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Choosing the Right Cardio Equipment for Your Facility

Before buying cardio equipment for your facility, know your potential users, and research all of your options. According to IHRSA's (International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association) 2003 Profiles of Success, the median amount spent by IHRSA member fitness centers on new equipment in 2003 was $34,478. If even 25 percent ($8,619.50) of this was spent on cardio equipment, the significance is obvious. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, American consumers spend more than $1.49 billion on treadmills, $189 million on stationary cycles and $83 million on elliptical machines. With so much money being spent, it makes sense to research your options before you buy. Here are some considerations when selecting cardio equipment for your facility.Equipment choices can vary based on facility users. For instance, older adults may be more comfortable on traditional cardiovascular equipment, such as stationary cycles, while young adults may prefer the latest machines, such as ellipticals. Consider the age trends in your facility when buying cardio equipment. *Are youth under age 16 allowed to use the facility?When judging potential users of your facility, it is wise to consider the needs of members with disabilities. The Americans With Disabilities Act led to guidelines on the accessibility of health and wellness centers. These guidelines suggest that one of each type of equipment be made accessible to wheelchairs (including clearing floor space).Another important consideration is the amount of usage your center receives. Traffic will depend on the size and demographics of the membership, as well as the facility's hours of operation. A good rule of thumb is to expect that approximately 20 to 35 percent of the active membership will take advantage of the facility consistently. To help estimate usage, survey the members about their interest in using cardio equipment. Find out their primary intended use, and what features are important to them. Including members in the decision process can enhance retention.Although facility operatorsmay not outwardly admit it, fewer staff members reduces the payroll and increases overall profits. Equipment manufacturers have recognized this fact, and have capitalized on it with their advertising. "Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing" is appropriate to anyone who tells you that their equipment will reduce the necessity for trained staff or overall staff requirements. The presence or absence of a staff person may affect usage. Facilities that are staffed tend to be used more for several reasons:Types of cardio equipmentTreadmills. Treadmills are a staple in any fitness center because they simulate walking and running and have virtually no learning curve. Beginning exercisers can walk on a treadmill at a comfortable pace, and elite athletes can use this modality for speed, hill or interval training. From a caloric expenditure viewpoint, treadmills will burn the most calories per minute per kilogram of body weight.* Number of hours of use and maintenance schedule.Stationary cycles. Stationary cyclesare usually the least expensive and most space-efficient. With the renewed interest in cycling (thanks to Lance Armstrong's fifth win in the Tour de France), stationary cycles may be more popular than once thought. Also, many stationary cycles are self-powered, allowing flexibility in the overall floor plan.Stairclimbers. Stairclimbers are available in two types, based on the stepping motion. Independent stairclimbers have pedals that respond specifically to the exercisers' pressure. When an exerciser stands on the pedals, they both sink to the ground until the user begins climbing. With dependent stairclimbers, the pedals are linked together. When the exerciser steps down on one pedal and pushes it down, the other one goes up. Personal preferences vary; more serious exercisers may prefer the independent action that requires a bit more skill, and beginners may like the ease of use of the dependent stairclimber.Elliptical trainers have surged in popularity because they are easy to use and have minimal impact on the joints. Although exercisers may be working vigorously on an elliptical, they perceive less exertion than when performing a comparable exercise at the same intensity, such as running. Furthermore, with an upper-body option, users can perform a total-body workout that burns more calories than a lower-body-only exercise in the same amount of time.Other equipment such as rowers, cross-country skiers, and upper-body ergometers are options for consideration. Upper-body ergometers provide upper-body rotary exercise for cardio and strength training. Features such as bi-directional resistance and a variety of modes of exercise are important considerations with these machines. For a diverse membership, one of these machines is recommended.Ease of operation. The easier a piece of equipment is to use, the more use it will get.Continuous heart rate monitoring. A heart rate system that uses a transmitter rather than intermittent pulse is best.Workload control. Exercisers set watts, and the equipment maintains a constant workload independent of speed.A random profile. A random profile allows for an infinite number of workouts.Try before you buy

