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Buying cardio equipment is a lot like buying a car.

It’s a major purchase most people make only once every several years. The market changes a lot between buys. And with sales of home fitness equipment up by triple-digit percentages since the onset of COVID 19, there are more new or first-time shoppers than ever.

Perhaps you’re one. If so, we’re here to help you make sense of the marketplace. Because just as today’s cars have more technology baked into them than ever before, treadmill consoles nowadays are capable of things that were unheard of even five years ago. To get the most for your money, your buying process should involve three steps:

1. Understand the options available
2. Determine which options you need
3. Find the right fit for your budget

This guide walks you through Step #1. In the sections that follow, we’ll dive deep into treadmill consoles. We’ll explain how console display layout can affect your comfort and safety on the machine. And we’ll explore new connectivity options and what they can do for you.

By the end, you’ll be ready to find the right match for you.

How to Tell at a Glance if a Console is Good

Why focus so much on the console? While the “ride” underfoot certainly matters, the surface of any fitness equipment you consider should be durable, provide excellent shock absorption, and feel good. That’s table stakes.

The console, meanwhile, is where all of your thinking interaction with the machine takes place. It’s what greets you every time you step onto a cardio machine, be it a treadmill, bike, elliptical or arc trainer. And consoles vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer.

A good console gets you into your workout quickly, connects to your devices without hassle, and — if you ever get bored — is capable of presenting you with new training options.

To meet its many requirements, a console control board ought to have a clear visual hierarchy, where:

• Most-used buttons are the largest. Fun fact: That means “go”, “stop” and “cool down” need to be unmissable and located toward the center.
• The second most-used items on the control board are speed and incline. These also should be large and centrally located. One-touch options for preset speeds are also nice.
• Entertainment features like device connectivity or TV controls should be on the periphery.
• Additional workout programs need to be available — and recognisable. Time-tested training protocols like intervals or hills remain in high demand.
• The console display ought to be big enough where you can clearly understand messages on its LED or LCD display.

Finally, don’t forget about the reading rack, which nowadays doubles as a smartphone holder more often than not.

Are You Not Entertained?

Now that we’ve discussed “what” must be on a console control board, let’s examine your options for “how” that information can be presented.

Broadly speaking, you have three categories of options. In order of increasing entertainment value, they are:

1. LED Consoles — The classic, basic workhorse. On LEDs, you push buttons to control the device and read data written in LED lights. Good for people who want to just hammer out miles or meters and who don’t need a lot of frills.

2. LED/LCD Hybrids — These units have some push-buttons and LED info positioned around an embedded video screen. Good for people who want their viewing experience on the console but who may not need the full-on touchscreen experience.

3. Tablet-style Touchscreen LCDs — Basically a high-end iPad mounted on cardio equipment. These displays have the most flexibility and premium features like streaming workouts;

Another key thing to consider: Accessibility. The larger the display area is on a unit, the bigger its messages can be presented. Bigger sizes let the unit say more (helpful for maintenance situations or software updates) and or use larger font sizes.

Get Yourself Connected: Today’s Must-Have Fitness Technology

More exercisers are using more devices in more ways than ever before. In fact, sales of bluetooth headsets grew by 200% during 2019, with Apple AirPods alone selling 60 million units within that category.

About 14 million more people purchased a smartwatch during the first quarter of 2020. And remember, those numbers are pre-COVID. It’s easy to see why “wearable devices” is the #1 trend influencing fitness for four of the past six years, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

So where 20 years ago people might roll up on a treadmill with a heart rate monitor if anything, today’s trainees come equipped with a smartwatch and a killer set of headphones — and all of them are wireless.

