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:

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.

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.

Cross training is a huge topic right now in the fitness industry and a topic of interest with your members, customers and/or guests. That’s why it is important that your fitness facility addresses the need for cross training as a key fitness and training tool.

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Due to the success of the Octane X-Ride xR6000 and the market demand, Octane is introducing a light-commercial model of their xRide, the xR650. The xR650 is self-generating, has the same seat adjustments as the xR6000, as well, the size and feel are identical to the xR6000 full-commercial model at a value price. The xR650 will carry a standard 3 year parts and 1 year labor warranty. These new units will be arriving in mid-February.

Bob Greene, Oprah’s trainer, best-selling author and founder of The Best Life Diet and exercise plan, has awarded the exclusive The Best Life seal of approval to Octane Fitness seated and standing elliptical cross trainers, the first brand of exercise equipment to earn this honor.

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Essentially, Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income. It’s an incentive created by the U.S. Government to encourage businesses to buy equipment and invest in themselves. (more…)

Suspension Training is the latest trend in the "Core Training" movement. The TRX Suspensions Trainer is the leading creator of a safe and effective suspension trainer that is popping up in health clubs and personal training studios throughout the country. Here is more information and a video to give you an idea of what it is and how it works:

What is Suspension Training®?
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Expresso Fitness has re-emerged as a new revitalized company with the same innovation exercise bikes that offer incredible motivation that attracts new members and clients and keeps your customer enthusiastic and engaged. Their latest innovation is to allow your clients to access Facebook and Twitter while they are using Expresso bikes. Interactive Fitness Holdings (IFH) has completed the rollout of an industry first – software to directly support social networks, including Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, on Expresso bikes worldwide. The social networking software is included in the Expresso Live package at no additional cost and is available to any Expresso station ever purchased. (more…)

General Info	Schwinn	Livestrong	Vision	Lemond
Models	A.C. Performance A.C. Sport A.C. Classic IC Pro	S-Series E-Series	ES700	RevMaster Pro RevMaster Sport
Computer	Wireless, Heart Rate, RPM, Calories, Distance, Power/watts	S-Series only – On board computer providing HR, cadence, distance, time and calories		Pilot II: RPM, Time, Distance, Heart Rate, Calories
Education	Schwinn A.C. Instructor Training	I.C.E- Indoor Cycling Experience		LeMond Academy
Warranty	5yr Frame 2yr Parts 1yr Labor 1yr Console	10 Years: Frame 3 Years: Handlebar and saddle assembly, brake system (excluding brake pads), lever handles and knobs, cranks, belt drive system, bottom bracket assembly, flywheel and hub assembly, powder coating 2 Years: Pedals, belt, insert sleeve for saddle and handlebar posts, rubber feet 1 Year: Saddle	15yr Frame 3yr Parts 1yr Labor 90 Day wear items	5yr Frame 3yr Cranks, Flywheel, Handlebar 2yr Other Parts 1yr Wear Items 90 Day Labor
Features	Schwinn A.C. Performance	LiveStrong	Vision	Lemond
Drive System	High gear ratio Chain	Multi-ribbon Belt Drive	Maintenance-Free Belt Drive	Belt
Frame	Aluminum Frame	Steel frame with zinc oxide coating and polyester powder coating	Zinc-Coated High-Tensile Steel Frame	Steel powder coat
Flywheel Type	High inertia cast Iron Perimeter Weighted with aluminum power disc	40 lbs.	High Inertial, 46 lbs.	Aluminum
Resistance	Eddy Current	Friction Brake	Friction Brake w/Microadjust Knob & Emergency Stop	Friction Brake
Handlebars	Water bottle holders, multiple hand placement including Ergo loop	Adjustable front/back multiple hand placement, water bottle holder, unisex sport saddle	Multi-Position w/Microadjust, Water bottle holder	Adjustable front/back
Adjustments	Seat: front/back up/down Handles: front/back up/down	Seat: front/back up/down Handles: front/back up/down	Seat: up/down Handles: up/down	Seat: front/back up/down Handles: front/back up/down
Pedals	Double sided toe clip / SPD. Triple link option (toe clip / SPD / Look)	Dual SPD pedals	Standard Alloy Pedals	Toe clip / double sided toe clip / SPD optional
Additional features:	Emergency brake assist, Adjustable Smart Release Models

Kranking provides a new way to build aerobic capacity and upper body strength while burning calories and building core stability. Since it utilizes the upper body instead of the legs, it represents a unique cross-training opportunity for athletes of all types.

