Pulse has appointed Paul Shinners as director of interactive products to spearhead the company’s expansion into the interactive fitness market.

Shinners has more than 35 years’ experience in the leisure sector and was the founder of Dance Machine UK, which was bought by Pulse in 2011. Shinners remained at Pulse as sales director until 2013 and has since been conducting his own research into interactive fitness across the globe, while working as an independent sports and fitness consultant for new academy schools.

Shinners' appointment comes as Pulse has signed a three-year contract with Exergame to exclusively distribute its interactive fitness products to the UK and Europe. The deal will see Pulse offer a range of interactive products, as well as creating interactive fitness zones in facilities as part of its design and build division Pulse Select.

Reporting directly to Pulse MD Chris Johnson, Shinners will explore opportunities within a range of market sectors including private fitness clubs, local authority leisure centres, educational establishments and the MOD. He will also work to develop further exclusive distribution agreements with other interactive products.

“I am looking forward to exploring the different opportunities we can present to our clients to help them make fitness more engaging than ever before,” said Shinners.

“Exergame’s products put the fun into fitness and as such they attract users who would not otherwise visit a gym. With Pulse’s extensive experience in design, build and facility management we will be able to create interactive zones for any target market.”

Pulse will initially bring four Exergame products market:

Exerbike
A stationary bike that can be used with any XBOX game.

3Kick
Three towers, each with three targets that can be punched, kicked or slapped. The quicker you can strike the target, the more points you earn.

Heavy Ball
Find the illuminated hole and drop your medicine ball through it, then retrieve it from the archway underneath. A training tool for lateral movement and squatting.

I-Game Sports
An interactive fitness package which uses an interactive mat to allow users to take part in athletic events including running, hurdles and long jump, as well as dance competitions.