The Power Plate acceleration training platform is a curiosity at the HealthStyles retail stores. While most athletic trainers may have heard of it because of its high-profile users around the world, the extraordinary draw of the Power Plate acceleration training system becomes clear the minute you try it out for yourself.  It is pleasant and stimulating, yet you can achieve training that challenges your neuromuscular system more than the heaviest weights you have ever lifted. How is this possible?

Acceleration training represents the very cutting edge of today’s technology in helping test the limits of human potential and rebuilding damaged or aging bodies. “From space programs to Olympic medals, from wheelchair-bound persons regaining the ability to walk, to offering safe and inclusive exercise for anti-aging and rebuilding bone density, acceleration training is still a young technology and has many thresholds to cross.” – Guus van der Meer, et. al. Handbook of Acceleration Training.

So, how does this technology work?

To explain acceleration training, we must refer to the second law of physics by Sir Isaac Newton,

F = m * a

(Force equals mass times acceleration).

While you may be familiar with varying the mass (weights) in your workouts to help increase your body strength, this new technology focuses on the other variable, acceleration.

The Power Plate platform enables your body to actively absorb vibration in response to acceleration, forcing your muscles to reflexively contract. This exposure to acceleration while dynamically working out not only helps you see greater results in less time, but also boasts extraordinary advantages of minimized risk of injury, less stress on ligaments and joints. Extensive studies of vibration science and acceleration training show benefits for muscular strength, flexibility, power, bone density, circulation, and recovery.

Some testimonies from Olympic and professional athletes report:

• An endurance athlete lacking sprint capacity, becoming very successful at sprints after Power Plate training for a few months
• In 9-week pilot study of triathletes, 15 minutes 3 x a week with Power Plate training was equivalent to 1 hour 3 x a week without.
• Significant improvements in explosive strength
• Medical interventions were quicker and easier to recover from; Injuries heal 30% faster with acceleration training than without
• Changes can be immediately demonstrated with electromyography (EMG)
• Significant increases in running speed and jump height
• After one stretch session, clear improvement in range of motion
• After 2-3 weeks: better recruitment of muscle fibers and muscular coordination
• Long-term: distinct hypertrophy, sensory motor adaptation and capillarization (beneficial peripheral circulation to extremities and joints); and more.

Power Plate technology mechanically vibrates in three dimensions – vertical (up and down), frontal (left and right), and sagital (forward and back) planes. These vibrations achieve acceleration, which is the rate of change of velocity, by varying their measures of frequency and amplitude. The acceleration offers exponential increase in producing force. Doing a squat on the Power Plate platform doubles or triples the force produced by doing a squat conventionally.

Furthermore, by engaging the natural reflex responses of the body, communicated directly with the spinal cord rather than the brain, the workout activates the muscle contractions automatically. This is also the reason why the perceived exertion is less, even while producing more force.

How does Power Plate acceleration training improve flexibility on top of increasing explosive force? It turns out—they are not isolated metrics as the mental images of body builders with limited ranges of motion suggest. The stretch reflex, called myotatic reflex, describes the reflexive contraction of the muscle when stretched. The stretch-shortening cycle is the brilliant way in which the muscle stores elastic energy for use later, when stretched (like a rubber band).

When a muscle is stretched, the body senses the stretch’s speed and length separately in monosynaptic pathways, which helps us against overstretching. At the same time, the body activates one muscle as it inhibits the functional antagonist in polysynaptic pathways (biceps engage, triceps don’t, etc.). Power Plate acceleration training stimulates polysynaptic pathways alternating 25-50 times per second, while also getting past body’s interpretation of range of motion barriers, explaining how vibration users gain simultaneous benefits of strength and flexibility.

For more on the fascinating Science of Acceleration Training, you can contact your HealthStyles Exercise Equipment rep or attend a Power Plate Acceleration Training session. Matt Johnson of Power Plate is responsible for the Academy Trainings he runs periodically in Denver.

