Guo Licheng continued: “For most users, home space is limited to just one fitness machine. If they get a treadmill or exercise bike, cardio is solved, but strength training becomes impossible.”

“Because strength training requires at least a bench press rack and dumbbells. With a treadmill already taking up space, most homes can’t accommodate another set of strength training equipment.”

“But conversely, if users have a strength training machine at home, cardio can be accomplished through other means.”

“For instance, using a yoga mat in the living room for fitness routines, burpees, and so on.”

“Since the smart fitness drying rack’s main purpose is strength training, our target muscle groups would primarily be chest, back, and core muscles.”

“We don’t need too many variations, as those seeking detailed strength training would go to gyms. We’re targeting general users, mostly fitness beginners. This machine needs to be simple, intuitive, and sustainable.”

“First would be chest equipment. Chest muscles are relatively easy to develop, showing quick, visible results. We need a pec deck for three modes: butterfly presses, straight-arm presses, and reverse flyes.”

“Second is the back. This is simpler – a lat pulldown at the top and a seated row at the bottom would suffice.”

“Then we can use the existing structure for an assisted pull-up bar. The chest and rowing seat can serve as knee support for pull-ups.”

“At the bottom, we can add a cable curl station for biceps and brachioradialis exercises.”

“The middle could include a guided barbell for bench presses when lying on the seat, or squats when the seat is folded and you’re standing.”

“This way… the machine could offer: pec deck flyes, straight-arm presses, reverse flyes, lat pulldowns, seated rows, pull-ups, cable curls, bench presses, and weighted squats – nine exercises total. This would target most major muscle groups.”

“Its dimensions should be similar to standard cable crossover machines, roughly 2.1m x 1.4m x 2.1m, occupying about 3 square meters.”

Guo Licheng grabbed paper and pen, quickly sketching a rough design.

Chang You and Wang Xiaobin leaned in to examine it.

The main structure was a rectangular metal frame with counterweights at the back, shared by all exercises except the barbell. The wide seat could be fixed or moved up and down for pull-up support, and folded away when not in use. The upper section extended two mechanical arms for chest exercises, with crossbars above and below for lat pulls and seated rows. The middle featured a horizontal barbell for bench presses, squats, and shoulder exercises.

Though Guo Licheng’s drawing skills were rudimentary, Chang You and Wang Xiaobin’s fitness experience helped them understand the design.

Chang You nodded slightly but still frowned: “Technically, this is just an upgraded all-in-one fitness station. Functionality is fine.”

“But… this clearly differs from Mr. Pei’s ‘smart drying rack’ concept.”

Guo Licheng agreed: “Uh, I’ve only designed the basic functions. Details need refinement.”

Chang You stood up and called in Xiao Jiang.

“I’ll explain modifications; you sketch the prototype.”

Xiao Jiang nodded and began adjusting according to Chang You’s instructions.

“First, as a drying rack, the current size is unsuitable. The outer frame’s posts waste too much space. We should redesign it as an ‘I’ shape, consolidating the main support and barbell tracks into a central vertical beam.”

“The current cable crossover design feels cage-like and enclosed. This modification would be more open, similar to a basketball hoop structure.”

“Make the pec deck arms foldable to align with the top crossbar. Position the barbell higher, and with the seat folded, the entire central section becomes clear, not blocking movement.”

“Next, we need specific designs for the ‘drying rack’ function.”

“The current shape already resembles a clothes rack. We can hang clothes on the top beam and layer them differently on various bars.”

“Add fans to the top to help dry clothes and cool users during workouts.”

“Finally, the ‘smart’ component.”

“Besides incorporating AI AEEIS, we can install smart modules throughout. For instance, sensors on the weight stack to track resistance levels, on mechanical arms and seats to monitor form, and to verify proper machine reset after use.”

“And then the game…”

Wang Xiaobin took over: “I think this game should primarily complement the machine.”

“Adding smart modules is an excellent idea – they’d let us monitor movements in real-time.”

“Traditional fitness routines often fail due to monotony. Games provide entertainment through visuals, sound, and mechanics that make persistence easier.”

“My concept: gamify these exercises. Picture a hero character whose skills correspond to specific workouts, defeating monsters through exercise. We’d structure daily training as game levels – completing levels achieves fitness goals.”

“During levels, we’d add encouraging narration, monster taunts, etc., to spark competitive spirit and improve adherence.”

“Crucially, players would input their height and weight, while heart rate monitoring during exercise would assess fitness level and adjust workouts for optimal results.”

“This data would sync with Tenda Life APP’s fitness tracking, including reminders and scheduling – all ready to implement.”

As Chang You recorded notes, he nodded: “Right, estimated game investment?”

Wang Xiaobin considered: “Not much – two to three million should suffice. Animation, environments, and enemies can be reused. Main effort goes into level design and polishing.”

“If bundled with equipment sales, costs are covered through hardware revenue.”

Chang You turned to Guo Licheng: “Coach Guo, excluding smart modules, what’s the equipment cost?”

Guo Licheng thought: “Similar online fitness machines cost 3,500 to 4,000. Ours needs custom styling, installation, and after-sales service, bringing costs to around 4,500.”

Chang You nodded: “So with smart modules and extra features, plus bundled game pricing, 5,000 seems appropriate.”

“Somewhat expensive. Home fitness equipment typically costs around 3,500. We lack price advantage.”

“Though 3,500 machines pale in functionality and entertainment value, that 1,500 difference will cause hesitation.”

Xiao Jiang raised his hand: “Manager Chang, I disagree.”

“Buyers of home fitness equipment aren’t primarily concerned with 1,500 extra.”

“Their worries are twofold: space consumption and sustainability.”

“With high housing costs, most people have limited space. Even on balconies, this takes 3 square meters. At 15,000 per square meter, that’s 45,000 in space cost.”

“Compared to 45,000, what’s 1,500?”

“Unused equipment gathering dust is wasteful, even as a clothes rack.”

“Unused equipment that takes space and has poor resale value – that’s why people avoid home fitness machines.”

“But our design folds to save space, functions better as a clothes rack than standard equipment, and offers entertainment value for better adherence.”

“Done right, it’ll be competitive.”

“Design-wise, we should differentiate from traditional equipment. Skip black for tech-forward white. In compact mode, it should resemble tech rather than fitness gear – aesthetically pleasing.”

“Success depends on brand awareness, not price. With no direct competition, that 1,500 difference becomes negligible.”

“Especially with superior features, better results, and an included game.”

Chang You nodded slowly: “True!”

Thinking it through, the smart fitness drying rack, though somewhat absurd, had a clear position. Since only young people buy such equipment anyway, focusing on their needs and surpassing all competitors made sense.

As a supplement to Tuoguan Fitness, early losses wouldn’t matter. With solid reputation and growing recognition, profits would eventually follow.

Mr. Pei would likely tolerate initial losses.

During discussion, Xiao Jiang completed the overall design.

Compared to standard equipment, the smart fitness drying rack appeared more elegant and technologically advanced.

The game would be mobile-based, connecting to Tenda Life APP’s Tuoguan Fitness data. Playable on phones or tablets with screen mirroring options.

Smart modules would connect to devices, detecting equipment status, recording movements, and providing real-time game feedback.

The three refined the smart fitness drying rack proposal, perfecting details.

Chang You expressed satisfaction: “Great, let’s proceed with this plan!”

“Everyone handles their responsibilities while maintaining communication. We must successfully complete Mr. Pei’s assignment!”