Designers: Rob Brady, Erik Holmen, Joel Chartier, and Jason Viera., ROBRADY design, Sarasota, Florida, USA
Manufacturer: GMX7 Training, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
The X1-PRO is the first aquatic resistance training system of its kind, marking several advances in competitive swim training. A compact, anodized shuttle mechanism creates bi-directional resistance ranging from free movement to immobility. Resistance levels can be adjusted by the turn of a dial that is located on one end of the device. Athletes connect the line to each end of the pool via the existing lane line hooks, clip on the swim belt, and it’s ready to go – fast, simple and can be set up in any pool in the world. The X1-PRO is compact enough to fit inside a backpack, easy to use and offers real-time instant stroke correction to deliver maximum training results.
The term “game-changer” is overused, but the innovation we introduced into the GMX7 aquatic resistance training system truly exemplifies that definition. From the ground up, our team re-imagined the challenges and re-invented the solution. One major problem with other aquatic resistance training devices is that they are situated outside of the pool and are constructed out of metal and old-style PVC pipes – expensive, heavy and bulky. We were given the task to make a compact, portable device that provides optimal resistance training from novice to world class and Olympian athletes. The result was an exponentially more efficient product providing far greater functionality and performance.
Beyond the benefits of a portable training system, the X1-PRO also provides real-time stroke correction. For example, If the swimmer is performing a stroke incorrectly, they will subsequently hit the chord that the shuttle moves along. This prompts the athlete to immediately adjust their stroke. Users also maximize the time and quality of their training sessions with the simple and result-driven features of the X1-PRO. By increasing resistance, users can train for a shorter amount of time, while experiencing greater results.
The device opens the door to quality training for athletes of all skill levels and holds promise with potential application in the field of physical therapy. Regarding environmental factors, the X1-PRO replaces a feeble metal and PVC system that is destined for a landfill. The X1-PRO is aluminum, recyclable and fits in the palm of your hands.
The function drove the final form of the design. The X1-PRO is housed in an aluminum extrusion that takes environmental factors into consideration like harsh pool chemicals and sun exposure. The color of the shuttle represents the victory of winning a gold medal. There is nothing arbitrary about the design of the X1-PRO. Every detail of the device has a specific function that ensures maximum training quality.