| Innovations | FIT Extra Free Weights Heavyweight Appeal
Expanding use of this longstanding staple stimulates sales and innovation
Amid ever-prevalent, evolving technology, and in an industry that craves constant change, the stronghold of any club’s strength-training area is still its free weights: dumbbells, barbells, weight plates, benches, and racks. These main- stays are increasingly being used by a variety of exercisers— a testament to their incredible versatility and effectiveness.
No longer “for bodybuilders only,” free-weight training is thriving, stimulated by personal training, small group training, group strength classes, and growing knowledge among exercisers.
“Free weights are the oldest category of fitness equipment,
and, they’re used by virtually every member,” notes Michael Rojas, president of Iron Grip Barbell Company. “Free weights are now widely accepted as among the most beneficial tools for functional training, and there will be a substantial increase in their use by a wider and more varied group of members.” As a result, health clubs are expanding floor space for free weights,
and, in some cases, establishing dedicated functional and personal training areas. In addition, group strength classes that utilize dumbbells, fixed barbells, plates, and kettlebells continue to proliferate, further broadening exposure to these training tools. “The growing popularity of training with dumbbells is partially due
to their versatility, and also because they are a perfect complement to cable and pulley training in weight rooms,” explains Greg Highsmith, product marketing director for Technogym North America. Given the superstar status of free weights, innovation is far
from stagnant, as manufacturers are endlessly tweaking and redesigning products. “Benches and racks are becoming more attractive and user-friendly,
with amenities like storage horns, frame protectors, rounded tubes, and glossy paint, indicating a shift toward general fitness enthusiasts,” says Chris Adsit, product manager of strength at Johnson Health Tech North America. “We continue to look for new ways to attract more users through amenities, aesthetics, and unique designs.” In the next 12 months, Hampton Fitness Products reports that it will
unveil a new dumbbell. According to the company’s vice president, Robert Hornbuckle, “This category is about to take on a whole new identity; it’s going to see some of the greatest innovations yet.” Iron Grip’s Rojas reiterates that “more innovation is coming,” indicating
that the company recently introduced a new dumbbell handle design that improves ergonomics, comfort, and durability, and added an upgraded urethane coating on dumbbells and plates with a textured surface to minimize scuffing. Check out all of the latest free-weight innovations on the following pages of F.I.T. Extra.—|
www.
ihrsa.org | MAY 2011 | Club Business Internat ional 65 The Body Bar
The soft, padded, original classic Body Bar is a versatile strength-training tool that works the entire body. With evenly distributed weight, it’s safe to rotate and move the bar, without concern regarding momentum, and exercisers can use either one or two hands, and hold the bar in different places. The durable bar can also be used as an alignment or balance tool, or in cardio-conditioning classes. It comes in a variety of weights.
FREE WEIGHTS
ALEXANDAVE INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
Alex 3-Grips TPU Plates
The Alex 3-Grips TPU Plates feature a world-patented design from Alexandave Industries Co., Ltd. They’re manufactured using injection-processing with hard-wearing, impact-resistant polyurethane material that can be recycled. The maintenance- free plates come in a variety of weight increments, from five to 55 pounds, and won’t release any odor.
BODY BAR SYSTEMS, INC.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114