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Ki Ung Kim at TRNT Trinity Pilates

In a field long shaped by women’s leadership, a growing number of Pilates entrepreneurs who are also fathers are bringing their own perspective to the community. For many, this dual role is a source of strength and perspective that deeply shapes how they lead their businesses and lives. Their experiences as parents inspires how they show up for their clients, teams and families with empathy, purpose and presence.

This Father’s Day and during Men’s Health Month, we’re speaking with two mindful movement leaders about what it really looks like to balance parenting while running a studio or teaching Pilates classes. Through these conversations, they offer leadership lessons drawn from the lived experience of fatherhood and share how they design inclusive programming that reflects real-life demands and integrate family life into their studio culture.

Finding Rhythm Between Work and Parenthood

For Ki Ung Kim (KU), a devoted father and husband, leadership is a shared journey both at home and at TRNT Trinity Pilates Studio in Seoul, Korea, which he co-runs with his wife, Yunjin. Together, they’ve built a strong community centered on movement and wellness.

KU sees the idea of “balancing” work and family as a myth.

“That you can ‘balance’ the two as if they’re separate plates; that’s the misconception,” he shares.

“In reality, they’re deeply intertwined. My family doesn’t live outside my work; they’re part of its heartbeat.”

With his family’s love and support, Charles Lim serves as Co-Founder of Pilates2021, a STOTT PILATES^® HTC in Jakarta, Indonesia that integrates classic Pilates’ foundations with dynamic, contemporary energy.

“People often think you must sacrifice one for the other. The truth is, it’s not about choosing, it’s about integrating both worlds intentionally.”

Both dads say that setting routines and boundaries has been key to staying grounded. For KU, that means morning check-ins with his team and switching off his phone after 8PM.

“Presence isn’t about time,” he adds, “It’s about attention.”

 

Charles Lim’s daughter, Monique Ellora Herlim, practicing on the Cadillac / Trapeze table

Lessons from Parenting That Shape Leadership

The experience of being a father has influenced how these studio owners teach and lead.

“Becoming a father taught me the value of patience, empathy and presence.

These are the same qualities I bring into every training and understanding each individual’s pace and journey,” says Charles.

KU offers his view on how becoming a dad reshaped his teaching style.

“Just like with children, no two clients are the same. Parenthood sharpened my emotional intelligence, which I now see as one of the most important tools in education.”

Ki Ung Kim and his wife, Yunjin, at the Trevi Fountain

How to Design Programming with Parents in Mind

KU and Charles draw on their own experiences as parents to inform their class building for parents, caregivers, on-the-go clients and those in their prime years.

“As a parent, I understand how physical and mental demands shift over time.” Charles comments. “That’s why we emphasize long-term strength, mobility and injury prevention, especially through Merrithew’s Active for Life^™ Pilates workshop, which informs and shapes our ongoing programming.”

KU reimagined how TRNT Trinity Pilates could support these communities both inside and beyond the studio.

“That inspired me to introduce more restorative and longevity-focused formats that help clients, especially dads, feel strong, mobile and mentally resilient across life stages.” He continues “We created time-efficient hybrid formats: 45-minute focused workouts, weekend recovery classes and lunch-hour reformer flows,” says KU. “But more than structure, we offer a space where parents don’t have to perform; they just have to show up.”

This understanding of client realities also informs how Charles approaches class design.

“We’ve adapted our class offerings with realistic scheduling in mind, adding shorter class durations, off-peak time slots and weekend availability. It’s not about doing more, it’s about making each session count.”

While men often pursue intentional movement through sports, strength training and other disciplines, KU sees a shift in what draws them specifically to Pilates. For many dads, the focus is less on performance and more on functional well-being — moving better, feeling stronger and staying present through every stage of life.

“Our male clients are increasingly drawn to programs that feel purposeful,” observes KU. “They want to move better, sleep better and lift their kids without pain.”

Charles emphasizes how approachable Pilates can be for beginners.

“STOTT PILATES Matwork and Reformer programs are ideal for dads of all levels,” he explains. “They’re approachable yet highly effective for improving posture, core strength and flexibility all while reducing stress and preventing injury.”

At TRNT Trinity Pilates studio, classes are designed around the real-life demands of fatherhood.

“Athletic Conditioning, CORE^™ and our ‘Functional Dad Series’ integrate strength, recovery and breathwork in a way that speaks to their lifestyle.” KU shares. “We make sure they walk out feeling both grounded and capable.”

