Technogym, a leading producer of design and technology-driven fitness equipment and solutions, has launched the SKILLMILLTM, the first non-motorised treadmill to combine power, speed, stamina and agility training. Fiona McAuslan takes it for a spin.
What is it?
The SKILLMILL functions a lot like the barrel roll equipment that you find in a children’s playground. If you put both in a blender, then this is what would pour out – a sleek and sinuous non-motorised treadmill that you operate by pushing with your feet.
How do I use it?
The beauty of the treadmill is two-fold – it’s incredibly simple (and fun) to use and it has a variety of resistance training options. Used as a basic treadmill, even a simple run or power walk will increase the metabolic rate of the user or you can go full out and use it with maximum resistance.
Easy for technophobes to use?
Compared to most gym equipment, the SKILLMILL is like a walk in the park. Set-up is one pain-free step: set and adjust the resistance – just a twist of the big yellow knob on the side takes you from zero to max. By shifting gear, you can switch quickly from low-resistance running to an all-out sled push.
Using it is uncomplicated too. Your speed is controlled by the resistance itself and the amount of pressure you can exert on the treadmill. To move faster, you position yourself at the front end of the treadmill where the belt curves upwards; to slow down, you move away towards the rear of the machine. Side and front handlebars are in place to help you steady yourself during certain movements.
How can I programme with it?
It’s perfect for one-to-one or small group training sessions. At the trial session I attended, the Technogym master trainer split six of us into three groups and we used the SKILLMILL as part of a HIIT circuit session alongside kettlebells and plyometric boxes.
On the first go on the SKILLMILL station, my partner and I worked on agility with a side-to-side movement that was half skip, half run and challenged our core and leg muscles. A swift blast of box jumps later and we were onto the strength section: shoulders flush against the handlebars, my feet striving for as much speed as I could muster, the sled push was a full-on challenge for my glutes – which I loved. Then onto kettlebell swings before the final run section. I anticipated finding keeping upright without the use of the handlebars a challenge but running on the non-motorised treadmill was pretty easy. I could even switch up the resistance without breaking my stride.
Any other benefits?
The SKILLMILL supports Technogym mywellness technology so clients can use training guidance and you can monitor and track their results in real time from the on-board console.
Where do I find it?
Prepare to unleash the athlete inside you at FitPro LIVE this month.
We’ve teamed up with leading gym equipment supplier Technogym to share its latest innovation – SKILLMILL.
Training all the body’s energy systems in one solution, SKILLMILL – a non-motorised functional training product – combines the ability to perform power, speed, stamina and agility training, creating engaging training for all – from goal-orientated users to athletes – in a safe and engaging way.
Throughout the day, you’ll be able to witness the versatility of SKILLMILL as Technogym master trainers take to the product to demonstrate all the training options it offers. You’ll be able to see how a user can quickly switch from resistance-free sprinting to an all-out sled push. There will also be plenty of opportunities to give the SKILLMILL a go yourself, so head over to the Technogym stand during your visit to FitPro LIVE.
Can’t wait to see the product live? Then view the video here:
SKILLMILL Technogym from Technogym on Vimeo.