To meet the needs of those many devices (and different brands of device makers), a console needs to offer an alphabet soup of connectivity, including:

• ANT+ lets wireless devices “talk” and relay data to each other. Started with the popular Garmin series of watches/devices, and has expanded over time.
• Apple® GymKit works seamlessly with Apple Watches to share data between watch and device. The watch tracks calories and handles heart rate monitoring while the treadmill records metrics like pace and distance.
• Bluetooth® (or BLE) works on anything from heart rate straps to BEATS-style headphones.
• NFC is a short-range sensor technology most known for it’s use in “tap to pay” credit cards. On a treadmill, it makes syncing with your iPhone or Android super easy.
• Wifi — yes, like in your laptop — is a helpful way to transmit larger amounts of data to your cardio equipment. Useful for tracking treadmill use, maintenance needs, and offering premium content like streaming workouts.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-eu/customer-support/education-hub/blog/top-quality-design-features-to-consider-when-choosing-your-cardio-console

The use of rowing machines at health clubs has consistently increased over the last decade largely because they provide a great high-intensity, low-impact workout. It’s important to ensure that form and technique are correct to get the most out of the rowing experience.

THE FOUR STAGES OF ROWING

To start, it’s best to know the four distinctly different stages of the rowing stroke:

• Catch: The catch is the beginning of the stroke. Lean slightly forward while maintaining muscle engagement through the back for good posture. Extend the arms. Shins will be vertical. The seat will be 6 to 8 inches from the feet and the heels will be slightly lifted.
• Drive: The drive happens in two phases. First, extend at the knees to drive the seat back. Keep the arms extended and the back long. In the second part of the drive the legs come to full extension. Open the hips and lean back slightly.  As you extend at the hip you feel the glutes engage. Keep the core activated throughout the movement to maintain good alignment.
• Finish: The stroke is completed by pulling the handle to the lower part of the ribs while still leaning back slightly. At the finish, the shoulders will be slightly behind the hips and you will feel the core working. The sequence of movement in the drive is legs drive first, then body hinges back, and finally the arms pull.
• Recovery: The recovery is just as important as the drive. The sequence of movement in the recovery is the reverse of the drive: arms first, then body, then the leg. The recovery should be slow while the drive is quick. And, you complete the sequence by returning to the catch.

IMAGINE YOU’RE IN A BOAT

Whether you are in an actual boat or on a rower, it helps to imagine the hydrodynamics involved in rowing. Power is delivered during the “catch” phase when the oar hits the water, and the body in the most compact position is ready to explode with controlled power. This portion of the movement is what actually moves the boat on the water. Maximum power is delivered in the first half of the movement while the second half controls the taper of power with the maintenance of technique.

Since rowing requires consistently reversing directional movement patterns, a taper of energy in either direction helps control the amount of energy required throughout the entire movement. Mastering the technique of rowing can help an individual maximize the efficiency of their energy expenditure regardless of their level of fitness.

THE CATCH PHASE

The power of the catch phase is distributed to the oar to move the boat on the water. The finish phase is at the end of the range of motion, after the power has already been delivered to the oar. The oar comes out of the water and the individual returns to reset their body into the ideal compact position necessary for the catch phase to deliver power again. At this point the torso is tall and the back is flat right before you push off. Ideally at the end of the range of motion, the powerful velocity created throughout the movement has been reduced to zero.

QUICK REMINDERS

Whether you are just starting out or you have been rowing for years, try not to forget these technical reminders while rowing.

1. Catch and release. Control your timing, tempo and power production.
2. The order of muscular recruitment is legs and hips, core, back, arms and then reset
3. Breathing rate should change with intensity. Switch from one breath per stroke cycle to two breaths per cycle when things start to get intense.
4. Start with slower strokes per minute (16 to 22) to master technique before moving on to faster strokes per minute (23 to 30).
5. An appropriate warmup starts with moderate power and focuses on technique.
6. Find your “race pace” for the distances of 2,000 meters, 5,000m and 10,000m. Practice maintaining the race pace power required for each distance.
7. Utilise strokes/minute, watts, split time (and heart rate if possible) to control the intensity during your total time duration and distance traveled.
8. Practice training slightly above and slightly below race pace for varying distances and durations.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-eu/customer-support/education-hub/blog/understanding-the-basics-of-rowing

Staying healthy now is more important than ever before. Due to COVID-19 people started to workout at home, because they needed to. What was born from hardship, became a habit for many and they actually started to like it. And although the benefits of a health club are evident, working out at home can be a great addition to keeping up a healthy routine more easily. Investing in a home gym seems a right decision to make in the light of the things that keep on everything happening around us.

But how could that gym set up at home possibly look like and where should it be? We have put together 5 home gym ideas for you, that hopefully will not only serve as an inspiration but also as a first step into a healthier life.