For Charles and Pilates2021, equipment is key to personalization.

“The Stability Chair^™ is a favorite for building core control and functional strength in compact movements,” he says. “The Pilates Reformer machine and Cadillac allow us to safely scale intensity and address specific rehab or performance needs.”

Charles Lim and his family at Pilates2021

 

Drawing on Family Life to Shape Community & Culture

Drawing from family values can create a unique sense of connection with clients and staff alike.

“Our studio is built on the belief that care doesn’t stop at the door.” shares KU. “My wife and I have led this space with the same values we hold at home: respect, listening and shared responsibility. Because of that, our team feels more like a community.”

Charles echoes the sentiment.

“It fosters deep trust, accountability and shared vision.” he says. “Clients sense the warmth and sincerity. It becomes more than a studio, it becomes a supportive community.”

Words of Wisdom for Parents in Business

To parents or couples thinking of starting a family business, these leaders offer thoughtful advice.

“Don’t try to separate work and life,” says KU. “Instead, ask yourself: ‘What values from home can become the foundation of our brand?’ At the same time, keep communication clear and sacred. In our family, business conversations stop at dinner. That’s the boundary we honor so we can remain partners, not just coworkers.”

“Define clear roles, communicate honestly and don’t forget to celebrate the wins, big or small,” Charles advises. “It’s a journey worth sharing, especially when rooted in shared values.”

A Note to All the Fathers & Father Figures

This Father’s Day, we celebrate dads and leaders alike—the everyday juggernauts who draw on personal experience to create meaningful change for clients, families, communities and the future of mindful movement.

Honoring all who lead with heart this Father’s Day. Here’s to shared connection.

Source: https://www.merrithew.com/blog/post/2025-06-15/leadership-lessons-from-pilates-dadpreneurs

The Single Leg Press on the Split-Pedal Stability Chair^™ delivers more than meets the eye. It builds targeted strength, balance and control for powerful, full-body results. This unilateral exercise strengthens the hips, glutes and lower body while enhancing balance, coordination and postural alignment. Aimed at intermediate-to-advanced clients, this movement offers instructors a range of modifications that make it accessible and supportive for beginners and post-rehabilitation clients.

Working one leg at a time, this exercise pinpoints muscular imbalances, builds body awareness and challenges core control. Together, these elements form the foundation for functional everyday movement patterns such as walking, climbing and weight transfer from one leg to the other.

Watch the Exercise

Merrithew^® Lead Instructor Trainer Krisztian Mélykuti, owner of Pilates Plus Studio in Budapest, Hungary, guides the instruction of the Single Leg Press on the Split-Pedal Stability Chair^™. Alongside demonstrator Laura Kovács, Krisztian shares expert tips and detailed cues to help you practice safely and effectively.

 

Equipment Set-Up

Suggested spring tension is two heavy red springs on the bottom hooks, and two light blue spring on the top hooks, for a total of four springs. This setup provides enough support for control while requiring precise muscle engagement.

Key Benefits

• Builds Functional Strength – Engaging the glutes, quads and hamstrings to enhance movement efficiency and reduce muscular fatigue.
• Activates Core and Supports Posture – Stabilizing the pelvis and spine to improve alignment and help alleviate back discomfort.
• Improves Balance and Coordination – Training hips, quads and calves to work in sync for smoother, more controlled lower-body movement.
• Identifies Imbalances – Builds movement symmetry to lower the risk of injury from strain and overuse.
• Encourages Proprioception – Supporting refined motor control by increasing awareness of how the body responds to instability.

Krisztian’s Pro Tips

• Find the Right Seat: Sit in the center or slightly forward on the chair for better range of motion and control.
• Balance with Gravity: Cue engagement through the core and a gentle lift through the spine to resist gravitational pull.
• Control the Return: Use the quads and hip extensors to guide the pedal back up. The lift should be as smooth and strong as the press.
• Respect Your Range: Lift only as high as you can without compromising pelvic stability.
• Monitor Pelvic Alignment: Keep both sit bones grounded to avoid shifting or rotation.

