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The journey from passion to profession is paved by hard work, dedication and perseverance. Transforming your passion for Pilates into a fulfilling career requires acquiring new knowledge and skills. This involves dedicating time to immersing yourself in relevant courses and workshops, as well as attending events like symposiums and tradeshows to refine your techniques and connect with peers and industry professionals in the mind-body community.

We had the opportunity to speak with remarkable Pilates studio owners who have successfully navigated this journey. They shared their personal experiences, challenges and insights, offering invaluable advice for those aspiring to establish their own studio. Whether you’re a prospective studio owner, a seasoned professional or simply passionate about Pilates, their stories provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for everyone.

Cholthicha Srivisal: Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer, Singapore and Bangkok

“Pursuing a passion like Pilates has been immensely rewarding.”

Cholthicha Srivisal has always been interested in movement and became a ballet dancer to fulfill that dream. Following a back injury, she discovered Pilates and developed a deep passion for it, ultimately transforming it into a successful career. She is a Merrithew® Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES® and owns Breathe Pilates, a Merrithew Licensed Training Center (LTC) in Singapore.

Q: What initially drew you to Pilates, and what inspired you to open your own studio?

A: I was a dancer during my university years in Boston and developed a herniated disc back condition. Seeking a way to rehabilitate and strengthen my body, I turned to Pilates. Its focus on core strength, flexibility and alignment seemed tailor-made to address the specific needs of my injury and support my ongoing dance practice. Through Pilates, I discovered a holistic approach to fitness that aided my recovery and enhanced my overall physical well-being. It provided valuable tools for injury prevention and improved my dance performance and everyday life.

I was inspired to open my Pilates studio during my transition to Singapore. Despite the demanding nature of my banking job, I remained dedicated to my Pilates practice, frequenting a boutique studio in the city. Recognizing my potential, the studio owner approached me and proposed training me as an instructor. It was then that I began to envision a bigger dream for myself. Observing the limited presence of Pilates studios in Singapore, I discerned a gap in the market and resolved to establish my own studio.

Q: What obstacles have you faced in managing your practice?

A: Managing my Pilates studio has been an enriching journey but hasn’t been without its challenges. One significant obstacle I’ve faced is competition. As the fitness industry in Singapore continues to evolve, more Pilates studios and wellness centers have emerged, intensifying competition for clients and instructors alike. Navigating this competitive landscape while maintaining my studio’s unique value proposition has required strategic planning and continuous innovation.

While pursuing a passion like Pilates has been immensely rewarding, the business side of running a studio can be complex and demanding. Teaming up with trusted partners like Merrithew, who share my vision and complement my skills, has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Q: What do you consider your greatest success with your studio so far?

A: Reflecting on my journey with my Pilates studio, I consider our greatest success to be the positive impact we’ve had on the lives of our clients. Beyond the financial metrics or accolades, knowing that we’ve played a role in improving our community’s health, well-being and confidence is incredibly fulfilling. Also, I take pride in the vibrant and supportive community we’ve built within our studio. Seeing our clients forge meaningful connections, support each other on their fitness journeys and find joy in their practice reinforces a sense of purpose behind what we do.

In addition to our profound impact on our clients’ lives and the sense of community we’ve cultivated, I’m immensely proud of our role as an LTC for Merrithew. Being entrusted to train and certify new Pilates instructors is a responsibility we take very seriously, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see many aspiring instructors pursue successful careers in the fitness industry. Watching our students grow and develop their skills, not just as instructors but as ambassadors for the Pilates method, fills me with pride.

Jenny Carr: Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer, Utah

“It has taken a village to build my Pilates studio.”

Jenny Carr is a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer with extensive expertise in STOTT PILATES. Known for her dedication to the mind-body fitness industry, she is passionate about teaching and helping others achieve their fitness goals. Her commitment to excellence and engaging teaching style have made her a prominent figure in the Pilates community. Jenny is the owner of Intermountain Pilates Training Center (IPTC), the sole Merrithew LTC in Utah, USA.

Q: How did you get into Pilates, and what motivated you to make a career out of it?

A: I was a dancer in high school and was introduced to Pilates, which helped me with my strength, posture and dance skills. While I loved being a dancer, I loved teaching a lot more. I always loved seeing my students improve and stay healthy and strong. I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Exercise Physiology and then found Merrithew and the STOTT PILATES Education. Once I started my education with Merrithew, I knew I could make this a career. I kept working hard, getting my Full Certification and becoming a Matwork & Reformer Instructor Trainer. I got busy enough that opening a studio was the next natural step.

Q: What has been your most outstanding achievement with your studio to date?

