Koko: Press & What People Are Saying
Press"Training - How Technology is Changing Weight Training [and What it Means For Health Clubs and Gym Owners]"
by Koko Chief Fitness Officer Michael Wood, CSCS for Fitness Business News,
March 1, 2008 (pdf)
"Fitness That Fits - Smartrainer Customizes Workouts" - BusinesWeek Small Biz Magazine "What's Hot",
February 20, 2008 (pdf)
"Cuckoo for Koko" - Patriot Ledger,
January 31, 2008 (pdf)
"Encouraging Exercise: The right equipment makes working out less of a chore." - Multifamily Executive Magazine,
January 1, 2008 (pdf)
Star Trac Secures Worldwide Distribution Rights to Koko Smartrainer®
September 26, 2007 (pdf)
"Possibly the first 'Quick Start' of Strength Training" - SNEWS,
May 14, 2007 (link)
"Computerized Workout Adds a Personal Touch" - Fitness Business News,
January 26, 2007 (pdf)
"Smart Fitness" - Patriot Ledger, January 24, 2007 (pdf)
"The Next Big Thing In Fitness" - Club Business International, December, 2006 (pdf)
Reproduced with the permission of IHRSA and Club Business International
"Koko Fitness featured in NY Times best selling author Patricia Seybold's new book, Outside Innovation, published by Harper Collins" October 10, 2006
"Using Technology to Create a New Business" - Business Innovation, November 27, 2006 (pdf)
"Koko Fitness named winner of Customer Innovation Award" - September 18, 2006 (pdf)
"Athletic Aging" - Newsweek International, February 20, 2006 (pdf)
"Workout Regimens Take Forward Step" - Boston Globe, December 19, 2005 (pdf)
"YMCA Members Test Smartrainer" - Springfield Republican, November 30, 2005 (pdf)
For media inquiries, please contact us at mediarelations@kokofitness.com.
Industry Experts & Fitness Professionals
"We are installing it in our facility because we think it should be appealing to those who need an efficient, effective and enjoyable workout in the least time possible. Its computerized monitoring of member's fitness progress and motivational capabilities can help keep users involved and retain them as members and its high tech components will appeal to many people and should help attract new members. To my knowledge, there's nothing like it on the market."
Steve Clay
president/CEO, YMCA of Greater Springfield
"My prediction is that Koko's all-in-one personalized, interactive strength training solution will be a blockbuster success."
Patricia B. Seybold
consultant and analyst, focused on the impact of new evolving technologies on customers
Internationally acclaimed best selling author, Customers.com and The Customer Revolution
"Koko is great - workouts are modified automatically to avoid boredom and plateaus and members find the format of 30 minutes, 3 times per week easy to fit into their schedule. I have members who would go nuts if I ever took this off my floor."
Kerry Welch
fitness director
"I've been telling all my aerobics class participants about Koko. They need to complement their cardio with strength training and this is a great introduction to weight training. It tells them everything they need to know - a great machine that keeps you focused and teaches you proper weight training techniques."
Mary Ellen Schmidt
fitness instructor
"Many of the members liked that the Koko machine did all the thinking for them. The members did not need to worry about how to structure their program. Also, members liked that they could do their workout without any interruption from other members and in less time."
Anne Dillard
fitness supervisor
"This would be ideal for people who are pressed for time; a beginner to intermediate... someone who may be or has been intimidated by weights/strength training."
Sherrie Donovan
personal trainer and fitness instructor
Health Club Members
"Koko is a great all-in-one machine that not only manages your workout, but ensures a safe workout with proper form. The exercise program is very efficient with an interface that is easy to use and motivates you to succeed."
Rakesh Talati, 29
emergency room physician
"Koko offers a great strength-training workout for everyone, no matter your fitness level. It does all the thinking for you - just show up, follow the program and you walk away leaner and stronger."
Patty Thompson, 36
marathon runner
"I can't stop 'yakking' about it! I feel really good after working out on the Smartrainer. Before I couldn't stay on my 'plan' - I am very committed now!"
Corinne Cremonti, 54
human resources director
"I've noticed my arms firming, which is nice. I wish I'd done this before my daughter's wedding!"
Janet Parslow, 57
19-year employee of the YMCA
"I felt great and saw a definite improvement in my strength after just a few weeks!"
Jo Burns, 44
mother of 3
"It's nice not having to fight to use other machines. I notice that as the gym gets busier, more people cut ahead of you, which holds you up. Not the case with Koko Smartrainer - one machine for all exercises."
Anthony Cerrini, 46
firefighter
"I got stronger, and I lost weight and 2 notches on my watch band. I loved that it told me how much I lifted and how many calories I burned at the end of each session. It gave me motivation. I feel like it's helping me get rid of my diabetes."
Peter Devylder
"I've always known I should lift weights, but it's never something that was easy for me to do, so I didn't. Koko has motivated me to workout with weights three times per week. I get a full body workout in just 30 minutes and the best part is that it feels like it's only 20! I feel stronger and more toned. I really like it!"
Renata Devin, 47
stay at home mom
"I like the structure and guidance it provides and 30 minutes is manageable - maximum impact in a short time span. It's an automated expert that varies the routine based on prior workouts and is available on my schedule. It's FUN and interactive. I'm doing something I need to do that I otherwise wouldn't because I don't know how."
Lydia Everett, 45
busy mom and sports enthusiast (tennis, skiing, sailing)
"I've been working out all my life, with personal trainers and on my own, but I feel like I'm more pressed for time than ever these days and I feel guilty if I spend too much time working out. I love that I can get a great workout in just 30 minutes and be done!"
Julie Olsson, 41
working mom
"I found out that I really had been dogging it on other machines. This kicked my butt!"
Tony Pucillo, 49
EVP, Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.