 

BEDROOM GYM 

When space is tight, home fitness equipment can end up in a bedroom. While this doesn’t give you a dedicated space to train, it can be all you need to keep your workouts top of mind. Here are a few things to keep in mind while making a bedroom gym.

BENEFITS

• Easy access to your fitness equipment makes it easier to start working out.
• If your bedroom has a flat screen TV it can take your mind off of your cardio workouts at home, just be sure to angle any cardio equipment so that there’s a clear view of the TV.
• A room away from common areas provides privacy during workouts and keeps gym equipment out of sight when you have guests.

GYM EQIPMENT IDEAS

• One piece of cardio equipment placed near an outlet (if required). Consider more compact options like foldable treadmills, hometrainers, spin bikes, rowing machines, ellipticals or compact cross trainers that tend to have a small footprint.
• Yoga mat or exercise mat for stretching and yoga sessions.
• Stock up on gym accessories like stability balls, gym balls, medicine balls, resistance bands or dumbbells. They provide plenty of added workout options, don’t require a large amount of storage space and can be easily stored out of sight in a closet or under the bed.

If you have a little more space at your disposal, consider adding a functional training rack to your configuration for more workout options and built-in storage.

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS

• If noise is an issue, consider cardio equipment like cross trainers that have nearly silent operation.
• Avoid hanging clothes on your cardio equipment because it’s easy to decide not to work out when you have to clear off your treadmill first!

THE BASEMENT GYM 

Basement gyms range from equipment placed off to the side of an entertainment center to full rooms dedicated to training. Basements are great for strength training and weightlifting due to the resiliency of the space. With a basement gym you often have the rugged durability needed for serious training but in a space that is more refined and better temperature controlled than e.g. a garage.

BENEFITS 

• Basements can offer a dedicated workout space that allows for multiple equipment options and larger fitness equipment such as treadmills, smith machines (squat racks), rowing machines, etc.
• This part of the house is generally cooler than above-ground floors, which is a plus during strenuous workouts.
• Basements often have a concrete foundation, meaning they can handle a fair amount of weight.

GYM EQUIPMENT IDEAS 

• One or two pieces of cardio equipment. Consider a treadmill and a rowing machine or spin bike.
• Weight training tools like a squat rack, bench, kettlebells, dumbbells and barbells.
• Other accessories like stability balls, medicine balls, an exercise mat and a foam roller.

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS 

Additional flooring is ideal for basement gyms outfitted with rugged strength training and weightlifting equipment. Rubber flooring can be purchased online or at most hardware stores. Standard 50 x 50 cm square interlocking tiles vary in thickness and are easy to install.

THE LIVING ROOM GYM 

When space is tight, home gym equipment can end up in the living room. While this doesn’t give you a dedicated space to train, it can be all you need to keep your workout routine intact and top of mind. Here are a few things to keep in mind while creating a fitness space in your living room.

BENEFITS 

• A living room may be full of entertainment options like TV and music, which can take your mind off of your cardio exercises at home.
• Easy access to your gym equipment makes it easier to get workouts done.

GYM EQUIPMENT IDEAS 

• One piece of cardio equipment. Consider a foldable treadmill, indoor cycle or rowing machine, all of which can be easily moved out of the way when not in use.
• Strength training tools like kettlebells and dumbbells that can be stored out of view, and an exercise mat for stretching and yoga.

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS 

• Consider the aesthetics of the equipment. Cardio equipment like an IC5 indoor cycle or Row HX trainer have design elements that you might not mind showing off.
• If noise is an issue, consider cardio equipment like cross-trainers that have nearly silent operation.

THE GARAGE GYM 

The garage is a great place for strength training, functional training and bodyweight training. It’s an ideal area for a home gym as it allows you to have serious workouts and throw around some weights without damaging your home. A garage can be large enough to create an impressive, dedicated space for home workouts. And you can create a motivating environment with music, lighting and whatever design elements you can think of.

BENEFITS 

• Excellent for a large functional workout zone or strength training area.
• Allows you to exercise in a separate part of the home away from distractions.
• Ample space gives you the opportunity to add equipment over time and slowly build up your home gym.

