#Japan #fitness technology #Shibuya #Muscle Phone

Shibuya’s New Initiative: The Muscle Training Habit Challenge

On March 11, 2026, Shibuya Ward officially kicks off the 'Muscle Training Habit Challenge,' utilizing innovative technology with the 'Muscle Phone.' This initiative, chosen under the 'Testbed City Shibuya' program by the Global Strategic Urban Development Division, aims to encourage residents to maintain a consistent exercise regimen through cutting-edge sensor technology.

The Essence of the Program

This program involves a three-month pilot study utilizing the latest device, the Muscle Phone, which visualizes and auditory represents muscle activity in real-time. The key is to address common barriers to muscle training, which often discourages individuals from continuing their exercise habits. Many struggle with doubts such as 'Is this effective?' or 'Am I using the correct form?' The Muscle Phone transforms these uncertainties into visible progress, empowering Shibuya residents to take charge of their health.

Program Details and Features

Participants in the challenge, who were selected from local residents who applied in advance, will enjoy a range of exciting offerings over the next three months:

1. Free Device Rental: Each participant will receive a wearable muscle sensor, the Muscle Phone, free of charge for three months. This device can be easily attached to arms or legs, providing real-time data visualization of muscle activity on a smartphone app.

2. Support via a LINE Bot: Participants will implement muscle training 2-3 times a week for around 10 minutes a day. A dedicated LINE Bot will assist in creating tailored exercise menus based on physiological theories and help manage motivation throughout the challenge.

3. Collaboration with Community Currency App: Every workout session completed will earn participants coins through 'Machi no Coin (Hachipo),' a community currency application in Shibuya. This incentive not only makes exercise more rewarding but also fosters a fun environment for maintaining healthy habits.

What is the Muscle Phone?

The Muscle Phone is a compact surface electromyography (sEMG) sensor that connects to smartphones. By affixing this sensor during workouts, users can monitor the intensity of their muscle activity via graphs and sounds displayed in real-time on the app. This immediate feedback allows individuals to intuitively assess whether their muscles are effectively engaged, facilitating the learning of proper form, perceiving training effectiveness, and ultimately leading to a sustainable workout practice.

Kickoff Event

To mark the official start of the challenge, a face-to-face kickoff event was held at a facility in Shibuya today. Participants received their devices and learned how to use them effectively. Over the next three months, they will be supported throughout this testing phase.

Words from the CEO, Ryuta Kinugasa

'We have all faced the frustration of 'working hard without seeing results.' The Muscle Phone, developed from my 25 years of research in muscle physiology, visualizes those invisible efforts, providing a sense of accomplishment each time you train. Through this trial with Shibuya Ward, we aim to introduce a new workout experience to many individuals, proving that visible progress encourages consistency and contributes to solving health-related issues.'

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Muscle Blueprints Inc.
• - CEO: Ryuta Kinugasa
• - Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Business Focus: Development and provision of muscle sensors and related services.

Please note that this program is provided by Muscle Blueprints Inc. and is not an administrative service from Shibuya Ward.