-Misheel.

IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, is the fitness industry’s only global trade association. IHRSA represents over 9,000 for profit health and fitness facilities and over 650 supplier companies in 75 countries. Once a year, IHRSA holds an energy-fueled, a must “see-and-be-seen” convention for the club industry.

Here are some of the highlights from IHRSA according to Dave Sheriff, owner of HealthStyles Exercise Equipment. Admitting that others may think he’s biased because of the lines he carries, he said, “If I were to be completely honest, I really think our lines were the hits of the show.” 

Dave wrote:

1. “Octane Fitness: Possibly the most attention getting new piece of equipment at the show was the new Lateral X by Octane. A very comfortable and unique adjustable stride lateral motion machine that we feel is going to gain immediate and creditable momentum in the fitness product marketplace. Russ Stier of Octane has an e-mail from HealthStyles asking when he will be making his Colorado visit and if we could secure one of the Lateral X prototypes for demo.
2. Matrix Fitness: The key products that were highlighted were the new Climbmill and the new Ascent Trainer. We are on top of these new products in that both are positioned at the Colorado Boulevard Store for viewing and demo. Other highlighted products included the LiveStrong spin bikes and the KrankCycles. Strength and other CV seemed very similar as in the past. “My Ride” 3 dimensional training introduced that allows participants to exercise individually unsupervised, in large group settings or small group settings. Active Aging market and the Hospitality/Lodging market are in an active growth mode. The Hospitality market now has new ADA compliance regulations pertaining to swimming pool hoist systems and spacing and use of fitness equipment within the hotel’s fitness facilities.
3. Hoist Fitness: Possibly recognized as the number one strength line at the show. There were several new  highlighted products including the new roc-it glute machine, the redeveloped chin/dip assist. The rocket series, both selectorized and plate-loaded seemed to be the strength topic of conversation at the show. Great modular gyms, free weight and cage options as well as cable motion options.
4. Stairmaster/Schwinn: The spin bikes are to become “wired” in the near future to avoid some of the Mpower console issues. The new Stepmill continues to have good market traction and recognition. Great brand names.
5. Torque: Good light commercial products in the F1 and the new F2. Good commercial Free Weight bench options, Great cage for group (15 participant) circuit training.
6. Competition’s Products:  Cybex: They have resurfaced from their major lawsuit and their new lines and products seem strong…..we sell Cybex on the retail side. Great television screens. Technogym: Strong quality and great computerization. Great television screens. Precor: Always a very strong product line. Great booth and presentation. Life Fitness: Always good quality and presentation…..we can sell LF on the retail side. Star Trac: Very quiet booth. Introduced their new Stepmill that is very similar to Starmaster.”

Our team also have pictures of them in costumes and “in rare form,” I’ve been told. We may release them in the future for your blackmailing pleasure–stay tuned.

-Misheel.

Actually, Octane already does. Octane Fitness has garnered more than 55 awards in consumer and trade magazines like Health, Consumer Guide, Prevention.com and Today’s Health and Wellness. Octane has also been voted the “Best Elliptical” for the past 7 years by specialty fitness retailers. That’s like winning an Oscar in the movie industry—voted the best by own industry.

We highlight Octane to explain the success of this surprising “new kid on the block.” Ellipticals have the following benefits over other cardio equipment:

• Low impact motion
• Low perceived exertion (i.e., exercise feels easier than the body is actually working)
• Total-body exercise
• High caloric expenditure
• Weight-bearing activity
• Movement variety (forward, reverse, upper- or lower-body only)
• Quiet operation
• Minimal maintenance

Because of these benefits, elliptical trainers have exploded in popularity since entering the market in the 1990s. A recent independent analysis of elliptical trainers demonstrates that Octane machines are biomechanically superior to competitors.