GYM EQUIPMENT IDEAS 

• One or two pieces of cardio equipment
• A half rack or Smith Machine
• Dumbbells
• Weight bench or crunch bench
• Barbells and weight plates

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS 

Additional flooring is ideal for garage gyms outfitted with rugged strength training equipment. Rubber flooring can be purchased online or at most hardware stores. Standard 50 x 50 cm square interlocking tiles vary in thickness and are easy to install.

THE LOFT GYM 

We know this option might rarely be for everyone, however, if fitness is your lifestyle and you live in a loft that still needs some functional decoration fitting your sportive needs, this is just what you have been looking for!

Putting up a gym in your loft literally has the boutique feel to it and helps you to keep your fitness routine top of mind. Being part of your extended living room, this type of home gym provides you with all the entertainment options you need for a good workout.

BENEFITS 

• A living room may be full of entertainment options like TV and music, which can take your mind off of your home workouts.
• Easy access to your gym equipment makes it easier to get workouts in.

GYM EQUIPMENT IDEAS 

• Depending on space various pieces of cardio equipment. Consider a mix of powered and non-powered devices like a treadmill, Indoor Cycling bikes or rowing machines to add some variety to your workout routine.
• Strength training tools like kettlebells and dumbbells that can be stored in a functional training rack which provides with numerous options for additional functional exercises and keeps the space tidy. A CMDAP can help working out dedicated muscle groups that need extra attention, while still being multifunctional.

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS 

• Consider the aesthetics of the equipment. Cardio equipment like an IC5 indoor cycle or Row HX trainer have design elements that you might not mind showing off.
• If noise is an issue, consider cardio equipment that have silent operation.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-eu/customer-support/education-hub/blog/the-5-best-home-gym-ideas

Even if you’re already a member of a health club, a home gym offers the perfect complement to your training routine. Having fitness equipment in your home is a great way to keep your health top of mind. However, building a home gym can be challenging as well, since numerous things have to be considered in order to create a place you really love to workout at. This is why we have put together the most important facts you have to keep in mind, when planning the home gym of your dreams.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR A HOME GYM

ATMOSPHERE  

The right atmosphere can keep you motivated and inspired. No matter where you place your equipment, try to create an area that allows you to escape day-to-day distractions. A workout room can provide both a space for exercise and a place to recharge.

LIGHTING  

Lighting can completely change the feel of a space. Try harsh or dim lighting to add intensity to a space, or softer lighting for a more relaxed workout area. Add colored lighting for a unique space that gets you in the zone.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT  

Music is a great motivational tool. You can always use headphones but since you are in your home you have plenty of options for sound bars and speakers. The TV that you already have can serve as a great distraction during long cardio workouts.

COLOUR  

Whether it’s the logo of a favorite sports team, a splash of color, or motivating photography, adding elements that inspire you help progress your training and create an environment that you truly want to be in. Be creative!

MIRRORS  

Mirrors are a great option for amplifying light in your gym and making it feel larger. They also help you keep an eye on your form.

FLOORING  

An important, and often overlooked, consideration that depends upon your training style. If you primarily use cardio machines, an equipment mat to protect your floors and a yoga mat for stretching may be all you need. If you are placing dumbbells and weights on the floor, consider a more robust option for added protection and noise reduction.

ELECTRICITY  

Before you plan out your home gym, consider where the outlets are in the room. This helps you pick the best locations for equipment that requires power, like treadmills and ellipticals.

WHICH EQUIPMENT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY HOME GYM?

CARDIO EQUIPMENT  

Cardio equipment is a staple of most fitness routines. Even if you enjoy outdoor activities like cycling or running, cardio equipment is a great alternative when the weather isn’t cooperating. It also provides specific workouts and data tracking to help keep you on track. There are several major types of cardio equipment, including treadmills, upright and recumbent bikes, spin bikes, cross trainers, and rowing machines.

SIZE

One of the biggest determining factors in selecting equipment is the footprint. Treadmills often take up the largest amount of space, followed by cross-trainers. Indoor cycles and rowing machines tend to have smaller footprints.