Modifications

• Supported Upright Position: If maintaining an upright torso is challenging, use the hands for light support by placing them on the front edge or sides of the chair, or hugging the arms around the handles to maintain length through the spine without compromising control.
• Prop-Assisted Feedback: Placing a prop like the Stability Barrel^™ Lite behind you provides tactile feedback, encouraging alignment without leaning. Its curved shape supports the spine’s natural arc and promotes upright posture.
• Gentle Adjustments for the Stabilizing Leg: If the stabilizing leg is extended straight and causes tension or hip gripping, soften the knee slightly rather than keeping it fully extended. If lifting the leg remains difficult, add a Reformer Box under the foot or press the opposite pedal down to maintain pedal height, enhancing stability and posterior chain engagement.

Variations

• Foot Position Options:
  1. Choosing heels down offers a stable base.
  2. Curling the toes under activates foot strength and improves joint mobility in the feet and ankles.
  3. Elevating into a high half-toe, as shown in the video, adds a balance challenge and recruits the calves.
• Arm Integration: Begin with arms extended forward, hands grasping opposite elbows. Adjust arms based on scapula alignment. For example, reaching overhead can help elevate depressed scapulae. To progress, add arm-leg coordination by using an ipsilateral pattern.
• Spinal Mobilization Add-On: Introduce gentle spinal movement during the press with spinal flexion, extension through lifting the chest, or rotation toward the working leg for dynamic spine mobility and increased coordination.

The Single Leg Press builds strength, balance and movement control from the ground up. It’s a versatile, rewarding exercise that adapts to many client levels. Give it a try, take your time and tune in to how your body responds. When you connect with the movement, teach it forward!

Source: https://www.merrithew.com/blog/post/2025-05-20/exercise-of-the-month-single-leg-press-on-the-split-pedal-stability-chair

Ground-based training has a rich history, and Hammer Strength has been at the forefront of this movement since the early 90s. In collaboration with the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, we pioneered ground-based training techniques that have become a staple in athletic weight rooms. This specific kind of training is crucial for athletes because it allows them to perform movements that closely resemble those they encounter in their sports. By training from the ground, athletes can develop the strength, power, and agility needed to excel in their respective disciplines.

Ground-Based Training Is More Than a Set Of Machines, It’s A Preferred Way To Train

Many athletes prefer ground-based training, as it closely mimics sport-specific movements. As a result, athletes are better equipped to develop functional strength, which is essential for executing these movements with power and precision. The Ground Base® Multi-Squat supports this training philosophy and offers a versatile and effective training option for performing a wide range of ground-based exercises. Its compact design and intuitive features make it a valuable addition to any training facility, helping athletes achieve their fitness goals with precision and power.

The Ground Base® Multi-Squat: Power from the Ground Up

When we think about equipment that intuitively packs a punch, we think about the Ground Base® Multi-Squat, so let’s get reacquainted with this versatile and effective training machine.  This technology is designed to push athletes to their limits, maximizing potential without taking up extensive space. Whether they are powering through squats, lunges, or rows, your athletes can enjoy the unmatched strength building and performance enhancing experience this game-changing equipment brings to your high-performance facility.

Optimize Your Facilities

The Ground Base® Multi-Squat is designed to do more than just provide your athletes with the best equipment possible. But did you know… it’s also designed to help you, the Facilities Manager, keep your space running both operationally (with regard to traffic) and financially (optimize your budgets) smooth day-after-day. From a training perspective, its versatility shines through. Your athletes get the benefit of consolidating multiple exercises into one compact design while you get the benefit of freeing up floor space and minimizing costs. Everyone wins on durability too. This equipment’s industrial-grade construction ensures long-life which makes it a smart investment for facilities, like yours, that demand the best. When you optimize on design, you optimize on the efficiency of your facility.

Set them up for Success

We love that we were able to build the Ground Base® Multi-Squat with athletes in mind, providing them with a versatile tool to take their training to the next level. The machine’s got amazing features, such as the new single-leg squat pad for doing single-leg training and two different loading positions for varying the resistance. The Ground Base® Multi-Squat allows anyone who uses it to perform a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups, which also allows for the freeing up of a barbell (and bench) for other athletes who need them. From beginner to elite, this versatile machine is an ideal way to help athletes reach their peak, and to push performance to new heights.

Intuitive Features, Maximum Potential

Our multi-squat is in a league of its own, combining exceptional design with intuitive features that help athletes push through to their limits. The new, ground-breaking single-leg squat pad ensures consistent support and stability, making it easier for athletes to master exercises. The weight rods offer consistent resistance throughout the entire range of motion, ensuring muscles are continuously engaged and challenged. With customizable settings, athletes can fine-tune their workouts to their specific strength needs, driving peak performance and maximizing training outcomes. For Facility Managers like you, this machine offers unmatched durability and versatility, elevating any training space.