A: My greatest success has been the relationships I have built. I have been in the same location for 17 years and have clients who have been with me through all the challenges, growth, heartache and joy. The community of Merrithew students has been amazing, and I feel supported by so many other studio owners, instructors and clients. It would be an understatement to say that I have had an entire “village” help me build the IPTC. While I am the owner of the studio, it has taken support from so many people to help me get to this point and build this business and community into what it is today.

Q: What advice would you offer those considering opening their own studio?

A: Be patient! Every good thing takes time. A sign on my wall says, “Let go for dear life.” I lose sight of the big picture when I hold onto something. Every time I “loosen my grip,” things run smoother, more doors open and the right people show up at the right time.

Find your people who are rooting for your success and keep them close. You will need good people next to you every step of the way. The relationships you build will make you the money you need to stay in business and thrive. Collaborate and partner with people or businesses that share your values. I have been lucky to be a Merrithew LTC since 2008. It is an amazing company, and the people I have worked with over the years have been kind, respectful and willing to work through every challenge I have encountered.

Merrithew: The shared path in the journeys

What truly sets these remarkable studio owners apart is their shared partnership with Merrithew. Their stories underscore the profound impact a strategic partnership with a renowned Pilates brand like Merrithew can have, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. This collaboration became the cornerstone of their successes, enabling them to harness the power of our state-of-the-art equipment and top-tier education programs.

With Merrithew’s guidance and resources, these entrepreneurs successfully launched their businesses and maintained the highest standard of instruction in their Pilates studios.

Source: https://www.merrithew.com/blog/post/2024-07-23/for-the-love-of-pilates-four-pilates-studio-owners-share-their-stories-successes-and-struggles

Day one or one day, the choice is yours. A simple yet powerful statement. We have all been here before; wondering how to stay motivated to workout, where to begin and if it will all be worth it in the end. Sometimes the answers are easier said than acted out. So how do you begin a fitness journey? Here are the fitness tips & tricks for fitness success.

Startup & Show Up

Think of your fitness journey as your very own small business. The only way to be successful in business is to begin with a plan. Taking time to think through your schedule and understand what is attainable is a monumental first step. By creating goals and an action plan, you are more likely to start your journey and continue to show up. A plan can be as simple as selecting specific workout days each week or an in-depth outline for the next month, highlighting all aspects of a schedule from workouts to meal plans and meditation. Everyone begins their fitness journey in a unique way, the most important aspect is to show up and start up!

Stay Strong & Get Stronger

Temptation to deviate from a new routine is constantly circulating. But the more you stick with a new fitness and lifestyle schedule, the more likely you are to gain strength within your fitness journey. Physical strength is derived from mental toughness and the ability to hold onto goals and the path needed to achieve said goals. To get stronger, one must actively pursue a path of strength through accountability and consistency. The more workouts completed on a steady schedule; the more likely strength will show up physically. Torque’s motto ‘Don’t Quit. Ever.’ is a constant reminder to continuously pursue goals – even when it’s difficult!

Equipped With Equipment

Planning and beginning a fitness journey are important action steps of a fitness journey. Another impactful part of the journey involves the products used to achieve goals. By utilizing well-built, durable products, the possibility of injury is decreased. Torque Fitness believes in the force of powerful products. By crafting unique, long-lasting products, Torque encourages all members of the fitness community to grow more and do more. Equipping workouts with well-built equipment is important because the investment increases motivation. By investing in fitness products, you are solidifying the necessity of your commitment to the fitness journey.

Starting your fitness journey is not always easy but by taking simple action steps, success and strength are likely. From planning to products, we are here to support your journey at all stages to ensure you Don’t Quit. Ever.

 

Source: (Torque Fitness’s blog)

https://www.torquefitness.com/blogs/news/how-to-start-your-fitness-journey

Introduction

In the world of strength training, we perform lifts or exercises to provide stress on the mind and body with the hope that it will create the change we desire. Typically, we are taught a specific, or ideal, movement pattern that makes the lift or exercise “right”. While to a degree this is necessary, it can often cultivate the sense of failure when we cannot achieve that “right” movement, and even set us up for injury. Unfortunately, the two main reasons people stop their exercise program is arguably due to injury and/or boredom.

One of the simplest ways to help overcome both injury and boredom is to manipulate your position and/or actions of your exercises. A simple example is changing your hand position on exercises like a ‘pull-up’. Anytime we change the hand position we will also effect the arm, and/or body as well. We all know that pull-ups are typically performed on a straight bar with an overhand grip. When we use an underhand grip, it’s called a ‘chin-up’. But there are numerous other hand, arm, body positions that can be used such as:

• combination grips of one hand over- the other under-handed
• shoulders parallel to the bar or perpendicular to the bar
• hands closer or wider apart

Here are 3 reasons why you should adjust hand, arm, and/or body position.