MOBILITY AND STORAGE

Another important factor is the ability to move and store fitness equipment. Some treadmills can be folded up when not in use, significantly decreasing the need for dedicated space. Rowing machines are easy to move and can be stored upright in a corner or even a tall closet. These features are great to have if you are limited on space.

ENTERTAINMENT 

Some cardio pieces offer limited entertainment options, while others are the equivalent of a smart TV with workout programming, apps, workout tracking and more. Choose the specific workout entertainment experience that fits your workout routine.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Many products have additional features outside of what’s offered in the console or workout programming. Quality treadmills offer features like shock absorption to reduce impact on the joints. Automatic stop, side platforms to step on and off, hand rails, and noise reduction features are all important if multiple users will be exercising on the equipment.

STRENGTH TRAINING EQUIPMENT

There are several types of equipment available for strength training in a home gym environment, each offering their own benefits. Your fitness goals, preferred method of training, and available space will determine which options are best for you.

CABLE MOTION 

CMDAP: Cable motion dual adjustable pulleys are a great option that combine some excellent features of both home gym systems and free weights. CMDAPs utilize two cable pulleys tethered to a weight stack, which means that resistance is easily selectable and is built into the product. The cables allow you to define your own motion paths, so you can perform a wide array of exercises for a total body workout. CMDAPs tend to have a larger footprint than most offerings and require more ceiling height. A CMDAP also requires plenty of open space around the equipment to perform exercises.

FIXED MOTION 

Home Gym Systems: Home gyms provide significant exercise variety and are designed to save space. Resistance is built into the machine. Home gyms provide an experience like selectorized machines used in health clubs with fixed paths of motion that are meant to isolate specific muscle groups.

Smith Machines: Provide versatility and allow you to perform many of the exercises that can be done on a rack, but in a design that is ideal if you’re working out alone. Smith machines have a bar incorporated into the equipment, but weight plates are necessary for resistance and a bench is also crucial for expanding exercise options.

FREE WEIGHTS 

Dumbbells: Free weights provide complete control of your motion pattern. Having a set or two of dumbbells is a recommendation for any home gym since they are small and relatively easy to store.

Racks: Incredibly versatile and offer you the ability to utilize major compound lifts for strength and functional training. Racks are great for those that want to train with free weights, but consider the additional purchase of a bar and weight plates needed for this option. A bench is also another component if you are building your home gym around a rack. Racks are also configurable and provide the ability to add on a multitude of accessories for additional exercises and training techniques, like Functional Training or bodyweight exercises.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-eu/customer-support/education-hub/blog/how-to-build-the-perfect-home-gym

Build muscle in your glutes and shape your bottom

The simple answer is that you should plan on using both strength training and cardio to build muscles in your glutes and shape your bottom. There is no magical exercise that will ‘tone’ or ‘shape’ a muscle, but performing exercises that effectively target the glutes in combination with a reduction in body fat will make these muscles appear more prominent. There is always the potential for issues whenever one is training for aesthetics: your genetics will always play a role. It is possible that certain body ‘shapes’ may not be possible for some people. But, if you focus on training to be fit, happy, and healthy, then looking better will be an added bonus.

Exercises for your glutes

Typical strength exercises that will work the glutes include the Eagle NX Leg Press, Squats, and Lunges (among many others). But the Arc Trainer is unique in that it can be used for both cardio and strength training.

Use the incline feature

One feature to keep your eye on when using the Arc Trainer is the incline level. Our internal research shows that, at high inclines (10-20), the Arc Trainer is a quadriceps-dominant motion similar to climbing or stepping. At lower inclines (0-10) the focus will shift from the quads to the glutes.

When focusing on your glutes and bottom, start at a low incline and push yourself to keep a high rate of strides per minute.

Combine strategies for best results

Working at higher power levels will help increase the strength of your leg muscles. Combining strength training, cardio, and a balanced diet will help you achieve results the fastest. Good luck on your fitness journey.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/customer-support/education-hub/blog/ask-the-expert-how-to-use-the-arc-to-shape-your-glutes-and-bottom

In today’s eco-conscious world, selecting the right flooring for your gym isn’t just about durability and aesthetics—it’s also about making a positive impact on the environment. With sustainability at the forefront of many fitness enthusiasts’ and gym owners’ minds, knowing what to look for in eco-friendly gym flooring is key. Here’s your comprehensive guide to making an informed, sustainable choice. 