Newer cardiovascular machines, such as Cybex’s Arc Trainer and Life Fitness’ Summit Trainer, utilize repetitive reciprocal motion, in which the movement of each limb stops and starts repeatedly. This is similar to stairclimbers and skiers, which have limited popularity today.Compared to repetitive reciprocal motion elliptical trainers of competitors, Octane ellipticals offer safer, more biomechanically correct, continuous motion recruiting more muscle groups, which fosters a better feel and leads to greater exertion and longer workout duration for maximum conditioning and results.

To read more about this independent study, click here.

As the elliptical cross trainer category becomes increasingly competitive, marketing claims are sometimes made that do not have scientific basis. One example is that speed is the main determinant of an effective workout, so exercisers should move as fast as they can on ellipticals, using the legs only and engaging a high ramp/incline. According to this theory, using the upper-body handles is not recommended since they simply slow down the legs. Read more on this here.

Even while offering the best product of its class, Octane Fitness is set to move the bar even higher. The new LateralX that Octane unveiled at IHRSA, has the whole club industry abuzz. They are truly taking cardiovascular equipment in a new direction. Read more on this on the IHRSA article.

-Misheel Chuluun

Here are the latest:

Fitness Marketing Expert Shares Top 5 Reasons Why Most Gyms Suck - worth reading for all gym managers and trainers

Exercise Alters Epigenetics - several versions of this article are out there including this one from Time magazine and a more dense read from Science. Either way, your jean size is not just in the genes… it’s how your genes express themselves, prompted by your actions, like exercising!

Afghanistan war vet invents revolutionary exercise equipment - Surprise! This war vet is not American. Also, if you can tell me how to use this equipment more than just by varying the pushup, as seen on the picture, you win a prize… (hypothetically, people!)

Cool Hands May Help People Exercise Longer - Why holding your icy water bottle may help as you jog.

Babies building abs - Really?

Play, not exercise, for fit kids - I knew there was the other side.

Doctors Increasingly Prescribe Exercise - and hopefully proscribe some of the fatty foods we allow ourselves immediately after exercising.

Hit the treadmill and pump an extra weight for a better pay cheque - I have begun doing this since having my baby… Hopefully Jeanne and Dave take note. ;-)

Beverage-makers (COKE) build playgrounds, draw criticism - Contentious. Does this prick anyone else’s conscience? “Winning hearts and minds” is a war strategy with the Marines. But a marketing strategy for Coke? Couldn’t be. McDonalds have their playgrounds and happy meals… They’re so good to kids, must be good for the kids too.

Phys Ed: Exercise as Housecleaning for the Body - I read this article to my mom, who could use some exercise and is fond of housecleaning (especially if someone else is doing it for her). 

Intermittent exercise improves blood glucose control for diabetics - I thought exercise in general improves blood glucose control? 

Science Shows How Exercise Might Help in Prostate Cancer

Exercise after breast cancer surgery can enhance recovery

Exercise during pregnancy? Yes even some extreme sports - Like to push the limits and put yourself in life and death situations? Let’s amp it up.

-Misheel Chuluun.

Maybe it is 4-Hour Body becoming a bestseller, touting the benefits of kettlebell workouts. Kettlebells are becoming the new staples in gyms, right along with dumbbells and plates. While this surge of popular interest has been unprecedented, kettlebells have been around a while.

The modern version seems to have originated 350 years ago in Russia as counterweights to measure goods. Since they were fun to swing around, they became weight-lifting tools and finally, modern kettlebell-lifting became Soviet Union’s national sport, in 1948.

However, many cultures around the world have used weights with handles since long ago: Shaolin monks with stone padlocks, Scottish tribes in their hurling contests, Indians with their ishi sashi clubs. These early predecessors and kettlebells work to extend the center of balance, allowing the users to mimic many real-world activities involving swinging, like shoveling, farm work, picking up your child, etc.

