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FitCentric® Technologies, Inc. was established in 1988 as TriLog, then TriLog Plus, both DOS programs to log and track workout data. Ken Burres MD, brought the sportsmedical end with him, and Paul Stewart brought the computer genius. Both triathletes, Ken and Paul wanted to use computers to perfect their training.
UltraCoach® was born in 1989 when future workout suggestions became intrinsic to the “solution” for swim, bike, and run. It was first sold at the Kona Ironman in 1989. Meager sales did not deter the developers and, in 1992, the program was redone in Windows 3.11 which allowed to incorporation of software modules or plugins to process data within the program. Now, UltraCoach® was thinking and producing workout suggestions oriented to exact goals and levels of athletic expertise. In 1993, with the permission of Polar Oy, UltraCoach® accepted downloads from Polar Vantage XL and since then UltraCoach® has supported the Polar line of HRMs, as well as others.
In 1995, Racermate met with FitCentric®. Although no agreement was formed, the concept of virtual reality for fitness machines was born and UltraCoach® VR, later NetAthlon®, was produced with rudimentary but lifelike characters on courses using course resistance and grades to enhance the realism of the cycling experience.
FitCentric® proceeded to enhance UltraCoach® VR: a library of courses, Internet compatibility (Web Racing™), networking, and complete integration for UltraCoach®. FitCentric® created a fitness solution: fitness machines with virtual reality porting fitness data into UltraCoach®
In 2000, we switched to another “game engine” and NetAthlon® was born with a new face. New courses followed and old courses were converted to the new format with higher resolution and faster rendering time; hence, greater realism and more features.
More fitness machines were added along the way. Our policy of strict confidentiality with fitness machine companies continues. We now support over a hundred fitness machines, cycling trainers, and fitness devices. FitCentric® has done special software for major corporate concerns, tradeshows, and exhibits.
Our technology center started in North Carolina, moved to Phoenix, then Austin, Texas and now is in Madison, Wisconsin.
And... where are we going:
- NetAthlon® 2 will be released in 2006
- New sports characters are on the way
- New business personnel-- Bruce Winkler,
- The newest fitness devices are being incorporated: Timex BodyLink, Suunto T6 and others
- Lipton Simple Steps toured the country in 2004
- Disney Anaheim Innovations Pavilion gets hundreds of visitors PER DAY
- New courses: Wildflower Cycling, TDF stages (Alpe d’Huez in NA 2.0), others
- And THERE IS MORE COMING
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