Inspiring Sports Technology
Football and soccer
GymAware – interview with co-founder Rob Shugg
Friday, August 19th, 2011
In this article, SPORTSTECHREVIEW introduces Rob Shugg co-founder of Kinetic Performance Technology Pty Ltd. Together with his partner Evan Lawton, they have created among many products, GymAware (http://powertool.gymaware.com/ ). Rob explains the technology:
Please introduce yourself?
Kinetic Performance was founded in 2000 by myself and Evan Lawton after 10 years developing sports science technology at the AIS. Since then we have developed a range of systems for use in elite sport with the aim of bridging the gap between sports science and practical application in sport. We have a very strong focus on making technology that is easy to use, robust and that “works as advertised”
How did you get interested in the sports industry?
We both enjoyed our time at the AIS and got to know many athletes, coaches and sports scientists. We could see so many opportunities to streamline the way these people work together. Back then, sports technology was a very new and exciting field. We realised in 2000 that to have a chance to fully implement these ideas, we would need to leave the safety of the AIS and set up our own company
What was your background before developing Gymaware?
Our background is firmly in engineering and technology, that’s our passion – 10 years at the AIS infused a sports flavour to our engineering, that’s grown steadily over the last decade.
What is Gymaware?
GymAware is a power measuring device for use in the weights gym. Power is the key ingredient in athletic performance and the most competitive teams train specifically for power. They develop training programs specifically to develop power and speed in the athlete. GymAware is used to both monitor the effectiveness of these programs, and to motivate athletes by giving them feedback while they train. With GymAware athletes can focus on performing high quality lifts that develop the performance traits they need to win. The gym is no longer just a place to bulk up and build strength, its now a pit stop to develop power, and finely tune the athlete.
Why is it unique?
GymAware is unique because it is simple enough for anyone to use. The concept of measuring power in the weights room has been around for at lease a decade. But it has been restricted to bulky, expensive, complex systems that require a sports scientist to operate. GymAware is small, portable and runs on Apple iOS (iPhone/iPad/iTouch) platforms. The user is up and running in less than a minute. The fully automated analysis give the user rep by rep readings on power, velocity and 11 other performance parameters. The simplicity of GymAware makes this elite sport training technology available to performance focused personal trainers and to serious amateur athletes.
Are there any top athletes using it?
GymAware is used around the world by sports institutes and top level teams and including Rugby,AFL,NRL, Premier League and others.
What’s the science behind it?
The Power Tool 5 is a Linear Position Transducer (LPT) specifically designed to measure speed and power of athletic movement, specifically in the weights room. It combines highly accurate digital position and time measurement, triaxial accelerometery (for measuring angle of lift) and state of the art signal processing to automate analysis of the individual lifts. It basically measures the movement path of the weights bar, weights stack, or of the athlete while they lift, throw, or jump.
How can our readers purchase Gymaware?
Interested readers can contact us at info@kinetic.com.au for details on how they can purchase GymAware
Article by Bryan Roberts
Measure your feet using an iphone app before purchasing online
Thursday, August 18th, 2011
New iphone app to measure your feet before going online. Have a look!
Underwater camera fishing, Nike Strobe glasses and nanotechnology
Thursday, June 23rd, 2011
Few great videos this week:
FishEyes have developed a camera that is attached to the fishing-line to show you when fish are close:
Nike have developed strobe glasses to help with your anticipation timing, attention, focus, peripheral vision, and reaction time.
And, Ray Kurzweil on the Future of Nanotechnology: where nano artificial red blood cell 1000 times more efficient than biological version…equals the ability to sprint flat out for 15minutes before fatigue!!!
Thanks Ross Weir for all the links
Under Armour Metal Speed II Review
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
I purchased these boots prior to playing a 2 day Ultimate Frisbee tournament. This was the teams biggest tournament of the year and without any time to ‘wear’ them in, the boots needed to be comfortable and supporting whilst being waterproof and allowing efficient foot movement and control. There was no bigger stage for me to test the new boots, which largely fulfilled my expectations.
Moisture magnet and breathability
Keeping the foot cool and dry reduces weight and boosts total efficiency. Under Armour HeatGearTM technology has been placed in the upper and performance meshes throughout the shoe to speed up moisture transport and accelerate evaporation. This technology maintains a dry, light microclimate next to the skin, moving moisture away from the foot to the shoes exterior. The tongue is constructed from a highly breathable air mesh which helps accelerate moisture transport and enable ventilated comfort.
Dual Plate Technology
The dual plate design splits the outsole into two components to reduce bulk and complements the foots natural motion. It is claimed to maximise agility and minimise weight, through material reduction. The dual plate design keeps the foot low to the ground for precise moves and explosive acceleration. The insole boards disperse cleat pressure and bridge the space between heel and forefoot, ensuring lightweight mid-foot support and forefoot flexibility. The shoe has been engineered to propel the user forward and reduce the impact on the body.
Progressive Traction
Progressive traction reinvents the traditional round football stud, implementing a built-in directional blade at the base of each stud. The round portion penetrates the ground and maintains rotational capability, while the blade offers additional directional traction.
After wearing these boots for prolonged periods of game time over the course of two days, I can firmly say that I have no issues with comfort. The support and traction provided by the boot both when sprinting into a jump and making hard cuts seemed was second to none and there were no obvious cases of slipping or ankle turning. This is more so highlighted when taking into account the playing conditions I encountered. Following heavy periods of rain, the ground was very muddy and soft, conditions that worsened as the weekend progressed with more play and bad weather. In such conditions it wouldn’t be surprising for water to infiltrate the boot, however at the end of the weekends play this problem had never transpired, with the breathability and waterproofing of the shoe proving to be very successful.
Where I felt the downfall of the shoe came, was in its weight. The show was marketed as being very light, I however did not find this to be the case. The increased weight probably does help with the stability and structure of the boot, but I suspect that when running over dry hard ground the weight of the boot would severely affect the performance of the user.
Overall I feel the boot is very good and provides value for money. However I would suggest that this boot is best suited for use in winter where the ground can soft and muddy in unpredictable weather conditions. Levels of ankle support are high, and I would recommend the boot to a user that participates in a sport which requires jumping, cutting and pushing.
Article by James Jones
Phil Knight interview on Oprah Winfrey Show
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Most of you know that Phil Knight rarely does an interview, so take this opportunity to watch a few snippets on http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Nikes-Phil-Knight . Phil talks about the Nike name, the “swoosh”, branding and how he is trying to develop sport through technology and innovation. There is also a brief video on Nike headquarters in Portland, Oregan. Great facilities which look like a dream to future employees, wink wink nudge nudge.
Article by Bryan Roberts