#1 Progression

While there may be an ideal version of every exercise, not everyone will have the ability to achieve this version from the start. However, when we are provided with the ability to progress into this ‘ideal’, more people can have success from the start. When people feel like they are succeeding, they grow more confident and more likely to keep training. When we are sustaining our training, we are gaining – mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Let’s use the pull-up as an example for progressions. Progressions can come in a number of ways depending on your ability level, environment, and equipment. If you have never performed a pull-up before, or your shoulders (rotator cuff) have a history of weakness or injury, the overhand and/or wider grip pull-up may not be the best place to start. By bringing the hands in closer to the body and/or using an under-hand grip (chin-up), you will take some pressure off the shoulder/rotator cuff and increase your likelihood for success. As you gain strength in this movement, you can gradually move hands a bit wider and progress into a neutral grip and then overhand grip as well. The neutral grip on a straight bar will require your shoulders to be perpendicular to the bar.

For those who have Eleiko’s adjustable handles, the progression sequence becomes very easy. Not only do the handles swivel to allow for over-, neutral, and under-hand positions, but various positions in between. Furthermore, the width of the handles is adjustable in 22-degree increments allowing you to systematically adjust both the width and hand position as needed and desired with a flick of a lever. A simple, methodical progression when using the adjustable handles is as follows:

• Narrow grip (hands close together), start with underhand position, move to semi-underhand (half way between underhand and neutral), then to neutral-hands (palms facing each other)
• Semi-narrow grip (between 0-90-degrees), moving from under-, to semi-under, to neutral, to over-hand position
• Semi-wide grip (between 90-180-degrees), moving from under-, to semi-under, to neutral, to over-hand position

If you have elastic bands available to you, these can be extremely helpful as well. Elastic bands anchored to the bar or handle and placed under the foot or feet will provide assistance in pulling up. In essence, it is decreasing the amount of load/weight your muscles have to move, which allows you to perform the movement whilst minimizing compensations.

#2 Decrease Risk of Injury

Most injuries from strength training result from repetitive overuse and improper progressions, which result in placing too much stress on muscles and tissues that are not prepared to do the job they’re being asked to do. Looking at a pull-up, when we are able to change our hand position we can avoid both, and we just discussed progression above.

Repetitive overuse, as the name implies, is doing the same thing over and over and over. When addressing this concern, it helps to have a little anatomy background. Our bodies are one large bag of many different tissues. Everything is connected. This means that our hands (fingers and thumb), which grab the bar or handles for a pull-up, are intimately connected via muscles, fascia, bones, nerves, blood and lymph vessels to the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and torso. Anything we change at the hand will effect each of these other areas.

While proper progression (discussed above) effects the mechanical elements of the pull-up helping us to use better technique, etc., changing hand position also effects the tissue element. By varying our hand position as we perform the pull-up over weeks or months, we decrease the amount of stress placed on the same line of tissue. This allows our bodies to better recover and repair, which decreases the risk of overuse and ultimately injury. This is vital for reducing elbow and shoulder injuries that can keep us from sustaining our training, and thus not gaining.

#3 Variety

Boredom often comes from lack of variety. Many people get bored with their training programs because they feel stagnated. Adding variety to your training is like adding spices to your food. It can make all the difference in the world. Having the ability to modify exercise on demand making them ‘different’ not only helps our bodies, as discussed above, but it also helps our mental and emotional outlook. Our mental and emotional outlook is every bit as important as the physical aspects for keeping us on track and into our training.

Variety can also make traditional exercises more attractive to many people. Whether using a straight barbell or Eleiko’s specifically designed adjustable handles, creating variety in how pull-ups are performed is essential to continued growth and performance. By using adjustable handles, you are able to generate as many pull-up variations as you want whilst gaining the benefit of decreasing the risk of injury regardless of your ability level.

Source: https://eleiko.com/en/stories/hand-positioning

 

Pilates and yoga are two popular, low-impact workouts accessible to people of all fitness levels. Both offer numerous health benefits, enhancing physical strength, flexibility, balance and mental well-being. Whether you prefer the guidance of an instructor in a studio or the convenience of a workout app like Merrithew Connect™, there are plenty of options to suit your skill level and goals. This guide will help you understand the benefits and differences between Pilates and yoga and explore how combining both practices might be the best approach for your fitness journey.

Pilates

Pilates is a mind-body exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Originally intended for rehabilitation, it has evolved into a widely practiced fitness regimen, appreciated by many for its numerous health benefits.

Pilates involves a series of exercises that can be performed on a mat or using specialized equipment such as Merrithew’s V2 Max™ Reformers, Split-Pedal Stability Chairs™, Cadillacs, Spine Corrector, Arc and Ladder Barrel. Its exercises focus on controlled movements, precision and breath, aiming to create a balanced body with a strong core.

