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The GymNext Flex Timer is a gym timer controlled by your phone via Bluetooth. We found that we preferred using our phone instead of the remote we often lost and liked the ease of programming via the app. If you want a gym timer for your Garage Gym or Commercial Gym, this is a great option.
GymNext
GymNext Flex Timer
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
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I love fitness.
I also love technology.
So, when I heard there was a gym timer that could be controlled by your smartphone, I was immediately intrigued.
And that’s exactly what GymNext has done by releasing the Flex Timer.
Say goodbye to your broken and lost remotes, and say hello to the future.
Hello future.
GymNext Flex Timer Specs
| Dimensions | 2.2″ D x 13″ W x 4.7″ H |
| Timer modes | Standard Count Up/Down, Round, Interval, Tabata, EMOM, Work-to-Rest Ratio, Multi-Segment, and Laps/Stopwatch |
| Bluetooth connectivity? | Yes |
| Battery-operated? | No |
| Compatible app? | Yes, via Android or iOS |
GymNext Flex Timer Review
I’m going to review the GymNext Flex Timer in two separate parts.
The first one will go over the timer itself, and then I’ll delve into the application.
Speaking of the timer itself, it seems to be well-built. In reality, it isn’t a whole lot different from other high-end timers you find in gyms across the world.
It features a 4″ LED display and a 95 db buzzer which is pretty loud. Most timers don’t exceed 85 dB, so if you have a large gym, this is going to help.
The timer is 6″ tall x 22″ wide. You can clearly see it from anywhere in a gym, and if you put it in a garage gym like I have, you can see it from the neighbor’s yard (this is helpful when you do dumbbell snatches in other people’s yards so you don’t mess up your own grass, something I don’t recommend.)
The LEDs are very clear and bright and because the timer is so large, you can display any sort of time duration and number of rounds that you would like.
In all honesty, I really can’t see anything wrong with the timer itself. It works great, and seems to be made of good construction for something that just hangs on a wall.
There is one caveat to this, however. I’ve spoken on this in other reviews such as the Ethikon Odysseus Bar Review, but I hate when companies brand their products with stickers. In my mind, you come out with this awesome product that, especially in this case is going to be in many gyms across the world, and rather than putting a permanent brand on the product, you slap a sticker on.
I don’t know about everyone else, but the first thing I do when I receive a product with a sticker, is I take it off. This has nothing to do with the functionality of the product, just my personal preference.
This is really what this review is over. The groundbreaking application GymNext has released allows you to control the FlexTimer from your phone.
I love it!
Some basic stats over the application first:
- It’s available on both the App Store for iPhones and the Google Play Store for Androids.
- It allows you to control the timer using a Bluetooth connection.
- It has five programming options.
- It includes heart rate tracking.
Okay, so these are the basics of the app. You can essentially do everything you could normally do with a remote, now with your phone plus other features.
Connecting
My favorite thing about the application and how it connects to the Flex Timer is its ease of use.
An application should improve whatever activity you’re using it for, not get in the way. This was my biggest worry when I heard about the Flex Timer. It seemed like a great idea, but it’s really nice to just pick up a remote and go.
GymNext has done an awesome job of making the connection as easy as possible. You grab your phone. Turn on Bluetooth (I use IFTTT so that Bluetooth automatically turns on when I’m home), open the app, and hit ‘Connect.’
It’s that simple.
I will say this, however. This is a new application, meaning there are some bugs. I’ve been using the timer and app for about a month now and have had trouble connecting only a couple of times. As things get ironed out, these problems will become fewer and fewer.
Programming Options
The GymNext Flex Timer has five different programs:
- Standard
- Rounds
- Interval
- Tabata
- EMOM
These cover pretty much all of your bases. You can see how it looks on the actual app here:
When using most of the programs you can choose to count up or down. I mostly find myself using the Standard timer and counting up, just because it’s what I’m used to using.
The Tabata feature is awesome, as well as the intervals. It is very seamless and anytime you click a new timer mode or change the time duration, the timer immediately changes to whatever you’ve chosen.
Starting the Timer
Starting the timer is just as easy as all of the aforementioned options.
You can switch between showing the current time in clock mode, or the timer. When you’re ready to start, you simply press the play button and the countdown begins. I use a 10 second countdown, but you can decide how long that is within the settings.
At 3…2…1…Go, the timer beeps like traditional timers and begins counting.
Once again, very simple and easy to use.
Heart Rate Tracking
The final feature is one that I have yet to use, but many people will find it helpful.
The Flex Timer can actually hook up to a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor and display your heart rate on the timer. It can also beep letting you know when you’re in a specified heart rate zone and when you exit it. I think this is great for those who use heart rate monitors to track their intensity. It’s not something that I’ve done, but I can see how it would be beneficial.
Gymnext Flex Timer vs Traditional Timer
The GymNext Flex Timer in my experience can do everything a traditional timer can do plus more.
This will eventually become the standard for all gyms in my opinion.
Think about this situation for a second. You’re a CrossFit affiliate owner and you have multiple coaches for your gym. Rather than having to worry about a remote, simply have your coaches download the app, put a security code on the clock, and give them the code.
No more having to worry about where the remote went or anything like that.
The clock can also be controlled by multiple devices. So, if you have two coaches instructing a class, have both coaches connect their phones, that way if one of the coaches is unable to start the timer, the other one can.
Honestly, based on the functions, ease of use, and the cost (right now it retails for $149) I see no reason to purchase a traditional timer.
Final Thoughts
A timer is absolutely essential for a gym. If you’re training out of a garage gym like me, it’s not AS important because you can use an iPad or something similar, but the convenience of having a dedicated timer up on the wall is a great thing to have. They also have a smaller, cheaper unit that you can find here which is greatly suited for the small gym or garage gym.
As I’ve said previously, if you’re going to buy a timer, I really see no reason to purchase a different one unless you’re stuck in the Stone Age using a Nokiasaurus.
Also, because the timer is controlled through your phone by an application, updates and future improvements will all be available to you. If a company has a timer that uses a remote, if there’s any updates you will most likely be force to purchase a whole new unit. No bueno.
Full Rating
GymNext Flex Timer
The GymNext Flex Timer is a gym timer controlled by your phone via Bluetooth. We found that we preferred using our phone instead of the remote we often lost and liked the ease of programming via the app. If you're wanting a gym timer for your Garage Gym or Commercial Gym, this is a great option.
Product Brand: GymNext
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 169
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.4
GymNext Flex Timer FAQs
What is the GymNext Flex Timer?
The GymNext Flex Timer is a Bluetooth-enabled gym timer that you can manage with your phone. We discovered that we enjoyed using our phone rather than the remote, which we frequently misplaced, and that we loved the convenience of programming via the app. This is an excellent alternative if you need a gym timer for your Garage Gym or Commercial Gym.
Does the Gymnext Flex Timer track heart rate?
imer. It may also beep to let you know when you’re in and out of a certain heart rate zone. This is fantastic for individuals who track their intensity using heart rate monitors. I’ve never done that before, but I can see how it might be advantageous.
Where to Purchase
GymNext
GymNext Flex Timer
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
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