1. The Importance of the Material: 

Recycled tyre rubber solutions are subjected to a compaction process using polyurethane (PU) adhesive. As a result of wear and tear, the adhesive bond may weaken, releasing some of the recycled rubber particles. 

Flooring made from virgin recycled rubber, on the other hand, undergoes a vulcanisation process which results in a polymer chain with a very compact structure and no particles are released into the environment. Therefore, we recommend that, to adopt more sustainable practices, you research the origins of each type of flooring and seek renewable and recyclable materials from sustainable sources that guarantee a cleaner production cycle. 

2. The Lifecycle Lowdown:

Consider the entire lifecycle of the product. Is the flooring designed to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements? Also, check if it’s recyclable at the end of its life. A commitment to a circular economy is a hallmark of truly sustainable flooring options.

3. Production Practices:

How is the flooring made? The most eco-friendly options are produced using energy-efficient processes that minimize waste and carbon footprint. Companies transparent about their manufacturing practices offer reassurance that they’re as committed to the planet as they are to their products.

4. Certifiably Sustainable:

Look for certifications that validate a product’s environmental claims. Certifications can provide a benchmark for sustainability, ensuring that the flooring meets stringent environmental standards.

5. The Power of Efficiency:

Efficiency isn’t just about how the flooring is made; it’s also about how it performs. High-quality, durable gym flooring reduces the need for replacements, cutting down on waste and ensuring your investment is both economically and environmentally sound.

Making Your Choice:

When choosing your gym’s flooring, consider not just the immediate impact but the long-term implications of your choice on the environment. Pavigym’s expertise in eco-friendly flooring can guide you towards making a responsible choice that benefits both your health and the environment.  By prioritizing sustainability in your selection criteria, you contribute to a healthier planet and set a positive example for your community. 

Remember, every step towards sustainability is a step in the right direction. Choose wisely, choose for the future.  

Source: https://www.pavigym.com/en/blog/eco-friendly-gym-flooring

Today, the treadmill is the most popular piece of fitness equipment, found in homes and health clubs around the world. But where did this great cardiovascular machine come from?

Ancient Roman Tread Mill Crane

The “tread mill” also known as the “tread wheel” was first introduced in the height of the Roman Empire, around the late first century. When the Romans found they had a need to lift heavier weight, they incorporated the treadmill, replacing the winch in their cranes. The men would walk within the wheel itself and because the treadmill had a larger diameter, they were able to lift double the weight with half the crew.

The Horse Treadmill

In the 1800s, when stationary machines were powered by unreliable natural sources like wind and water, farmers were in need of a more consistent power source. They found that a treadmill machine could capture the “brake” power of a horse. According to historian Brian Wells, “the unit of measurement of force of strength necessary to operate these new stationary machines became known as “horse power” based on the average pulling power of an average draft horse.”

Dog, Sheep and Goat Treadmills

Small versions of the horse treadmill were introduced to tackle every day domestic operation. The treadmills produced both rotary and reciprocating powers for use with light machinery like butter churns, grind stones, fanning mills and cream separators.

Prisons – Treadmills for Punishment

During the Victorian Era, British engineer William Cubitt invented the prison treadmill. Installed for hard labor, these treadmills were designed as a means to usefully employ convicts and use their power to be productive. The prisoner would simply work the wheel to produce power to grind corn and pump water, although some served no purpose at all other than punishment. Eventually The Prisons Act of 1889 abolished hard labor and instead recognized that labor within prisons should have a constructive purpose.

Medical Treadmills

The first modern medical treadmill was used in 1952 by Dr. Robert Bruce of the University of Washington, a cardiologist who conducted research with co-worker Wayne Quinton to monitor and diagnose various heart conditions and diseases. From his findings he eventually developed the Bruce Protocol, a diagnostic test used in the evaluation of cardiac function which is still used today.

He is known to many as “The Father of Exercise Cardiology”.