Types of Pilates

• Mat Pilates: Performed on the floor using a Pilates mat, this form of exercise achieves core strength and flexibility through bodyweight exercises.
• Reformer Pilates: Utilizes the Reformer’s moving carriage and springs to add resistance to exercises, enhancing muscle engagement, balance and control.
• Rehab Pilates: Tailored for rehabilitation purposes, physical therapists often prescribe this to aid injury recovery.
• Classical Pilates: This is a traditional approach to Joseph Pilates’ original exercises and principles.

Benefits of Pilates

• Core strength: Pilates workouts target the core muscles, including the abs, back extensors and pelvic floor, improving strength.
• Endurance and flexibility: Regular Pilates exercises enhance muscular endurance and flexibility, contributing to overall physical fitness.
• Balance and stability: Focuses on controlled movements and body awareness, improving balance and stability.
• Posture: Helps correct posture by strengthening the muscles responsible for proper alignment.
• Sports performance: Athletes incorporate Pilates to boost performance by enhancing coordination, agility, strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries.
• Mind-body connection: Pilates fosters a connection between the mind and body, promoting mindfulness and mental clarity.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation to promote overall health and well-being. Originating in India, yoga has evolved into various styles, each with its own focus and benefits.

Types of yoga

• Vinyasa Yoga: This involves a series of flowing movements linked with breath, offering a dynamic workout.
• Hatha Yoga: Focusing on basic postures and breathing exercises, it is ideal for beginners due to its slower pace.
• Ashtanga Yoga: A rigorous style that follows a specific sequence of postures, emphasizing strength, flexibility and stamina.
• Iyengar Yoga: Emphasizes precise alignment and uses props like blocks and straps to perform poses correctly.

Benefits of yoga

• Flexibility: Yoga poses stretch and lengthen the muscles, improving overall flexibility.
• Balance: The practice of holding poses improves balance and coordination.
• Posture: Yoga promotes body alignment and posture.
• Breathing: Controlled breathing techniques enhance lung capacity and relaxation.
• Meditation: The meditative aspect of yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to mental well-being.

Differences between Pilates and yoga

While Pilates and yoga both aim to improve physical and mental health, they differ in their approach and focus.

• Origin:
  • Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It is deeply rooted in spiritual traditions.
  • Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It was initially created as a form of rehabilitation for injured soldiers and dancers.
• Breathing techniques:
  • Yoga uses various breathing techniques to enhance the mind-body connection and facilitate meditation. Primarily in and out through the nose.
  • Pilates emphasizes three dimensional breathing and uses pursed breathing to increase activation of the abdominal wall.
• Movement and flow:
  • Yoga includes a series of static and dynamic poses, often held for several breaths.
  • Pilates involves continuous, controlled movements targeting specific muscle groups.
• Equipment:
  • Yoga typically requires minimal equipment, mainly a yoga mat.
  • Pilates can be performed on a mat or using specialized equipment.

Similarities between Pilates and yoga

Despite their distinct origins and techniques, Pilates and yoga share numerous similarities, making them excellent choices for improving overall health.

• Mind-body connection: Both practices emphasize the integration of mind and body through focused movement and breathing.
• Flexibility and strength: Both improve flexibility and build muscle strength.
• Posture and balance: Each practice promotes better posture and balance.
• Overall well-being: Both contribute to overall well-being, reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity.

Pilates vs yoga: Finding your perfect balance

Pilates and yoga are both excellent forms of exercise, each offering unique physical, mental and rehabilitative benefits. Choosing the right practice for you depends on your goals and preferences.

Yoga provides a holistic approach that encourages slowing down and connecting with your breath, body and mind. It typically involves bigger movements that strengthen and stretch various muscle groups.

Pilates is also a holistic approach to exercise that emphasizes intentional, deliberate and precise whole-body movements. These controlled movements are repeated several times to target specific muscle groups. Its exercises are designed to strengthen the core, improve posture, and enhance stability.

If your goal is to develop mindfulness, reduce stress and improve flexibility, yoga may be the ideal choice. Pilates might be more suitable if you aim to strengthen your core, improve posture and support injury recovery. Ultimately, integrating both practices into your routine can offer a well-rounded approach to fitness and well-being, allowing you to benefit from the strengths of each.

Source: https://www.merrithew.com/blog/post/2024-07-02/pilates-vs-yoga-a-comprehensive-guide-to-choosing-the-right-practice-for-you

How bar knurling differs – and why it matters.

In this knurling guide, we explain what barbell knurling is, why it’s important and how we have chosen what we believe is the optimal knurling for powerlifting, weightlifting and hybrid training.

Grip is a critical factor in a bar – and barbell knurling plays a big role. Eleiko’s knurling options are specifically refined to meet the varying needs of our diverse user groups, enhancing the feel and performance for all categories of lifters.

What is barbell knurling?

