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Gaining Strength...without a doubt we all could benefit from a little more muscle. Could your fitness facility gain from a bit more balance with respect to its strength equipment offering?
There exists many forms of resistance based exercises; from free-weights to brilliantly designed exercise stations, there's ample to choose from. However, care must be taken to balance a facility's functional offerings with safety, staffing, and user knowledge concerns. Several leading equipment manufactures have recently updated their products to satisfy the needs of a far broader range of users from the committed fitness enthusiast to the emerging active older-adult population. Now is a good time to reflect on your facility's offerings and make plans to refine the balance of your equipment to better meet the current needs of its users.
Bryan Green, President & CEO
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Resort and Recreation Magazine - July/August 2008
IHRSA FITNESS TRENDS INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES AND PERSONAL PERFORMANCE RULE
By Bryan Green, CEO
Each year, there's no better venue to get a snapshot of the trends and advancements that are influencing change in the fitness world, than at the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association's annual trade show, and 2008 was no exception. First, there's been a dramatic shift in emphasis from developing a harder, more attractive body to performance in day-to-day life. The second development is the influence of digital technology on fitness and exercise. Together, these aspects can create a personalized and interactive fitness experience, focused on functional fitness measures.
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Fitness "Fun & Games"
Interactive, digital-gaming products, like the popular Wi gaming device, allow consumers to become a part of the virtual world. One trip to a local arcade/entertainment center will find hosts of kids engaged in break-dancing competitions or martial arts battles against "virtual" opponents. This technology makes perfect sense in fitness, where exercise programs are found in these same competitive, gaming-based platforms. Some are calling this movement "exergaming".
Motivatrix's MX 10 Workout Master offers up to 20 different options of gaming-based exercise programs. "Zak Attack" combines martial arts in a gaming format where the user punches and kicks virtual targets, earning points along the way. "Dash, Dart & Jump" users can jump, sprint and kick point-bearing targets, while also avoiding oncoming dangers and obstacles as they traverse through a virtual world, much like classic video game titles of the past such as Sonic the Hedgehog or Super Mario Bros. Another company, Xavix, offers martial arts-based exercise programs led by Jackie Chan himself. And I-Tech fitness is offering the XRCade, a gaming-based destination created within an existing fitness center that offers a variety of gaming-based exercise options.
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Personal Training...To Go
USB-compatible storage device, often called jump drives, are being integrated into the techno-fitness movement. These products can read the user's jump drive to access personalized information and tailor exercise regimens based on that data.
Star Trac's pre-designed cardio and strength programs allow users to track progress at home. Fitness centers can sell the software-loaded USB sticks to members who will plug them into Star Trac's E Series cardio equipment and/or the company's new Koko strength training machines. Performance data from each workout can then be downloaded onto personal computers to track progress in detail.
Other products interface with Apple iPod devices. For example, the Nike Plus system is based on footwear containing a sensor that can compile data from cardio training, including mileage and pace. It's then transferred to a personal computer for performance tracking. Originally designed for outdoor use, it's now offered in gym settings by Precor, Technogym, Star Trac and Life Fitness.
Bryan Green is President and CEO of Advantage Fitness Products, a company dedicated to the planning, design, supply, and ongoing care of specialized fitness and wellness environments world-wide. For information regarding Advantage Fitness Products visit www.AFProducts.com or call 310-559-9949.
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ADVANTAGE Series - Estera Premium Equipment Mats- Gray Marbled
The Advantage Series Estera Premium equipment mats are best matched with your equipment and blends most seamlessly into any base floor color. These mats are designed to enhance your fitness room and are suggested for hotels, apartments, corporate offices, or universities. They come with rounded corners with sound and vibration reducing material to add to your workout experience with are three sizes and three colors to choose from. More...
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AFP Adds to National Footprint with New Florida HQ and Design Center
AFP establishes presence in Southeast region with new South Florida offices (housed in the historic Biltmore Hotel) and distribution center. More...
Pumping Up Fitness Center Amenities
AFP's Bryan Green provides his insight on fitness center amenities in Multi-Housing News. More...
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Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
AFP completed a comprehensive upgrade of the hotel’s fitness center with an arsenal of the industry’s most innovative products, including the revolutionary AMT functional trainer, a full slate of strength equipment and a state-of-the-art Cardio Theater entertainment system to power personal viewing screens on every treadmill in the facility. More...
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