Technogym has launched SkillMill, a non-motorised machine aimed at improving sports performance, combining power, speed, stamina and agility training.

Using Technogym's 'multidrive' technology, users can select different levels of reactive resistance, from zero to max. By shifting gear, it’s possible to switch quickly from resistance-free running to an all-out sled push.

Multidrive is designed to increase the user’s metabolic rate by shifting gear to increase the resistance and using extra effort to move the treadmill, and provide maximum muscle activation.

Technogym says electromyography (EMG) studies by the Sports and Rehab Engineering Lab, University of Padova, Italy, show there is a “significantly higher activation of the posterior chain, in particular glutes and hamstrings, compared to traditional treadmills”.

As well as the machine, Technogym, the official supplier to five Olympic Games, has used its experience in the training methods and systems of sports disciplines to develop a new methodology for high intensity training, Athletic Performance Training.

The methodology is designed to expand work capacity using SkillMill for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), enhance abilities, improving the body’s ability to make difficult movements, and ensure safety, preventing injury and avoiding health risks through poor posture, incorrect form and wrong movements using SkillMill’s ergonomic design its on-board console display.

SkillMill is operated and controlled by the force applied by its users. To speed up, they move to the front of the surface and to slow down, they move to the back. It accelerates quickly from a cold start and goes the same pace athletes go.

SkillMill is integrated within mywellness, the Technogym cloud based training platform. Users can access training programs by scanning Skillmill QR code or by downloading the mywellness app, can monitor training parameters in real time from the on-board console.

Used in combination with the resistance, the dual handlebar is designed to enable users of different body sizes to be correctly positioned for high pushes and low pushes to maximise muscle activation.

Users can choose from a set of virtual training video programmes both individually or as part of a class.