Barbell knurling is the crosshatch pattern on the shaft of the barbell designed to increase the amount of grip on the bar by increasing friction between your hands and the bar. Knurling is made by pressing the material into diamond-shaped pyramids and varies greatly in depth, pattern, and aggressiveness. Different types of knurling are used for different types of bars, accommodating the various needs of today’s lifters. The pattern, depth and finish all play a role in how the final knurling will feel to the athlete.

Why is barbell knurling important?

One of the most important aspects of lifting is the ability to achieve a strong, controlled, and well-placed grip. Knurling provides a critical benefit to the performance and safety of the lifter.

Grip: The knurling type will determine the type of grip you can get on your bar, and the more you lift, the more important this will become. Knurling is vitally important on pulling movements, where some movements, such as deadlifts and rows, can only be performed effectively when you have a good grip on the bar. Different sports and disciplines require specific levels of grip, which is why the knurling on a powerlifting bar will differ from that of a weightlifting bar. Having the right type of knurling for the sport is not only a question of performance but also of safety. Slipping on the barbell is not only ineffective but can also be dangerous to the lifter and the surroundings.

Hand placement: Knurling plays a major role in hand placement on the bar, assuring a correct grip. Hand placement affects the ability to push and pull weight, and the strategic placement of the knurl will provide an indication of where your hands should be placed. In competition settings, the grip markings act as both reference points and in certain lifts, to check legal hand placements.

Comfort: Knurling is about striking a balance between grip and comfort, assuring you can get the most out of your lifts – but just as much about personal preference. Routine lifters often have an arsenal of different bars, and different knurling options, to choose from. As a rule of thumb, choose a knurling aggressiveness that is specifically designed for the type of training you perform most of the time. Looking to purchase just one bar? A balanced knurling, found on many hybrid bars, will suit a variety of lifters and training styles.

Knurling categories — Mild, balanced (competition or training) and aggressive

The key to making great knurling is balancing sharpness, ensuring durability, and configuring the knurling to the type of lifting performed. Two factors go into creating knurling tailored for different uses: the spacing between the diamond shapes and the depth of cut. Although there is no industry standard for how to gauge, classify or identify the severity or style of knurling, Eleiko bars are divided into three distinct knurling categories.

1.0 Knurling (mild): found on our XF, Performance, Group Training and Technique Bars is our least aggressive knurling, good for all-round use and high-volume training. The knurling is soft and will not damage your hands as you perform high repetition training.

1.2 Knurling (competition or training): used on our IWF-certified weightlifting bars as well as our Rack bars, is a sharper knurling to ensure a secure grip for Olympic lifts.

1.5 Knurling (aggressive): our most aggressive knurling, is used on our Powerlifting bars. It is very sharp and deep, ensuring a strong grip for heavy lifts.

Within each category, the knurling is carefully inspected and divided into subcategories based on the level of aggressiveness – mild, balanced or aggressive – and which bar category it suits best. For example, training bars have a shallower depth knurl while competition bars are deeper and therefore more aggressive. This quality procedure provides Eleiko bars with a tailored grip that is designed to meet the specific needs within each bar category: Training, Competition, Performance or Technique.

How is knurling made?

To add knurling, the bar is first placed into a CNC lathe. Contrary to popular belief, a minimal amount of metal is removed when the knurling is being machined into the bar stock. The lathe has 2 small discs, also referred to as bits, that have a right-hand and left-hand pattern set at 180 degrees from each other. As the bar rotates in the lathe, the bits forcefully push and distorts the steel, squeezing the steel into the shape desired. The bits are extremely sharp steel to be capable of distorting heat-treated forged steel.

The aggressiveness of the final knurling is determined by 4 factors:

• How many revolutions the lathe makes prior to advancing the bits to the next portion to receive treatment.
• The squeezing process from tension on the bits. The higher tension equals higher peaking and pointedness, resulting in a more aggressive knurl.
• How sharp the bits are. The more the bits on the lathe are used, the softer the knurling will be.
• The knurling on the untreated bars is more aggressive compared to the chromed ones as the chrome fills out the valleys between the peaks somewhat.

The result is the signature Eleiko knurling that is firm, but not too sharp, allowing you to lift with complete contact and no slippage. The waffle-pattern knurling is a nod to our history, as Eleiko originally produced waffle irons and other small electronics.

How to choose the right knurling for you

Every sport and training style is different, thus requiring different knurling types. Consider the type of strength training that you perform most of the time.

Weightlifting bars, or Olympic bars, generally have less aggressive knurling than powerlifting bars, while still ensuring a strong and secure grip for explosive Olympic lifts. Knurling on weightlifting bars may also extend further on the bar sleeve to accommodate a wide grip while lifting.

Olympic barbells typically have a smooth center knurl. This will prevent your neck and shoulders from getting scraped when front racked in a clean. 20 kg weightlifting bars that are certified by the IWF are required to have a center knurl.