Today, the US Secret Service, FBI Counter Assault team, and many military training programs around the world use the holistic, explosive exercises that high-repetition ballistic kettlebell workouts provide. The benefits of this workout includes a full-body conditioning, anaerobic and aerobic exercise improving mobility, range of motion, and strength, particularly in lower back, legs and shoulders.

Glenwood Springs, CO – HealthStyles Exercise Equipment proudly announces a successful merger with Colorado Fitness Equipment, emerging as a new nexus of strength and presence in the commercial fitness equipment marketplace in the region.

John Coffey of Colorado Fitness Equipment has over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. He has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from Fresno State University and a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from New Hampshire College. His work experience includes Director of Fitness of a Metro Denver YMCA, owner of a personal trainer business, fitness testing with the Department of Corrections and years of successful sales consulting. John has been certified as an Exercise Test Technologist from the American College of Sports Medicine. Since launching Colorado Fitness Equipment in 2002, John has continued to expand his business while incidentally building a friendship with the owners of HealthStyles Exercise Equipment, Dave and Jeanne Sheriff.

HealthStyles Exercise Equipment has been serving Colorado since 1993, and has expanded its reach to Wyoming, New Mexico, and beyond in the last decade.  With 8 retail locations, a major warehouse and demo location in Denver, and contracts with many exclusive and well-known brands, HealthStyles Exercise Equipment offers a bigger playing arena and more support structure for John Coffey.

Regarding his joining forces with the competition, John Coffey said, “I believe this is going to be an extremely synergistic merger of knowledge, experience, and resources.  I am looking forward to being a part of a great organization, while representing a diverse assortment of high-level manufacturers.  Dave Sheriff agreed, “John is someone everybody likes.  He’s just a great human being and we’re thrilled to work together as a team.  In addition to the strengths of John Coffey, we also gain the talents of Kirk Bailey and Steve Buckley, both of whom bring many years of experience into our warehouse delivery and service divisions.”

Here are some of the interesting news items in the fitness equipment industry that went to press recently:

A Rare Club Beckons the Obese – This club only admits people who stand to lose at least 50 lbs.

Health Care Service Corporation Incentivize Its Own Employees to Lose 30 Tons Through Innovative Wellness Program - This owner and operator of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico decided to create a best in class program to help alleviate the burden of billions of dollars lost in productivity and in healthcare costs on our society due to poor health and obesity.

Consumer Reports Tests Elliptical Machines to Find the Best - Octane ellipticals come up top!

A Psychologist’s Therapy Treats Mind and Body – This psychologist is also a fitness expert, and his office has two private fitness rooms.

Pro-Active Employers Encourage Workers to Get out of Their Seats – Trekdesk, the newest solution against long hours of sitting at the office.

Chiropractors, Exercise Better than Medication, Study Says - recent onset neck pain is most often treated with medication, but seeing a chirpractor or exercising would be a better choice according to this study.

Worries Mount over Lack of PE in Schools – Only 5 states require PE from kindergarden through 12th grade.

Let’s Get Physical! 10 Unlikely Workout Songs That Rock - Just for kicks…

Perfect That Workout: Bell Those Muscles – article on LiveMint, describing two great exercises to do on those kettlebells.

6 Exercise Tips for Cold Weather - A personal interest news piece for the season

Biggest Loser Star Bob Harper Shares His Motivation Secrets – if you know that some of your gym New Year’s Resolutions gym-goers are beginning to flag in enthusiasm, it’s great to print a copy and share this one with them. 

 MATRIX v. PRECOR (aka David v. Goliath)

Reading specs of machines is not fun. However, it IS fun to analyze how they compare! Here is a thorough analysis of how Precor commercial fitness products compare against Matrix products. Our goal here is to keep you up to date on how our products compare with new changes introduced by competition, so you can make informed decisions. May the best products win!

