Nexersys

The Nexersys is a human-sized, interactive fitness machine composed of seven accelerometer-tracked striking pads, a custom computer, speakers, and a flat-screen monitor on a steel frame. It conducts the user through customized workouts based on mixed martial arts sparring techniques and high-intensity interval training.
History
The Nexersys was invented in 2009 by fitness enthusiast and entrepreneur Terry Jones, who saw an opportunity when he found that striking boxing mitts was the part of his workout routine that he found most rewarding. The machine was designed by Produktworks Design LLC in Austin, TX, and was first shown to the public at the 2011 Ultimate Fighting Championship Fan Expo 136 in Houston, Texas. Nexersys also sponsors UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen.
Nexersys
With its pads arranged to approximate striking targets on a human opponent, the Nexersys seeks to simulate the experience of sparring with a boxing trainer or MMA opponent. The machine guides the user through interactive video clips of a personal trainer who encourages, demonstrates, and gives feedback.
In "strike training" mode, it also displays 3D graphics of an animated opponent and the pads that must be hit or kicked to progress in a virtual "round." It records the users' stats such as number of strikes and intensity. The Nexersys also includes a heart-rate monitor and keeps track of strike accuracy, power, and calories burned in the duration of each workout.
In "cardio training" and "core training" modes, it also can use the pad inputs to track the user’s progress through workouts that feature quick arm and leg movements, abdominal "crunch" contractions, body rotations, and other exercises.
The Nexersys weighs 154 pounds and is 54.5 inches tall, with a floor footprint of 4.1 feet by 4.1 feet. A Texas Instruments OMAP processor powers the unit and runs custom software under the Linux operating system.
Scientific Background
According to Nexersys, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is the scientific basis for the Nexersys’ workout format. Each workout consists of a set of four-minute rounds, each containing a thirty-second warmup, three minutes of active exercise, and a thirty-second cooldown. According to some studies, such constant shifting between rest and intense activity increases the number of calories burned during a workout. In research conducted by the University of Queensland in Australia, scientists found that HIIT training provides drastic results for study participants who live sedentary and low-activity lifestyles.
MMA Influences
The Nexersys training regimen uses striking techniques from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a popular sport which combines the principles of multiple martial arts. The personality who appears in the Nexersys videos is a professional MMA trainer.
The Nexersys can be seen as an adaptation of the Mu ren zhuang, a kind of wooden dummy that is used by Wing Chun instructors and often seen in martial arts films. It consists of a thick body post and four smaller limb posts mounted on a slightly flexible structure to simulate a live opponent.
Sponsorships
Nexersys sponsors UFC fighters Chael Sonnen and Urijah Faber as well as NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick.

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