Treadmills for Exercise

Bill Staub and Dr. Kenneth Cooper brought the first home exercise treadmill to market through Aerobics, Inc. The popularity of aerobic exercise equipment at home and in gyms grew throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Life Fitness

In 1991, Life Fitness produced its first treadmill, the 9500HR, which took an entire week to assemble. It included the patented FlexDeck Shock Absorption System, which reduces joint stress by up to 30 percent when compared to running on concrete.

Technology and Entertainment

Life Fitness introduced the first integrated LCD touch screen console and attachable LCD screen on a treadmill in 2003 and later developed the first cardio products with device and USB connectivity.

Today, treadmills continue to be the most popular fitness equipment in both homes and gyms. And they’ve come a long way from even from where there were a decade ago. Integrated TV, internet access and compatilibity with fitness and entertainment apps make treadmills much less of a chore than they were at the turn of the century.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/customer-support/education-hub/blog/the-history-of-the-treadmill

Beginning a fitness routine to get healthy can be a daunting task. If you’re not a regular at the gym, heading to the health club for the first time can be intimidating. But consider introducing yourself to fitness through a group exercise session or two. Classes offer the instruction, motivation and camaraderie that you may need to get started. Here are few reasons why joining a group session may be right for you.

You get professional fitness instruction.

Certified personal trainers can provide great guidance on form, workout intensity and goal setting. They can help you become acquainted with the exercise options that are best for you and hep ensure that you get results from all of your hard work. And, if you find a trainer you like during group exercise, consider asking them if they’re available for one-on-one instruction. Learning from a professional is a great way to get started with fitness.

There’s motivation in a group.

Teamwork and camaraderie are big reasons why group exercise is extremely popular. Encouragement comes in the form of a group instructor asking for one more push up, or trying to match what others in the class are doing. The feeling that “we’re all in this together” is a powerful driving force and you might be surprised by just how much it motivates you. And if you’re competitive, trying to keep up with some of the fittest in the class should help you amp up the intensity.

You gain inspiration from others.

If you’re new to fitness you may need a goal to shoot for. Look around at others who excel in your session and realize that many of them were at the same point you are. Know that if you stick with your routine you can reach their fitness level. The people in your group exercise class all have different stories, take the time to learn them.

Scheduled workouts keep you on the fitness path.

Finding random time to go to the gym isn’t always easy, but when it’s on your schedule in advance it’s more likely to become routine. You can plan time around your weekly or daily group sessions and make your workouts more convenient. Being a workout regular is much easier when convenience is considered.

It’s a chance to meet new people.

Going to the gym regularly is easier when you have a workout partner, and group training is a great way to meet people who have similar fitness goals. Any fitness facility is a more welcoming place when you have friends there, and it doesn’t take long to get to know the regulars in a group exercise classes.

Group exercise is fun.

Let’s not forget this important aspect. When done right a group training session should be an invigorating experience complete with an energetic instructor and a lively environment. When it’s at its best, the group exercise experience takes your mind off of the fact that you’re burning calories and working up a sweat.

Source: https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/customer-support/education-hub/blog/6-reasons-why-group-exercise-is-a-great-start

With an increasing number of clients coming into his London Pilates studio looking for rehab treatment, registered osteopath and STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor Carlo Yanez decided it was time to bridge the gap between his health care education and his fitness training.

“I see people of all ages with a variety of musculoskeletal issues. Many clients come to me with back problems, shoulder or knee issues and I treat them and give them general STOTT PILATES exercises,” says Carlo, the owner of boutique Pilates studio, Core Kensington.

Despite all of his training, Carlo felt limited in how he could treat these clients. He wanted to find a way of combining his skillsets to become a one-stop shop for clients, and in turn, diversify and grow his business.

“Osteopaths are typically not exercise professionals and they don’t really undergo exercise training. And as a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor, while we did touch on some modifications for rehab, the general program was geared more towards fitness professionals working in studio settings.”

Why use the Reformer for rehab?

The Rehab Reformer is the ideal piece of equipment for multipurpose studios and clinics— as Carlo can attest.

As a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor, he’s seen how much his clients enjoy and benefit from using it for their Pilates group and one-on-one sessions, and he’s also observed a few London physiotherapy clinics incorporating it into their practices.

This one piece of equipment can help studio owners and clinics provide multiple services to clients, setting them apart from the competition and allowing them to retain clients for longer as they progress through rehab and return to regular activity.