Kranking is fun, intuitive, and easy to learn. It can be used alone on the cardio floor, with a Personal Trainer, and can be performed in a group setting. It represents an unprecedented opportunity for physically challenged individuals and welcomes a wide range of “special populations” with open arms.

Great New Terrain and Phenomenal Motivational Features!

SUNNYVALE, Calif.– Interactive Fitness Holdings® (“IFH”), announced that it has delivered a summer package of new software features to all networked Expresso bikes worldwide.

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Expresso – Toast your Ghost with Expresso by IFH

Darcy Conover test drives the Expresso Bike at Jean-Robert’s Gym with JR as her personal trainer. She is "chasing her ghost." The ghost is her from her previous ride and she shows how powerfully competitive she gets when she is chasing herself.

With over 20 different rides the Expresso Bike is an amazing piece of equipment for cyclists and workout enthusiasts alike.

After researching several brands and models on the indoor cycling bike market, Healthstyles Exercise Equipment has chosen the Schwinn, Tomahawk, Vision and Lemond indoor cycles to sell to our customers. We feel that to be at the very top in the industry a bike must provide the rider with a great ride and the facility with the assurance of quality craftsmanship. The Schwinn quality and tradition of performance and workmanship is clear in its line of indoor cycles. Schwinn has four excellent models to choose from, the reasonably priced Schwinn IC Pro is the perfect all around bike for most indoor cyclist’s needs. Tomahawk (Livestrong) by Matrix Fitness is a bike that has been proven over the years. The Belt drive is quiet and the adjustments are precise. If Lance Armstrong will put the Livestrong name on the bikes they must be good. Matrix Fitness currently offers two models in the Livestrong lineup. Vision Fitness also has a spin bike that makes its mark in the “bang for the buck” category. Visions bike has all the adjustments as the more expensive bikes but at much less out of pocket cost. Vision is a belt driven bike and only has one bike to choose from. Lemond fitness makes the RevMaster spin bike that has been built by one of the best cyclists of all time, Greg Lemond. The bike is by far the most precise bike for adjustments and has a handlebar that resembles a Tri-Training bar. Lemond has two bikes to choose from and both are belt driven.

Chain drive: Using a chain means we don’t have to compromise on bike performance. A properly treated chain can last as long as the bike frame doesn’t slip and allows more resistance with less component stress.

Belt Drive: belts require a greater amount of tension than a chain does. This can create stress on the bike components and add significant drag to the system. While they are quieter, they also can stretch become brittle over-time, and have a tendency to slip under heavy loads/resistance. Belts are gaining ground and will only keep getting better.

Click here for a feature comparision of Schwinn, Livestrong, Vision Fitness, and Lemond Indoor Cycles.

If you haven’t yet heard of kettlebells in relation to strength training, you may have been a bit out of touch with what is happening in fitness training recently. Kettlebell training as a way to lose weight and gain strength has literally exploded over the past few years.

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NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – A new exercise machine is cranking up the cardio room.

Stationed amid legions of ellipticals, treadmills and stair steppers, the KRANKcycle is a hand-powered exercise cycle that lets your fingers, not your feet, do the pedaling.

Industry experts are welcoming the KRANKcycle as a versatile and inclusive device, and "kranking" as a calorie-burning cardio challenge as well as strength training for the often neglected upper body.

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KRANKCycle unveiled the latest innovation from Johnny G, the inventor of Spinning ‘Kranking’ for upper body rotational exercise at IDEA World Fitness Convention 2008 in Las Vegas, NV.

Cycling from the waist up, it produces significant cardiovascular and strength gains. Athletes with tired legs can continue to aerobically train by using the KRANKcycle.