Article by Laura Cohen

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/customer-support/education-hub/blog/ground-based-training?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-hs-plateloaded&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad11xnVneKNKE2PYtHiDo63YZGEHfkMYo-HNP6PVFrovXcCv_7zzDCfEclhjw_aem_Px-rmGGxvhYpRS7eEpe0-A

In strength and conditioning, every piece of equipment must have a clear purpose—boosting performance, feeling right, and achieving results. The Hammer Strength Super Fly is designed with these goals in mind. Unlike traditional pec fly machines or free weights, the Super Fly elevates upper-body training with its advanced design, flat-to-decline adjustability, and a smooth, purposeful movement pattern.

Built for Performance: Key Design Features

The Super Fly is not your typical fly machine — it’s designed to give you total pec exhaustion in one machine. Help your athletes tailor movement paths with the Super Fly’s intuitive Flat-to-Decline Adjustment. Enable engagement of different angles of the chest and optimize muscle activation. Your athletes will appreciate the Extra-Long Handles which ensure a natural range of motion for a variety of arm lengths – everyone can maintain consistent mechanics throughout their training. The FreedomFly Back Pads provide a secure yet unrestricted feel, letting the shoulders move freely without restriction, which is key for both muscle engagement and joint health. And finally, the Raised Foot Placement helps athletes achieve proper positioning, eliminating unnecessary stress and keeping the movement as efficient as possible.

Why It’s Different Than Dumbbell Flys

Dumbbell fly’s have always been a core component of upper-body training, but they come with their drawbacks. Free weights depend on gravity, so resistance is greatest at the bottom of the movement and decreases as you reach the top. In contrast, the Super Fly is designed so that the resistance maintains constant throughout the entire range of motion so that muscles stay fully engaged from start to finish. With a light starting resistance of just 8 lbs per arm, beginners can focus on perfecting their technique, while advanced athletes can increase the load for maximum resistance. Additionally, the Range of Motion Adjustment deepens or limits depth depending on training needs.

Elevate Your Training Space

Performance facilities demand equipment that gives athletes the tools to train the way they compete. The Hammer Strength Super Fly is more than just a chest machine—it’s a tool for developing explosive pressing power, shoulder stability, and functional strength. Whether you’re coaching elite athletes or serious lifters, this machine brings a level of versatility and effectiveness that can’t be matched by traditional flys or cable crossovers.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/customer-support/education-hub/blog/hammer-strength-plate-loaded-super-fly

Unlocking Longevity and Health Through the Decades – By Ian Rushbury

As we move through 2025, dubbed “the year of strength training,” there’s a renewed focus on building resilience and longevity through targeted strength workouts. Following last year’s surge in popularity for Zone 2 cardio training, which emphasized endurance and heart health, this year is all about harnessing the power of strength training.

Whether your members are in their 20s or 70s, engaging in a well-rounded workout routine using a mix of pin-loaded machines, plate-loaded machines, cable configurations, and free weights can boost key health markers and help maintain independence, maximizing their time both in and out of the gym. It might be time to revamp, redesign, or reignite your strength offering to meet the growing demand for this popular training mode.

Strength Training Across the Decades

In Their 20s and 30s

During early adulthood, the body is at its peak. This is the ideal time for members to build a strong foundation by emphasizing free weights like barbells and dumbbells, which recruit major and minor muscle groups and promote coordination. Plate-loaded and pin-loaded machines help newcomers learn proper form and balance. Establishing a solid training base early in life leads to increased bone density and muscle mass, setting the stage for a lifetime of strength and resilience. Doubling up on popular cable crossovers and configurations can improve member flow at peak times, as younger members tend to focus on training volume with multiple sets.

In Their 40s and 50s

As metabolism slows, training patterns need to adapt. Full-body strength training with a focus on larger muscle groups is essential for exercisers in their 40s and 50s. For those with limited time, plate-loaded and cable machines offer efficient workouts and less moving around the gym, allowing for increased recovery time between exercises. Design suggestions include pairing machines of opposing muscle groups for time-efficient workouts or creating pods of 3-4 machines that work the same body part or major movements (push, pull, hinge, twist).