“By using a Reformer in a rehab setting, clients receive an enhanced experience from the limitless exercises available on this amazing piece of equipment. The Reformer not only provides support to the client and therapist, but also allows for more precise movements, progressions and regressions. Additionally, the Reformer is fun, and clients love it once they try it,” Carlo says.

However, just because someone is a qualified physiotherapist, osteopath or sports therapist doesn’t mean they are trained in how to use the Reformer properly, Carlo says.

“Pilates training is usually separate from other rehabilitation specializations. Moreover, not many own Pilates equipment in their practices. The STOTT PILATES Rehab courses for the Reformer will give me more insight into how to use the Reformer specifically for clinical application rather than just in a fitness setting, which is presently the norm,” Carlo says.

“Clients can see the difference in knowledge from someone who uses the Reformer for general use versus someone who is trained to use it for rehab.”

New knowledge and business goals

Carlo has big ambitions for Core Kensington and rehab will be a significant part of his business offering going forward.

Right now, he’s looking at opening a new studio, which will include a small physiotherapy and rehab clinic. It will emulate his existing studio business model, which emphasizes small, personalized group Pilates classes and integrated health solutions for busy professionals.

“I plan on integrating the new knowledge I’ve obtained from the rehab course with my existing knowledge to better help my patients and to provide preventative injury group classes to my timetable at the studio, such as back care classes and rehab on the Reformer, aimed at people with joint injuries,” he says.

Beyond expanding his studio’s footprint and class schedule, he’s also planning to share his new knowledge with the eight instructors he oversees.

“The STOTT PILATES Rehab Certification will give me the knowledge and confidence to retain and help more clients in-house, becoming a one-stop shop for their fitness and physiotherapy needs. I will be more than just an instructor and an osteopath. It is a good business move because I can market myself as a Pilates rehab specialist, which will separate me from the competition. It’s another tool in the toolbox.”

 

Source: https://www.merrithew.com/blog/post/2019-06-26/why-this-osteopath-is-adding-stott-pilates-for-rehab-to-his-studio-offering

 

Once an old shooting range now high-performance gym, the Rugby School space was transformed to meet the growing demands of the school’s athletic development provision.

With the Strength and Conditioning program within the school catering for pupils as young as 13, right through to junior internationals at 18, the school needed to create an inspiring training space that could facilitate the varying demands of all students and encourage progression throughout the school.

The refurbished performance gym opens the space to more students, allowing greater contact time and a unique training environment that can be enjoyed by all. Students now have the option to train independently or as part of a squad using the Prestera Power Racks with an array of lifting attachments, and coaches have greater access to the tools they need to progress students training.

Functionality as well as aesthetics were key to the brief and the customised Prestera Power racks helped to meet both criteria. Custom-branded Prestera racks and a variety of Eleiko strength tools such as speciality barbells, sport training plates, plate dumbbells, a dual adjustable pulley machine and more, unlock a host of new training possibilities for both students and coaches – as well as a safe environment in which to perform the Olympic weightlifting movements.

Custom rack colours, branded sport training plates, turf track and plyo boxes were also implemented, harnessing the school’s identity throughout for a unique lifting experience.

Rugby School has a rich history in sport, producing the game that millions love worldwide. Keeping at the forefront of UK Independent schools with its strong academic and cocurricular offering, the new performance gym enriches Rugby School’s already impressive indoor and outdoor facilities.

The gym opens as the school celebrates 200 years of Rugby football and will offer more students than ever the chance to participate in Strength and Conditioning sessions. Commenting on the new high-performance facility, Nathan Atlay, Head of Athletic Development at Rugby School says,

“From start to finish Eleiko were integral in finding solutions to the space from flooring through to rack customisation, utilising innovative products and space-saving solutions that also reflect the school’s brand. The install process was smooth with Eleiko working around our term dates and leaving the facility in pristine condition.”

Eleiko Prestera, our modular, customisable strength system is being adopted across sporting universities and performance centres worldwide, with distinctive configurations to redefine what is possible for floor plans and training. Contact our team to discover the possibilities.

Source: https://eleiko.com/en/stories/rugby-school-uk