| Innovations | FIT Extra Circuit Training


Attractive ‘Physical’ Interactions


Innovation makes strength equipment more intuitive, graceful, and effective


Typically, when discussing technological innovations to exercise equipment, the conversation turns to the topic of interactivity, which, in most cases, involves the mention of the iPod and Web-based downloadable information. But there’s another type of interactivity: physical interactivity— the touchpoints, or direct ways in which the user interacts, physically, with a given piece of equipment.


Here, too, exciting innovations are now taking place. “You’re seeing it, for instance, in the form of our ROX technology,”


points out Randy Weber, the cofounder and vice president of new product development for Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc., based in San Diego. “ROX technology makes the user an integral part of the process by allowing them to continuously adjust their position with the movement of the exercise arm. This type of dynamic adjustment is a hallmark of our new ROC-IT strength line; it offers the unrestricted joint movement and core-activating benefits of functional training, coupled with the stabilizing benefits of machine-based equipment.” The result, he notes, is a more intuitive exercise experience. In an effort to make its selectorized equipment more efficient for


both users and buyers, Star Trac, in Irvine, California, recently introduced its Lock N Load system, which Product Manager Jeff Dilts refers to as another step in the evolution of the weight stack. The system utilizes an external switch that actuates an internal pin, eliminating the need for the traditional pin and lanyard systems. That means greater ease of use for the member, and, for the club, no more lost pins. “The customers we surveyed purchased, on average, two pins, per


stack, per year,” reports Dilts. “While the cost of the pin and lanyard is nominal, the machine downtime associated with missing or broken pins isn’t.” Flexi-Sports GmbH, in Munich, Germany, has come up with some


novel ways for exercisers to interact with strength equipment. The company’s Flexi-Bar is a handheld vibration device that works the muscles through the vibrations it broadcasts through the body, and its portability offers a greater number of potential exercises. Its Flexi-Sports’ XCO-Trainer, which utilizes reactive-impact training, is an aluminum tube filled with sand-like beads that shift toward the opposite end of the cylinder when it’s moved sharply during exercise. “It places an overload on a muscle during the acceleration phase of a movement, which has a profound impact on the rest of the body,” explains Flexi-Sports spokesman Sven Martin-Imhof. —|


Circuit Series


Life Fitness’ 11-piece line of space-efficient machines delivers time-efficient, total-body workouts in an approachable, easy-to-use format. The units boast a user-friendly design and superior biomechanics. The patented Lifeband Resistance System mimics gravity for maximum strength- training results, and eliminates acceleration at the top and bottom of the exercise for an express-style workout with the feel of traditional machines. A low-profile, easy-access design, no required machine adjustments, and an innovative resistance- selection system minimize user intimidation.


www. ihrsa.org | OCTOBER 2010 | Club Business Internat ional 65


CIRCUIT TRAINING KEISER


Keiser XPress Training System


Designed to maximize workout results in a minimal amount of time, this research-based training system combines cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and stretching. The circuit incorporates Keiser bikes, the Keiser Stretch Zone, and a mini- mum of six of the company’s air-powered resistance machines. The first half of the 30-minute training system is dedicated to cardiovascular training on the bikes, while the second half entails strength training, with “active-rest” stretches performed in between sets.


LIFE FITNESS SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 9


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