Life Fitness / Hammer Strength Opening Product Insights Lab at Harper College

The fitness equipment giant will conduct product testing and research as part of a partnership with Chicago’s Harper College

One of the biggest fitness equipment makers in the U.S., Life Fitness / Hammer Strength has long provided its products for American universities. Now, the Illinois-based company has entered a new type of collegiate partnership.

Harper’s College, a community college in the suburbs of Chicago, will not only receive equipment upgrades from Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, but will also establish a new Performance Insights Lab on campus for the fitness company to test its products and drive innovation.

The lab — run by Life Fitness / Hammer Strength team members — will include product testing, which students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to participate in, as the brand gathers direct feedback and information on biomechanics studies and product development. It will serve as an extension of the company’s new Nieto-Jones Innovation Center, located less than two miles from the college.

“This partnership exemplifies Harper College’s commitment to connecting industry innovation with community impact,” said president of Harper College, Dr. Avis Proctor. “Together with Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, we are expanding opportunities for our students to engage in hands-on learning and research while promoting health, wellness and fitness for our entire community.”

It’s the brand’s first collegiate partnership focused on innovation and product testing. The partnership includes joint initiatives with the kinesiology, engineering, business and marketing departments.

“As we planned our new Nieto-Jones Innovation Center, we looked for a strategic partnership that would not only expand our innovation network but also allow us to further engage with our new business community and deepen our local impact,” said Life Fitness / Hammer Strength’s chief product officer Dan Wille.

Harper College’s Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center will be outfitted with over 50 new products including: a full suite of cardio equipment, Insignia Series selectorized strength equipment with the Life Fitness Connect System, a wide variety of strength accessories such as dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls and plyometric boxes, and more.

Members will have free access to digital fitness resources, including the Connect App and Trainer Connect, to track progress, receive coaching and guidance, follow personalized training plans and on-demand instructor-led workouts.

“Harper College has proven to be an excellent partner,” Wille added. “Together, we’ll be creating new possibilities for their students, their faculty, health and recreation center members and the greater Harper community.”