ENT consoles support additional tracking with many having built-in integrations with well-known tracking apps (such as EGYM). It is worth mentioning here that with the rise of smart technology, a lot of these statistics are trackable via phones.
Maintenance: LED consoles are known for their reliability and minimal upkeep — ideal for high-traffic environments. While ENT consoles are more advanced, they are also more prone to issues, requiring regular software updates and maintenance to keep features current and ensure optimal performance, making them a valuable long-term investment.
Cost: LED consoles offer excellent value and durability at a lower price point, making them perfect for budget-conscious upgrades. Due to their additional functionality ENT consoles come with a higher initial cost but deliver enhanced member engagement, entertainment, and technology.
Point of Difference: LED consoles remain the industry standard due to their simplicity and resilience. ENT consoles, by contrast, offer a standout experience that can set your facility apart. Their premium feel and feature set can justify higher membership pricing and appeal to tech-savvy users seeking more from their workouts.
LED or ENT, what to look out for?
Regardless of what option you go for, there are some common characteristics to look out for when making your selection:
- A console that is clear to read and easy to navigate
- Ensure it has good ergonomics (buttons are all positioned accordingly, as well as being big enough to use accurately)
- And finally, ensure these consoles can integrate with tracking apps.
Looking to revamp your cardio area? Our Spirit brand is home to a full suite of cardio pieces, with ranges available to meet all requirements, and includes high-spec LED and ENT options, all backed by our industry-leading warranties and build quality. Want to get your cardio zone in shape? Get in touch.