Consoles:

Consoles, the screens on the commercial bikes, ellipticals and other gym equipment are evolving fast. As consumers want home equipment like the commercial ones with cool LED screens, commercial consoles have already jumped up their games with touch screens and integrated technology. Precor did a good job at its first step into integrated technology with the P80 console. However, it doesn’t measure up to the intuitiveness of Matrix consoles. In fact, Precor website claims that it becomes “more powerful the longer you use it” which means, if you read between the lines, there is a time factor in learning to use it and getting the most out of it. Matrix FitTouch is easier to use, as evidenced by customer reactions and testimonies.

The 15” consoles on Matrix are also self-powered, using electricity generated by users—and offers iPod and iPhone compatibility/charging feature. Precor doesn’t offer self-powered equipment let alone self-powered equipment with advanced consoles that seamlessly connect and offer added value back to the users like that.

Cardio Equipment:

Precor and Matrix both offer complete lines of cardio equipment. Matrix is better. As mentioned above, Matrix is ahead of the curve on sustainable design than Precor by offering self-powered aerobic equipment.

In addition, Matrix’s cardio pieces have constant rate of acceleration and greater weight capacity. These features insure ease of use for greater number of users. Matrix trainers and ellipticals are more compact, have rear entry, allowing side by side placement and greater floor space conservation and neater look.

Beyond those points, the proof of the argument breaks down into the details. Matrix ellipticals called ascent trainers appeal to everyone with an adaptive stride technology as opposed to Precor’s adjustable stride technology.  Basically, users can follow more intuitive elliptical path on Matrix ones but on Precor, they fall into a kind of stepping motion. More fluid motion reduces friction and irritation on the users’ joints, which translates to a better and more rewarding experience on the machine.

Ellipticals

On the trainers, Matrix has 9 inch step up offering much lower point of entry than Precor’s 21.5” step up where the users have to step over a bar. With greater number of seniors hitting the gym and aging US population, it is smarter to go with equipment that doesn’t preclude them. Likewise, Matrix has lower step-up on ellipticals, treadmills, etc.

Strength Equipment:

The problem with creating equipment with higher quality of materials and that are more durable is that they cost more. Here, Precor does offer the advantage of cheaper S Series strength equipment than Matrix G3, the standard Matrix equipment. However, if you observe even the upholstery, the Precor ones are softer, thinner, and the material used shows where they sacrificed to bring the costs down. It doesn’t stop there. The plastic construct-able pieces show blemishes at slightest manufacturing imperfections at the connection points. Chest supports, elbow pads, or foot plates that add comfort and safety of stabilization are out on many pieces.

You attract what you put out. If the first impression of your gym equipment is, “cheap,” that’s the kind of customers you’ll attract.

Aesthetic:

This is slightly subjective to consider, but 100% relevant to the subconscious part of our brain that tells us when something (or someone) is more attractive for reasons we don’t know why. Well, let’s try to examine why Matrix seems to appeal more to people because IDEA awards they won are proofs that some people at least think Matrix has great-looking products.

The Matrix strength equipment has a glossy, clean, metal finish with ergonomic, round and curved tops giving them a modern and “spa”-like feel. Precor stands square-cut at the top with tons of wordy instructions on the side for users to study.

Matrix Treadmills have great-looking, solid aluminum end-caps that last, since someone at the company observed people tended to step on them and they broke most frequently on treadmills in general. Precor hasn’t had this person on their staff, so they still have the cheap plastic that will inevitably chip off faster. That Matrix someone’s like Steve Jobs making sure iPhones had real glass and metal in them, to make a winning product. Brilliant.

Service-ability:

In a world where things aren’t perfect, the equipment is bound to bump into issues since tissues are bound to bump into them. The durability, quality of materials, warranty, ease in serviceability, maintenance monitoring capacity, and expense involved with setting up such asset management gadgets are all important considerations to our commercial equipment buyers.

So how does Precor compare with Matrix? Well, Matrix is better for reasons stated in other sections but also the following. The bikes and trainers have removable discs, making them easier to service. There is no need to tilt the machines for unscrewing pieces and stuff, because there are two levelers on the trainers.