Cables provide constant tension, mimicking everyday movements like twisting, pressing, and pulling, saving time and enhancing functional strength. Incorporating a mix of cable movements and machine-based exercises maintains muscle mass, supports joint mobility, and promotes metabolic health. Consistent strength training improves health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and insulin sensitivity, contributing to long-term wellness.

In Their 60s and Beyond

In later years, strength training becomes critical for preserving independence and reducing fall risk. Pin-loaded machines offer stability, adjustment ease and support during exercise, making them especially valuable for older adults. Bodyweight, resistance bands, and cable machines can also be used effectively to maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Even short sessions of targeted strength work can boost cognitive function, improve balance, and extend overall health span. Often, sessions for these members can be longer in duration, but also consider their rest periods to be longer, so a well-designed training space with multiple machines for legs, back and chest are a key consideration for facility owners.

The Power of Lower Body Training

Lower body training is the cornerstone of strength training, significantly impacting longevity and daily function. Operating at least a 2:1 ratio of lower body to upper body training routines and gym floor equipment choices will help operators stay ahead of this rising strength trend. Exercises like squats, lunges, leg presses, glute bridges, and step-ups build muscle, enhance core stability, and balance, reducing the risk of falls. Working large muscle groups in the lower body increases circulation, stimulates whole-body muscle growth, and boosts metabolic rate, leading to cardiovascular health improvements. Strong legs also contribute to better insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation, both critical for long-term health.

Health Marker Improvements

Regular strength training has been well-researched and linked to improved health markers. Consistent exercise can lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, and boost HDL cholesterol levels. It also helps manage blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, strength training can decrease body fat and improve muscle-to-fat ratios, important for metabolic health. These benefits extend beyond the physical, as strength training reduces stress and improves mental well-being, contributing to overall quality of life for your members.

Crafting a 40-70 Minute Workout for All Decades

Your facility’s trainers can promote well-structured workouts lasting between 40 and 70 minutes, effective for building strength and enhancing health. Here are some strategies to maximize members’ routines:

• Warm-Up (5-10 minutes): Begin with dynamic stretches and light cardio to increase blood flow and prepare muscles for exercise.
• Compound Movements (20-30 minutes): Focus on multi-joint exercises like squats, deadlifts, presses, and rows, which work several muscle groups simultaneously, boosting efficiency and calorie burn.
• Accessory Work (10-20 minutes): Incorporate smaller muscle group exercises using cables or free weights, targeting legs with exercises like leg curls, calf raises, or glute bridges to enhance lower body strength and stability.
• Cool-Down (5-10 minutes): End with foam rolling, yoga movements, stretching, and light mobility work to aid recovery and reduce muscle soreness.

By tailoring workouts within this time frame, members can address all major muscle groups while ensuring they have enough time for both intense training and proper recovery. Adjusting intensity, volume, and rest intervals according to age and fitness level will optimize benefits and keep them on track toward long-term health gains.

Make 2025 Your Strongest Year

Midyear drop-off is real—many have already quit their strength goals. Help your members recommit and push through the slump. The rise of strength training is a testament to its versatility and profound impact on health across every age decade. Whether they are building a robust foundation in their youth, countering age-related strength declines in midlife, or preserving independence in their later years, incorporating a variety of strength training methods including leg exercises will most certainly lead to improved health markers and a longer healthier life.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/customer-support/education-hub/blog/rise-strength-training

This month, we’re spotlighting Hawk, a dynamic and challenging movement with lots of moving pieces (literally). It’s designed to improve balance, spinal rotation, build core strength and improve shoulder mobility.

Jenna Hansen, Merrithew^® Lead Instructor Trainer and Co-Owner of Awaken Studios in Utah, shares her expert tips on how to perform this exercise with precision and make it a valuable part of your practice.

Why Hawk?

Think of Hawk as a side bend with a twist — literally. It’s a powerful way to work on a combination of spinal rotation and flexion, torso strength and balance. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve spinal mobility, a desk worker battling stiffness or a Pilates enthusiast refining their technique, this exercise delivers functional movement that translates into everyday movement.

The Key Benefits:

• Enhances Spinal Rotation: Improves flexibility and control in the thoracic spine, crucial for daily movement.
• Builds Abdominal Strength: Engages the obliques and deep abdominals to stabilize the torso during dynamic movement.
• Improves Shoulder Mobility: Encourages healthy range of motion through the shoulder joints.
• Encourages Balanced Strength: Works on asymmetrical strength and coordination between the sides of the body.
• Supports Functional Movement: Promotes alignment and mobility for everyday activities like reaching or twisting.

