resistance
training
so strength training is evolving into a sleek, modern way of
exercising with the introduction of new types of equipment.
Hoist’s innovative Roc-It line moves with the user to simulate
a free weights workout and, according to Graham Bertrand
– MD of the PTE Group, which distributes the equipment
in the UK – has proven popular with experienced members
and novices alike, bridging the gap between free weights and
traditional resistance machines.
Fitness instructor Jo Devereux agrees: “Induction-wise
it’s excellent, as it’s very easy to use. It’s very smooth with
little room for technical error, so you don’t see people using
momentum to lift the weights. It also pleasantly surprises
people who’ve exercised before. We’ve had some great results,
with members losing weight, toning up and reducing body fat.
“Normally, members get bored with resistance equipment as
they progress with their programme, but with Roc-It, people
are getting a lot more out of their programmes. I believe this is
Hoist’s Roc-It Easy to
where the future lies. It makes our job a whole lot easier.”
use and non-intimidating
Meanwhile, Precor’s design team carefully studied people’s
exercise habits before developing its new resistance range.
These fi ndings, divided into beginners and advanced,
show that light users in particular can feel awkward and breaking barriers
embarrassed about using strength equipment – the fear of not Using strength training in a class format is another way to
using it properly, getting in a muddle with weights and seat break down perceived barriers and bring weight training to the
adjustments, feeling self-conscious and so on. masses. BODY PUMP, for example, took the industry by storm
Advanced users tended to have a clearer appreciation of the when it was launched in the 90s and is still seen as one of the
importance of exercise and strength work to their physical most innovative strength training concepts to date. Using
and mental wellbeing, but also said they wanted equipment traditional moves such as squats, presses, lifts and curls – but
that was simple, effective, easy to use, safe and comfortable. under the expert eye of a specially trained instructor and set to
However, they were more likely to use strength training for a up-tempo music – the Les Mills programme challenges
particular reason, such as toning a specifi c body part, or as part stereotypical views of free weight strength training and is now
of training for other activities like karate or running. a firm fixture on many gym timetables.
Doug Durnford, senior product manager for Precor, says: Gym layout can also help, and suppliers such as Pulse are
“Our number one objective for strength equipment is proper working with operators to devise ideas that position strength
function coupled with ease of use” – this ensures that novices and CV workouts together to encourage fl ow between the
can easily understand how to use them, but also that more two areas. Darren Clowes, head of design for Pulse, explains:
advanced users get an effective workout. “Trying to entice gym users to use free weights has always
He continues: “We’re mindful of the fact that a club owner been an issue for operators. Traditionally, free weight areas are
must accommodate fi rst-time users, novice users, periodic tucked away or in a separate environment from the machines.
or casual users, and various levels of experienced users. A “In designing our new range of free weights, we deliberately
well-researched and designed strength machine should allow wanted to create a product that would entice members to use
any type of user to work out effectively. In addition, the weight them and also encourage operators to bring them to the fore
stacks assigned to each machine should allow users to progress due to their stylish looks and synergies with the cardio and
as their strength and fi tness levels improve.” strength ranges. We now see gym layouts with free weights
featured, rather than hidden away, and more users working
with weights, especially female members.”
get stronger
So if you want to make your gym stronger, maybe it’s time to
rethink your focus on resistance training to see if it can provide
a boost to the health of both your members and your business.
Clark concludes: “It’s our job as an industry to make sure
what we know from science is understandable at all levels, and
to make sure what we preach is the same across the board.
We need to help our clients understand the fi rst principles of
strength training and help debunk the myths surrounding it.
“In short, well-trained instructors who understand the
physical benefi ts of weight training as a discipline in its own
right, well-placed equipment, and a desire to help members
reach their full potential will not only help our clients but could
also help a gym’s retention levels.”
Pump it up Les Mills’ BODY PUMP programme challenges
stereotypical views of free weight strength training
sarah owen
healthclub@leisuremedia.com
48 Read Health Club Management online august 2009 © cybertrek 2009
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
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