Executive Summary

Allyn transforms any standard stationary bike into a shared experience, connecting older adults with remote workout partners through innovative hardware that clips onto existing exercise equipment. Born from research into how older adults stay active and fit, Allyn addresses the dual crisis of physical inactivity and social isolation by putting friends and family members on a virtual tandem bike together—regardless of physical distance.

Our ALLYN prototypes on stationary bikes

The Problem: Inactive, Isolated, and Surrounded by Unused Equipment

The Physical Activity Crisis

Older adults face alarming levels of physical inactivity:

• Only 13.9% of adults 65+ meet federal physical activity guidelines

• 31% are completely physically inactive—doing no exercise beyond daily activities

• Compliance drops to just 6.2% for those 85+

• 20-30% increased risk of death for insufficiently active adults

The Home Equipment Paradox

Despite widespread equipment ownership, usage tells a different story:

• 27% of UK households have an average of £180 ($234) worth of unused gym equipment

• 8% have £727 ($945) worth of unused equipment

• Exercise bikes (26.5%) are among the most commonly unused equipment, along with treadmills

• Studies show bike use declines considerably over three months, regardless of modality

• Home exercise equipment often becomes expensive "clothes dryers"

The Social Isolation Connection

Physical inactivity and isolation are deeply intertwined:

Prevalence:

• 50% of people over 60 are at risk of social isolation

• One-third experience loneliness

• Nearly 25% of adults 65+ are socially isolated

Health Impacts:

• 50% increased risk of dementia

• 30% increased risk of heart disease/stroke

• Isolation = smoking 15 cigarettes a day in health impact

• Socially isolated older adults engage in less physical activity

The Evidence:

• Group exercise classes reduce loneliness by 6.9%

• Moderate/high physical activity associated with 15-30% lower loneliness

• Social support is the key predictor of sustained exercise

The ALLYN Product Video

The Research Journey

Methods: Immersion in Older Adult Communities

To understand how older adults stay active, our team conducted ethnographic research:

• Joined walking groups with older adults to observe social dynamics during exercise

• Attended bingo sessions to understand social gathering patterns and community bonds

• Visited care homes and interviewed residents about activity levels and social connection

• Conducted in-depth interviews with older adults about barriers to exercise

Key Insight: Sedentary Lifestyle Drives Depression

Our research revealed a critical connection: more sedentary lifestyles correlated directly with higher rates of depression among older adults. The most active and socially connected participants showed significantly better mental health outcomes. However, sustaining activity required social scaffolding—the very thing that home exercise equipment removes.

The Solution: Allyn

Core Innovation

Allyn converts abandoned stationary bikes into connection devices. A physical hardware component clips onto any standard bike's resistance wheel, pairing users with remote partners for a synchronized virtual tandem experience.

How It Works

Hardware:

• Clips onto resistance wheel of 91% of standard stationary bikes

• Servo motor controls resistance dynamically

• Raspberry Pi processes movement and sensor data

• Wireless connectivity enables remote pairing

Experience:

• Creates synchronized "tandem bike" where both riders contribute

• Real-time feedback on partner's effort

• Shared accountability without competition

Impact: Solving Both Crises Simultaneously

For Physical Activity:

• Converts £180+ worth of unused equipment into engaging tools

• Social accountability increases consistency

• Makes 150-minute weekly recommendation achievable when exercise is social

ALLYN prototype being fitted on traditional resistance gear

For Social Connection:

• Regular touchpoints between distant family/friends

• Group exercise benefits (6.9% loneliness reduction) brought home

• 15-30% lower isolation rates associated with sustained activity

ALLYN User Experience in our Aapp

Why It Works:

The tandem bike metaphor is powerful—both riders must show up, both contribute, neither can coast. When your daughter schedules a ride from across the country, you keep the appointment. Not from discipline, but because someone is waiting for you.

Conclusion: Exercise Is Better Together

The crisis isn't knowledge or access—many own bikes. It's motivation and sustainability. Research proves social connection sustains activity. Allyn doesn't just make exercise possible—it makes it necessary in the best way: because someone you care about is counting on you.

With one clip-on device, Allyn transforms stationary bikes from expensive reminders of failed resolutions into portals to connection.

Project: Allyn
Innovation: Clip-on hardware converting stationary bikes into virtual tandem experiences
Research: Walking groups, bingo sessions, care home interviews with older adults
Technology: Servo motor, Raspberry Pi, wireless pairing
Impact: Addresses physical inactivity (86% non-compliance) and social isolation (50% at risk)