Jenna’s Pro Tips for a Stronger, More Effective Hawk:

• Lead with the Spine: Focus on lengthening through the crown of the head as you tilt the torso to long diagonal.
• Adapt for Range: Place the bottom hand on the box or headrest or eliminate the rotation for those with limited spinal mobility. You can pulse in place for an added challenge.

Hawk on the Short Box is a great way to refine your movement, challenge your core and build resilience in both the spine and shoulders. By focusing on precision and control, you can unlock the full benefits of this exercise, whether for personal practice or client sessions. Take your time and explore your range to enhance your Pilates sessions and everyday mobility.

Ready to progress? Try Hawk and continue exploring new techniques with our Exercise of the Month series.

Source: https://www.merrithew.com/blog/post/2025-03-28/exercise-of-the-month-hawk-on-the-short-box

The trap bar is a key tool in strength training, offering a safer, more effective alternative to the traditional barbell. Its design improves form, reduces injury risk, and targets muscles with greater precision. Ideal for exercises like deadlifts, shrugs, and lunges, the trap bar adds variety and versatility to your workout routine, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter.

Why Use a Trap Bar?

• Neutral Grip: The trap bar allows for a neutral grip (palms facing each other), reducing strain on wrists and shoulders. It’s gentler on the joints.
• Reduced Lower Back Stress: Its design encourages a more upright posture, minimizing lower back strain while still engaging key muscles in your legs, hips, and core.
• Better Posture: The neutral grip and upright positioning help you maintain proper form, making your lifts safer and more efficient.
• Versatility: The trap bar supports a wide range of exercises, targeting various muscle groups with ease.

Key Benefits of a Trap Bar

• Two Handle Heights: The Öppen Bar’s two handle positions offer versatility. The lower handles replicate a traditional deadlift, while the higher ones provide an easier, more accessible lift.
• Stable, Balanced Lift: The Öppen Bar’s design keeps the load centred, offering better balance and stability. This makes it ideal for beginner and intermediate lifters focused on improving form.
• Durable Construction: Like all Eleiko equipment, the Öppen Bar is built to last, made from high-quality materials that withstand the toughest of workouts.

Trap Bar Exercises

The trap bar is a versatile tool for performing compound exercises and adding variety to your training. Here are some essential movements you can include in your routine:

• Trap Bar Deadlifts: A safer alternative to conventional deadlifts, targeting the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
• Romanian Deadlifts: Focuses on hamstrings and glutes, with reduced back strain.
• Bent-Over Rows: A great exercise for upper back development, with minimal shoulder strain.
• Shrugs: Helps target the trapezius muscles while reducing shoulder stress.
• Farmer’s Walk: Great for grip strength and core stability, building endurance and mental toughness.
• Unilateral Leg Work: Ideal for lunges and single-leg deadlifts, providing better load stabilization.
• Weighted Jumps: Enhance explosive power and vertical leap while maintaining proper form.

Elevating Your Training: The Öppen Bar

The Eleiko Öppen Bar takes trap bar training to the next level. Its open design, ergonomic engineering, and enhanced versatility make it the ideal choice for lifters seeking improved performance and precision. Whether you’re focused on strength training, deadlifts, or developing explosive power, the Öppen Bar provides a smoother, more balanced lift. Its high-quality construction ensures durability and safety, making it an essential addition to your training setup—perfect for both beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

Source: https://eleiko.com/en/stories/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-trap-bar

As a facility manager, you face the challenge of attracting new members while retaining current ones. Symbio, our latest premium cardio line, fills market gaps, distinguishes your facility, and addresses major pain points on your cardio floor. By offering state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled user experience, Symbio helps you create a more engaging and efficient workout environment, ultimately boosting member satisfaction and loyalty.

Symbio Smart Lighting™

The Marriage of Aesthetics and Functionality

Symbio’s Smart Lighting may boast premium visual appeal, but did you know it also addresses multiple pain points, including safety and user experience, and serves various purposes beyond aesthetics? Our Product Design team conducted extensive surveys with facility owners and exercisers when developing Symbio’s Smart Lighting, revealing a demand for lighting that offers unmatched functionality and improves the overall workout experience. This means you can enhance the safety and efficiency of your facility, making it more attractive to potential and current members.