Powerlifting bars generally have the most aggressive bar knurling, and for obvious reasons: powerlifters move more weight than anyone. The aggressive knurling tends to be deeper, sharper and more coarse than weightlifting bars and is designed to improve grip on heavy lifts. Having aggressive knurling is especially important for deadlifts.

Traditionally, powerlifting bars have a center knurl to provide a strong grip surface when back squatting, preventing the bar from sliding down the lifter’s back on heavy lifts.

Hybrid bars, while serious powerlifters and weightlifters will prefer to use bars that are specifically designed for their sports, many users prefer to use one bar that can be used for all styles of training. For accommodating functional fitness training needs, the key is flexibility and comfort. Hybrid bars, also referred to as multi-purpose bars, generally have a less aggressive, softer knurling that is comfortable for a wide variety of users and will not tear up your hands.

For example, the Eleiko XF Bar has a balanced knurling that gives full control while remaining comfortable for higher volume training sessions. The bar has dual markings for both powerlifting and weightlifting and is suitable for CrossFit, functional fitness, and home use. Most hybrid bars have no center knurl to prevent chafing, due to the many body parts that come in contact with the bar in this type of training.

Knurling based on bar catgory: Training, competition, performance and technique

Eleiko bars for powerlifting and weightlifting are divided into four main categories: Training, Competition, Performance and Technique. Here’s how the knurling differs:

Eleiko training bars deliver the feel and performance of our competition bars, but with less sharp knurling making the bar appropriate for a higher volume of lifting.

Eleiko competition bars, designed specifically for competitive Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting, have an aggressive knurling suited for one rep max attempts. Our Competition bars are certified by all three federations: IWF, IPF and WPPO.

Eleiko performance bars are designed for multi-purpose use and optimized training for athletes in professional sports. The Performance bars typically have a balanced knurling, sharp enough to give full control without becoming uncomfortable during higher volume training sessions.

Eleiko technique bars  have a balanced knurling for both control and comfort and are suitable for technique work. The grip replicates the feeling of our performance bars, facilitating a seamless transition between the two as skill and technique improve.

Center knurl or no center knurl?

Another key element that may impact your purchase decision is whether the bar has a center knurl. A center knurl is placed evenly between each side of the shaft. The difference between the center knurl and the split knurling on the shaft is the user benefit. Where the knurling on the side of the shaft is designed mainly to increase grip in your hands, the center knurl is for the grip on other parts of the body or clothing.

So, is center knurl necessary? That depends on the type of training you are performing. For powerlifting, a center knurl will benefit when performing back and front squats. Similarly, in weightlifting when performing cleans, a bar with recessed center knurling will grip to the material on your chest/collar bones. In weightlifting, a center knurl will typically not bother you as the number of repetitions is typically low. However, when lifting during CrossFit workouts or other high repetition training sessions, be cautious — a center knurl result may result in scraping your chest.

Grip markings

Grip markings, also referred to as knurl rings, are smooth, knurl-free rings that appear on the barbell knurling to guide hand placement for different lifts and maintain consistency.

There are typically two types of grip markings found on barbells – powerlifting grip markings that are placed closer to the center of the bar, standardized at roughly 32 (exactly 810 mm) apart by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and Olympic grip markings, standardized at roughly 36 (exactly 910 mm) apart by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) that are placed closer to the sleeves. Many hybrid or multi-purpose bars have both dual grip markings to help assure correct hand placement during a wide variety of lifts.

For an improved lifting experience

Ultimately, the main benefit of the barbell is the ability to cater to the need of many different members — and knurling is an important element. We have outfitted our bars with knurling that is specifically tailored to the training type, be it powerlifting, weightlifting or hybrid training, to improve both feel and performance for lifters in all categories.

 

Source: https://eleiko.com/en-us/stories/how-bar-knurling-differs

Designing and producing the world’s finest barbells — the choice of champions for more than 60 years.

Bars are the heart of Eleiko. It’s the product that sparked our journey from waffle irons to a leader in strength. More than 1,000 world records have been set on Eleiko bars since their competition debut in 1963.

Over the decades, we’ve expanded beyond the competition platform crafting high-quality bars for all kinds of lifting environments, from professionals in world-class weight rooms to passionate lifters training in their home gyms and beginners touching a barbell for the first time. However, one thing has remained the same since 1957, our commitment to designing and producing the best bars and delivering the ultimate lifting experience.

Precision crafted bars since 1957

Our bars are precision crafted to deliver the ultimate lifting experience and built to last a lifetime. Every bar is made in our Halmstad, Sweden, headquarters from clean steel and designed for the distinct needs of each type of lifting — weightlifting, powerlifting and hybrid training — in competition and training environments.