Recommended Exercise Equipment:

Matrix Johnny G KRANKcycle 

One year after making its debut with the prototype that changed the world viewed upper-body exercise, Johnny G and the Kranking team return to the IHRSA tradesow to reveal the Johnny G KRANKcycle by Matrix! Whether you are a competitive athlete, or someone who has never trained in a gym before, the KRANKcycle has been engineered with your needs in mind. Following through with his life-long commitment to making exercise available to all, Johnny G and Matrix Fitness have designed a KRANKcycle that accommodates exercisers of all levels, with a removable saddle making it completely wheelchair accessible.

Recommended Exercise Equipment:

Matrix Johnny G KRANKcycle 

Standing or Seated….. What’s your pleasure?

Health Clubs and Fitness Facilities and their members and media worldwide agree that Octane totally raises the bar when it comes to ellipticals, and clearly leads the category. In fact, surveys of health club members show that more than 75% rate Octane workouts as superior, and 95% want Octane ellipticals at their facility. (more…)

The New Upper Body Bike by Matrix

Upper body rotational exercise isn’t new. The first arm-cranking machine was patented 73 years ago, but despite almost 80 years of research on the physiology and effectiveness of this form of exercise, the idea of using the arms for cardio has never caught on. Why? Because the existing apparatus for this type of exercise, the Upper Body Ergometer (UBE), is viewed as something used for rehabilitation, not exercise. Many feel that performing upper body rotational exercise on a UBE is unexciting and the machine itself uninspiring and consequently, the benefits have gone largely unknown and under-appreciated. In contrast, the Krankcycle® is beautiful. Kranking is fun, intuitive, and easy to learn. It can be used on the cardio floor, with a Personal Trainer, or in a group setting. Kranking provides unprecedented physiological benefits, and is far more effective than the UBE. (more…)

Matrix is proud to be on the forefront of innovation and design. That is why Matrix is proud to be the recipient of the prestigious IDEA 2009 Bronze Award for commercial and industrial products. IDEA is the International Design Excellence Award, a premier international competition that honors excellence in products, ecodesign, interactive design, packaging, strategy, research, and concepts. The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) received a total of 1,631 submissions from many different product categories for this year’s award. (more…)

HealthStyles Exercise Equipment’s Commercial Product Division provides state-of-the-art Nautilus, FreeMotion, and Expresso commercial exercise equipment for The Residences at the Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado. (more…)

HealthStyles Exercise Equipment’s Commercial Product Division provides state-of-the-art Nautilus, FreeMotion, Octane, and Expresso commercial exercise equipment for the new SuperFit fitness facility in Casper, Wyoming.

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Greeley, CO – [3/17/08] – HealthStyles Exercise Equipment Adds the University of Northern Colorado Recreation Center to their premier Commercial Sales Portfolio. HealthStyles Exercise Equipment is proud to announce the addition of the University of Northern Colorado Student Recreation center, in Greeley, to their commercial client list. (more…)

Denver, CO – [03/21/08] HealthStyles Exercise Equipment is proud to Announce the addition of the new and innovative Expresso Fitness bikes into the Qi Kinesis Athletic Club of Denver. HealthStyles Exercise Equipment Commercial Product Division has added another exclusive facility to their line-up of state-of-the-art Colorado fitness facilities. Qi (pronounced “Chee”) is a neighborhood-oriented club that is committed to health – not hype. (more…)

Erie, CO – [3/12/08] – HealthStyles Exercise Equipment Adds the Erie Community Center to their premier Commercial Sales Portfolio. HealthStyles Exercise Equipment is proud to announce the addition of the Erie Community Center to their commercial client list. The Erie Community Center boasts over 60,000 sq. ft. of amenities to provide you and your family with the ultimate wellness experience. (more…)

Boulder, CO [1/28/08] – HealthStyles Exercise Equipment is proud to announce the addition of the Peloton Residences to their commercial client list. The Peloton is the largest and most exclusive new residential project at 33rd and Arapahoe in Boulder, Colorado. (more…)