For instance, when an exerciser boards the Symbio Runner, the lights provide a visual cue for preparation. If the Adaptive Flex Deck™ moves without detecting a runner, the lights turn red to alert everyone, reducing accident risks. During the cool-down phase, the lights pulse slowly, signaling the workout’s end to exercisers interested in utilizing the Runner, improving equipment flow. Additionally, the lighting system can indicate when Symbio Runners are offline or reserved, such as during pre-scheduled classes, ensuring efficient use of the equipment. These features help you manage your facility more effectively, reducing downtime and enhancing member experience.

Symbio’s lighting system also serves as a powerful branding tool. Facility Connect, our latest digital solution, allows you to customize lighting to reflect your brand’s identity, adjust colors for holiday celebrations, and create specific moods throughout the day. This feature ultimately works to set your facility apart and drive ROI by attracting more sign-ups, giving you a competitive edge in the market.

Industry-Leading Innovations

The Unity of Body and Machine

Each product in the Symbio cardio line boasts a sleek, modern design that not only enhances any premium facility’s aesthetic but also prioritizes ergonomic and biomechanical excellence. The innovative design ensures optimal body alignment and reduces joint stress, creating a luxurious and comfortable environment that keeps members coming back for a superior workout experience.

• The Symbio Runner’s patented Adaptive Flex Deck™ offers five firmness settings, ranging from 40% firmer to 40% softer, catering to all runners’ needs, from injured athletes in rehabilitation to marathon runners in training. This feature is not just about comfort; it’s about optimizing the biomechanics of running. By adjusting the deck’s firmness, your cardio-focused members can mimic different running surfaces, reducing the impact on joints and muscles. The dynamic Control Pad and Life Fitness OnDemand+ integration further enhance the user experience by allowing personalized adjustments to speed, incline, and deck settings, creating a fully immersive and biomechanically sound workout. This versatility helps you cater to a diverse range of members, boosting their satisfaction and loyalty.

•  The Symbio Incline Elliptical features a patented ellipse motion that sets us apart from any other elliptical on the market. Our unique design mimics the body’s innate running form with less joint impact, ensuring that the biomechanics of running are preserved while minimizing stress on joints. The stepover mechanics allow for natural motion at all incline levels, making it easier for users to transition between different workout intensities. The FlexForm™ pedals’ ergonomic shape ensures superior foot comfort, reducing the risk of foot numbness and fatigue, and enhancing overall workout efficiency. This design delivers the most natural movement and specific muscle group targeting, enhancing both performance and comfort. By offering such advanced equipment, you can attract fitness enthusiasts looking for top-tier workout experiences.

• The Symbio SwitchCycle builds on our legacy of the first electronic exercise bike to ever hit the market, the LifeCycle. Unlike similar bikes on the market, the SwitchCycle is a 2-in1 bike that offers both a traditional upright experience and the out-of-saddle performance of an indoor cycle. The ergonomic racing handlebars with multi-grip options and dual performance pedals ensure a comfortable and efficient workout. Additionally, the Comfort+ seat offers 42 fine-tuned seat adjustments with a 1-Touch lever to enhance user comfort and biomechanical efficiency. The SwitchCycle’s design allows for smooth transitions between different cycling modes, ensuring that users can maintain proper form and reduce the risk of injury. This versatility helps you cater to a wide range of cycling preferences, making your facility more appealing to a broader audience.

• The Symbio Recumbent Cycle is designed for ergonomic excellence, merging mind, body, and machine to elevate your facility’s cardio offerings. It features gas-assisted recline, on-screen positioning, counter-weighted pedals, a low step-through, seat-back sensors, and easy seat adjustment for all goals, abilities, and body types. Our ergonomic design ensures proper posture, reducing the risk of back and joint pain, while the seatback sensors and easy adjustments enhance comfort and biomechanical efficiency. By offering such user-friendly and comfortable equipment, you can attract members of all fitness levels and abilities, increasing your facility’s inclusivity and appeal.

Our award-winning line, recognized with the prestigious Red Dot award, exemplifies unmatched technological advancements, superior safety features, and exquisite aesthetic design. This recognition helps you market your facility as a leader in fitness innovation, attracting more members and boosting your reputation.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/customer-support/education-hub/blog/facility-manager-symbio-guide