| Innovations | FIT Extra Ellipticals
Linear or Lateral Locomotion?
Ellipticals still shine, while lateral trainers mix up the movement
Since the debut of Precor’s EFX machine 15 years ago, ellipticals have become the darlings of cardio equipment. Hoping to do the same are lateral trainers, which range in design from slide boards to models sporting side- to-side motion.
Both categories are buoyed by low-impact motion, versatility, and ongoing innovation in features. “The feel of ellipticals keeps improving, and we’re creating more
advances and pushing the boundaries of what an elliptical can be,” says Tim Porth, the executive vice president of product development and marketing for Octane Fitness. The company’s Cross Circuit program combines cardio intervals on the elliptical with strength- training periods using PowerBlock dumbbells, for individual or group workouts in clubs. “People enjoy the variety ellipticals offer in terms of speed,
resistance, and direction, and they continue to ask for more adjust- ability, greater range, and additional workout options,” notes Adam Hubbard, the director of product management for Precor. More workout options can come in the form of advances in enter-
tainment, workout-tracking, and exercise guidance, such as Octane’s new Embedded Touch Screen and Star Trac’s Coach and eFitness System. Unlike most traditional cardio equipment, lateral trainers incorporate
side-to-side motion, which is fundamental to many sports and functional movements. “Lateral trainers will be to this decade what ellipticals were to the
last decade,” predicts Lenny Snyderman, the founder and CEO of the Helix Company, which makes the Helix Lateral Trainer. “Working the body in the frontal plane translates to incredible results in the inner and outer thighs and buttocks.” “As operators look to keep members motivated, new products with
a unique feel and function can offer real results,” agrees Erica Tillinghast, the training and education manager at Technogym USA, which makes the CardioWave and Crossover lateral trainers. Compact and economical, the traditional slide board still generates
interest among exercisers. “Personal trainers and coaches have clients and athletes doing lateral movements, upper-body exercises, and core/trunk workouts on our Ultraslide,” explains Barry Slotnick, the founder and president of Varisport, Inc. The bottom line? If you have both elliptical and lateral trainers on your fitness floor, all of your members will be satisfied.—|
ihrsa.org | DECEMBER 2011 | Club Business International 71 BH Fitness SK9100
The SK 9100 elliptical series combines a sleek design with high-quality performance and an automotive-grade finish to provide the ultimate in total-body motion, func- tionality, and durability. Sophisticated biomechanics offer a precise, controlled, and quiet workout. The series is self- powered with Genesia III technology, and features Polar Heart Rate monitoring and 40 different programs, including Fitness Test and Heart Rate Control.
Manufacturer’s list price: $5,399.00 BH Fitness SE4
The SE4 seamlessly combines the benefits of an elliptical movement with the intensity of indoor-cycling training. This commer- cial-grade sprint elliptical has a smooth pedaling 44-pound rotating mass, making it ideal for any group exercise class. The SE4 also produces a higher caloric con- sumption, compared to traditional ellipticals, maximizing any workout routine.
Manufacturer’s list price: $1,799.00
ELLIPTICALS BH NORTH AMERICA
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