Full Sail Stories
Published May 23, 2022
Full Sail University’s Fitness Technology Lab Powered by Echelon Fit
Full Sail’s on-campus lab environment featuring high-tech fitness equipment from partner Echelon Fitness.
Full Sail University’s Fitness Technology Lab Powered by Echelon Fit is a proud partnership between Full Sail and Echelon Fitness. The on-campus lab environment gives students in Full Sail’s emerging technology degree programs the opportunity to participate in innovative research initiatives centered on enhancing Echelon equipment and features, as well as the development and implementation of new features for different product lines and fitness and health solutions.
The lab itself is home to some of Echelon’s most high-powered fitness equipment including Connect Row-S rowing machines, a Connect EX-5 smart bike, Connect Stride treadmills, and an Echelon Connect Reflect Touch 50” smart mirror.
“We are a connected fitness brand dedicated to changing the category through smart innovation, amazing content, and a fun-loving, supportive community at affordable prices,” says John Santo, Co-Founder and CPO of Echelon Fitness. “With the lab at Full Sail University, we hope to give students the opportunity to be part of this amazing platform and unparalleled real-world learning experience.”
In 2020 and 2021, Full Sail students were involved in projects with Echelon including developing interactive and dynamic overlays of workout information over top of existing applications such as Netflix. Students worked closely with Echelon employees to ensure the overlay functioned correctly, followed user-centered design principles, and adhered to Echelon's branding and style guide.
Equipment from Echelon including two treadmills, two rowing machines, and an exercise bike in the Fitness Technology Lab.
“This lab and the partnership with Echelon allows students to work directly with an established client,” says Dr. Haifa Maamar, Education Director of Emerging Technologies at Full Sail. “Students can join the team working on requested applications during their capstone projects for the final months of their degree. [They will] meet with Echelon representatives every other week to present their progress, receive feedback, and build relationships with professionals, expanding their network.”
Echelon’s logo on the lab’s Echelon Connect Reflect mirror featuring a reflection of the campus lab.
Students can look forward to researching, designing, and developing an assortment of tech-based applications in the Fit Lab including VR/AR maps and trails for exercise, software enhancements, and improved functionality across the Echelon product line. “The global smart fitness market is expanding quickly and is expected to grow $34.06 billion during 2022-2026,” says Dr. Maamar. “With this lab on campus, students will have the opportunity to work on smart fitness projects and be ready for the industry.”