Professional lifters frequently refer to the “Eleiko Feeling” as what sets Eleiko bars apart. It is a term used to describe how our bars’ flexibility, grip, and sleeve rotation work together, helping lifters feel connected to the lift.

Clean Swedish steel

Eleiko steel is known for its unique characteristics, offering an exceptional balance of strength and flexibility optimised for lifting. Our clean Swedish steel has been perfected over decades. With our treatment and hardening procedure, we can customise each bar for the flexibility it needs. When performing a lift at one’s maximum capacity, the steel in the bar should work in unison with the lifter’s rhythm and provide a connected feeling to the bar throughout the lift and at all loads.

“The maximum authorised radial deviation over them entire length of the bar is 0.1mm. If those specifications aren’t met, we discard the bar and the steel is recycled.” — Mattias Andersson, Production Foreman

The grip

The grip is a critical factor in a bar – and barbell knurling plays a significant role. Eleiko knurling is refined to meet the differing needs of our diverse user groups, enhancing the feel and performance for all lifters. Read our knurling guide to learn more about barbell knurling, why it’s important, and how we chose the optimal knurling for powerlifting, weightlifting and hybrid training.

Optimized rotation at all loads

Particularly essential to the lifting experience in weightlifting is the rotation of the sleeves, or the “spin”. This is an area that we have spent considerable time perfecting. Our re-engineered sleeve construction delivers a more stable and controlled rotation, optimised for smooth performance, giving lifters a more connected and precise experience. Precision needle bearings, an inner race and a dust-proof seal ensure weight moves smoothly under load and at high speeds. This minimises the wear on crucial parts, a critical factor for lifter safety, while also ensuring the sleeves remain cleaner for longer and that greased components continue to be well lubricated for years with minimal maintenance.

Crafted for performance

To provide the ultimate lifting experience, bars are designed and crafted specifically for different types of lifting and to meet the varied needs of different competition and training settings.

Source: https://eleiko.com/en/stories/crafting-the-best-barbell

Limitless Redefined

LFX provides elevated functional, HIIT and strength experiences, and fills your space with energy to run small group, personal, or free individual training sessions.

Here are 5 great reasons to upgrade your functional training area with an LFX configuration:

1. LFX is suitable for all levels of exercisers: from beginners to advanced exercisers and athletes.
2. LFX is a great addition to the gym beyond SGT. It can be an extension of your freeweights area, or an exclusive personal training area.
3. LFX delivers a wide variety of configurations for every taste and need.
4. LFX only needs a minimum live area from 500 sq. ft. to 1050 sq. ft. for pre-configured packages.
5. LFX provides endless possibilities to create your own custom space.

Explore our seven pre-configured LFX packages

Access the LFX 360° experience to discover our functional training solutions just the way you want to! This is what expects you :

• Get an immersive insight into all of the seven LFX spaces
• Learn about specific equipment choices in each package
• Discover different design ideas that complement the packages

Find the configuration that’s right for your club and members.

You’re just one step away.

Click this link and fill out the form below, to get access immediate to the exclusive virtual tour.

https://www.lifefitness.com/en-eu/catalog/lfx/virtual-tour

Start to explore Life Fitness pre-configured LFX packages.

Click below to take a virtual 360° tour.

https://lfx.jammedroom.com/

 

Source:https://www.lifefitness.com/en-eu/catalog/lfx/virtual-tour

Did you know we do sell the different styles of BOSU® Balance Trainers? How do you know your selection will be the right one for its intended use?  We’ve broken down each here to help discover which will be the best fit for you:

BOSU® HOME BALANCE TRAINER

The Home Balance Trainer is our classic and a perfect choice for the casual home user! With a 65cm diameter, its original style dome & platform surfaces will enhance any basic workout or training style with an element of instability to help improve health & life activities!

BOSU® SPORT BALANCE TRAINER

The smaller surface area and circumference (only 50cm) make the Sport unit more appealing to children, Trainers & Coaches who travel for clients, and users in smaller spaces. Although modest in size, it’s still mighty when it comes time to work out! Insider Info: Same dome, platform & feet as the two units mentioned above so recommended for home use only.

BOSU® PRO BALANCE TRAINER

Our most recognized product, the ‘original’ Pro Balance Trainer boasts a patented double-molded base (for extra strength) and a smooth, non-skid platform surface (so nothing gets in your way) making it the ultimate choice for professional and commercial-grade use! Our Pro unit was made to withstand the toughest workout format while still promoting all the function and feedback needed for effective stability training.  Insider Info: You don’t need to be a fitness pro to use our Pro Balance Trainer, however it’s the only model recommended for clubs, clinics, training centers or any situation expecting high volume use.

BOSU® NEXGEN™ PRO BALANCE TRAINER

The latest generation of our Pro unit also offers the unique texture benefits of the NexGen™ dome while maintaining the high-quality features needed for commercial & professional use!