On the recumbent bikes, Matrix has a single piece crank that is maintenance free. Precor ones have 3 cranks requiring regular maintenance. For top shape, Precor recumbent need monthly tightening of each one of those cranks per machine.

Also, the maintenance monitoring service at both companies perform similar functions yet Precor has made it a revenue item rather than an added value kind of service. Why do I think that? Because the Preva maintenance system from Precor needs routers, switches, and a dedicated server per facility and a special engineer to install it, costing $20-30K for a large facility with 50 units. Matrix could outfit the same facility with asset management service (which is integrated with monitoring on the consoles, by the way, alleviating much of the costs), for $3K. No wonder Matrix installed their asset management system for their customers about 16 times more often than Precor did so far.

Matrix warranties are better. Why? They can afford to give better warranties when their products are more durable and easier to service.

Price Points:

Finally, you may wonder about the prices of all the equipment. Matrix offers greater price points and ranges in the products than Precor. The verdict? Matrix beats Precor.

Did I tell you we happen to sell Matrix?

-Misheel.

The American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) annual worldwide survey of fitness trends reveals some interesting future developments for our industry.

What does this mean for your business in 2012? How does this benefit your market?

Gyms, clubs, and recreation centers:  As a flashy new trend “Zumba and other dance workouts” shoots up from rank #31 in 2010, rank #24 in 2011, up to #9 in 2012, we don’t know if this is here to stay. But, you can’t go wrong with adding a class or two of this high energy, fun trend.

Hotels and hospitality: Take advantage of the current trend toward fitness programs for older adults, strength training, and outdoor activities, by upgrading to easier workout machines for older adults, getting more strength equipment (not just cardio) and kettlebells (been the rage last few years), and by offering bikes or for a more unique fun and fit option, Elliptigos for guests.

Corporate gyms: With growing trends for “comprehensive health promotion programming at the worksite” and “worker incentive programs” for healthier lifestyles, it is no wonder that a lot of more innovative and forward-looking corporations have upgraded their gyms and beefed up on offering incentives for biking to work, etc. Incentivized weight-loss programs run by corporate offices are more popular than ever to help the employees lead more balanced, productive lives.

As a testament to this growing trend for fitness awareness in the workplace, some executives have moved their treadmills right up to their office while others experiment with the new Trekdesk that allows their treadmills to become a desktop work area. (Please see the article on industry news.)

Apartment buildings and multi-housing management: The demand for personal training and educated, experienced fitness professionals has been growing every year. For those looking to reach certain goals or to just begin, having an experienced professional getting them started on the right track is absolutely essential. So, here is an innovative and inexpensive way to deliver high value to residents—partner up with a local physical trainer to come do individual sessions for free for a day. The physical trainer stands to gain new clients. Residents gain more awareness of how to use the gym appropriately to their personal needs, and the management—you—look like a hero for putting them together!

Police and fire departments:  The need for strength training and Stairmasters was always clear to the service personnel in police and fire departments. The trends of the consumers hardly apply. Still, there are a couple of new products with proven results on the market that may be of interest. Vibration plate training has been adopted by most of the professional sports teams due to the effectiveness. In fact no matter which team wins the playoffs, Power Plate will win because all four teams use it for their training. It shortens the time needed for exercises by stimulating the muscles to engage them to the fullest, and offers 57% improvement in weight loss compared to conventional exercise and diet, helps to increase blood circulation leading to greater oxygenation and decrease in toxins in the body. So, the acceleration training from Power Plate would be a strong contender for adding to police and fire department gyms.