 

Bottom line, any BOSU® Balance Trainer is a fantastic choice and each will take your HIIT, core, strength, mobility or total-body workout to the next level! Happy picking!

Source: https://bosu.com/blogs/news/which-balance-trainer-is-right-for-you

Weightlifting is a fantastic way to build strength, improve muscle tone, and boost overall fitness. However, like any physical activity, it comes with its risks. Injuries are not uncommon in the world of weightlifting, but the good news is that many of them can be prevented with the right approach and gear. Let’s explore some common weightlifting injuries and ways to avoid them. It all starts with using proper techniques and the right equipment!

Understanding Common Weightlifting Injuries: 

1. Strains and Sprains: These occur when muscles or tendons are stretched beyond their limits, often due to improper form or lifting too much weight.
2. Tendonitis: Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons, often caused by repetitive movements and overuse. It commonly affects the elbows (tennis elbow) and shoulders.
3. Lower Back Pain: Poor lifting technique, especially when performing exercises like deadlifts and squats, can strain the muscles and ligaments in the lower back, leading to pain and discomfort.
4. Wrist and Elbow Injuries: These injuries can occur due to excessive stress on the wrists and elbows during exercises like bench presses and curls.

Prevention Strategies: 

Now that we know what we’re up against, let’s discuss some strategies for preventing these injuries:

1. Start with Proper Form: Proper form is crucial for preventing injuries. Focus on maintaining a neutral spine, engaging your core, and using controlled movements throughout each exercise.
2. Warm-Up and Cool Down: Always start your workouts with a proper warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints for the work ahead. Similarly, don’t neglect the cooldown phase, which can help prevent stiffness and soreness.
3. Gradually Increase Weight: Progression is key in weightlifting, but it’s essential to increase the weight gradually to give your muscles and connective tissues time to adapt.
4. Use Weightlifting Gear: Investing in quality weightlifting gear can provide additional support and protection against injuries. Here are some recommended Harbinger products:

• Harbinger Weightlifting Belts: Designed to provide support to your lower back and core during heavy lifts, Harbinger weightlifting belts are essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment and preventing lower back injuries.
• Harbinger Wrist Wraps: Wrist wraps help stabilize your wrists during exercises like bench presses and overhead presses, reducing the risk of strains and sprains.
• Harbinger Gloves: Weightlifting gloves offer essential protection and support for your hands during intense lifting sessions. Having a better grip at all times will reduce your chances of slipping and causing injuries.

By following these injury prevention strategies and using the right gear, you can minimize your risk of common weightlifting injuries and enjoy a safer, more effective workout experience. Remember, consistency and proper technique are key to long-term progress and injury-free training. So, lace up your lifting shoes, strap on your gear, and lift smart. Your body will thank you for it.

Source: https://harbinger.co.nz/2024/05/08/avoiding-common-weightlifting-injuries/

Pilates is renowned for its ability to enhance flexibility, strength and overall body awareness. The versatility of equipment can significantly amplify these benefits, making your workouts more dynamic and effective. This month, we’re highlighting some essential Pilates gear, including Cadillacs, Stability Chairs^™ and Ladder Barrels. Discover how these tools can transform your practice and help you achieve your fitness goals.

To help you maximize the use of these tools, we’re shining the spotlight on Exercise of the Month series, highlighting various ways to incorporate our products into your routine and tailor them for diverse clients. Here are some featured exercises to inspire your workouts:

 

Workout on the Cadillac

Discover the versatility of the Cadillac/Trapeze Table with the Thigh Stretch exercise, guided by Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer Michaela Bimbi-Dresp. This exercise allows for various modifications to cater to diverse client needs. Try out this exercise and see how it can elevate your practice.

 

Workout on the Stability Chair

Unlock the full potential of the Split-Pedal Stability Chair with the Footwork Flow exercise demonstrated by Master Instructor Trainer Laureen DuBeau. Move beyond simple exercises and make your Stability Chair programming more dynamic and invigorating. Give this exercise a go and feel the difference in your workouts.

 

Workout on the Ladder Barrel

Challenge your core strength, stability, flexibility and mobility with the Swan Dive exercise on the Ladder Barrel, showcased by Laureen DuBeau. This exercise focuses on the posterior chain, strengthening the back extensors and gluteus maximus. Try this exercise and experience the versatility of the Ladder Barrel.

Explore the benefits of incorporating the Cadillac, Chair and Barrel into your practice and add dynamic exercises to your routine. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home studio or upgrade your professional setup, this equipment provides the perfect opportunity to invest in your fitness journey. Start your journey today and unlock the full potential of your Pilates practice!

Source: https://www.merrithew.com/blog/post/2024-06-11/transform-your-pilates-practice-top-cadillac-chair-barrel-exercises