Schools: Obesity epidemic in children has headlined the national discourse for the last six or seven years yet school funding cuts have made it difficult to address the need for physical exercise at schools. Moreover, physical education teachers are being forced out of their jobs or forced to double up duties with other subjects. While the problem continues to compound, many exceptional schools are stepping up to upgrade their facilities and equipment. Even if programming currently flags, if the funding can be found and used appropriately, getting quality commercial grade equipment and service will guarantee that students will have years of access to physical training and sports equipment, enabling continuation of physical education.

Universities: The universities play a pivotal role in society, often forwarding innovative ideas and become the forefronts of trends rather than followers. So, it is not surprising that universities have been jumping on self-powered eco-friendly cardio equipment as well as adding on electricity-generating system to their gyms, harnessing the energy of the students to give power back to the grid.

Hospitals, Chiropractic, Rehab, Physical Therapists: “Functional Fitness” has continued to stay strong, hovering right around #7-#10 for the past five years. While many of these functional fitness activities do focus on older age groups for obvious reasons, in the hospital, chiropractic and physical therapist’s offices, these represent to some degree, almost all of their clients. In fact, this may be the reason behind another interesting trend—that of “physician referrals” to exercises. A lot of physicians prescribe pharmaceutical solutions to their patients, but increasingly exercises and physical activity seems to be the best prescription for a lot of patients with tremendously positive side effects. In fact, some physicians have begun to buy gym equipment for their offices and partner up with physical trainers and therapists to facilitate recovery of patients. (See Industry News Jan 2012 for more.)

Senior Facilities:  As more baby boomers hit retirement and seek healthier paths to aging gracefully and living actively, the demand for fitness programs that cater to them has jumped up from #6 in 2010 to #2 in 2011, and stays strong at #3 for 2012. It helps also, that they have more disposable income than the average population and time. So, this market will continue to expect dynamic growth and higher quality of programs and equipment.

Personal Trainers:  While personal training and greater demand for educated, certified and experienced fitness professionals are strong trends, the growing number of newly certified graduates is intensifying competition, too. This makes a stronger case for segmentation, specialization, and catering to more and more niche clients.

One good niche area is another growing trend—exercise and weight loss. Whereas caloric restriction and diet fads dominated weight loss programs in the past, mounting evidence for greater need for exercise and benefits of exercise is leading the “exercise and weight loss” to become an ever-growing trend since this survey began. There are even some boutique gyms catering to obese clients, that allow new members only if they stand to lose at least 30 pounds. (Please see the article on industry news.)

Another great niche to focus on is the fight against childhood obesity that Michelle Obama has highlighted. “Children and obesity” has stayed in the top 5 trends for the last 6 years.

Also, “group personal training” has moved up 6 spots from last year. This is discounted personal training to groups of 2-4, that allows for a creative way for personal trainers to abridge the economic downturn and growing demand.

(For the full pdf of the survey, please go to the ACSM website.)

Proper upkeep and maintenance can improve longevity and performance of your machines. Less service calls will not only reduce your maintenance costs but downtime on the machines. Nothing’s more annoying to fitness center members than to see “Out of Order” on a machine they were looking forward to using.

First, to avoid electric shock, remember to unplug the machines before cleaning. For treadmills, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning the foot rails on the sides of the moving belt. The dust and debris that often build up on the rails cause friction and over time, burden the motor unnecessarily.

On elliptical and bikes, the pivot points, bearings, chains, and pedals may need occasional lubrication. Generic lubricants like WD-40 will often cause build-up and swelling. So, use the manufacturer-recommended lubricants, like Teflon or silicone.

When wiping sweat and grime off the equipment, do not use harsh chemicals like Bleach or ammonia.  A mild antibacterial soap and warm water will usually do the trick with a damp, soft cloth. If your cloth is sopping wet, excess moisture getting into the unit could damage your equipment or burn the console.

Finally, you can use a compressed air and a shop vac to keep the motor control board, foot rails and the area beneath them clean. When your machines last longer, you do not need to purchase new equipment as often. So, knowing how to keep the exercise machines clean and in good shape is ultimately about controlling business costs.