Lawsuit-Proofing Your Facility

Have you done all you can to reduce your fitness center's exposure to lawsuits? Risk areas and issuesIn terms of the highest-risk areas of a facility, Dr. John T. Wolohan, associate professor and chair of the department of sport management and media at Ithaca College, Ithaca, N.Y., says it depends on the type of facility. "In a regular fitness facility, the two areas of concern [are] the workout room and the locker room," he says.Managers can focus their proactive efforts to enhance "litigation-proofing" these areas. In addition, fitness center managers can benefit from understanding how attorneys may target their facility. They should identify the key weaknesses attorneys are likely to look for when bringing a lawsuit against their fitness facility. "Attorneys will relish the opportunity to litigate against a fitness facility [that doesn't have] a comprehensive risk-management plan," says Ammon. "Gone are the days of ignorance; a fitness facility will be expected to know the industry standard. That standard is to design and implement an efficient and effective risk-management plan."Legal defensesWaivers are one form of contract law defense. Others include agreement to participate, assumption of risk forms and informed consent. Ammon says that properly written waivers are the best type of contract law defense available. Properly written waivers are currently effective in approximately 45 states, according to Ammon. However, the age of the user can be an issue. "The demographics of fitness facility members will affect a waiver's effectiveness," he says. "While the courts in a few states have recognized the validity of a parent signing a waiver, the majority still maintains that anyone under the age of 18 (a minor) cannot have their right to sue abrogated by a parent's signature."Assumption of riskPrimary assumption of risk is the most effective and widely used legal defense to protect a fitness center, says Ammon. "The risks would need to be inherent to the activity, and the facility must take the responsibility to educate their members about the risks," he explains." The members must 'know, understand and appreciate' the risks for assumption of risk to be a viable defense. This can be accomplished through a comprehensive orientation session, posted information, adequate signage and member training."Managers need to act when warnings are ignored. Members cannot be allowed to misuse equipment, behave irresponsibly, pose a threat to themselves or other users, or ignore signs and warnings. "If a club user behaves irresponsibly, they need to be spoken to immediately, preferably by a manager of the facility," says Ammon. "If the behavior continues, the member should be asked to leave the facility, and the incident should be documented. Failing to follow rules or directions may help to establish a secondary assumption of risk defense if litigation ensues."Seeking counselHowever, there may be some advantages to hiring counsel with substantial experience in the fitness industry. "The study of law is analogous to a mechanic's knowledge of cars," Ammon explains. "Every mechanic knows a little about most engines. However, those who work predominantly on American-made cars may not know all the gradations found in a Japanese- or German-made engine. The same may be said about other professionals, including lawyers. A corporate attorney will have a general understanding about negligence, but will not necessarily be an expert. The same goes for divorce lawyers and their knowledge about waivers."To monitor ongoing changes in the fitness industry, Wolohan says that it would help to join an industry association that updates its members on industry changes and regulations.Have a risk-management planREFERENCEThe plaintiff was injured while moving his feet on a leg press machine to perform calf raises. The fitness facility had signage that stated "Caution. Handles must be in locked position when doing calf exercises." The plaintiff tried to use a product liability claim for defective design. He had an expert witness testify that having adjustable stops on the machine would have reduced the risk of injury. On crossexam by the defense attorney, the expert testified that adjustable stops would not reduce the risk of injury if the user failed to manually set the stops.A 2001 study published in CHEST: The Cardiopulmonary and Critical Care Journal surveyed 122 randomly chosen fitness centers in Ohio. The study found that more than one-fourth of the fitness centers (28 percent) failed to employ pre-entry screening to identify members with signs, symptoms or history of cardiovascular disease, even though 17 percent of these fitness centers reported one or more cardiovascular emergencies (i.e., acute myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death or both) in their facilities during the past five years. Moreover, a majority of the fitness centers (53 percent) had no written emergency response plan, and 92 percent failed to conduct emergency response drills as described in published national standards. Only 3 percent of the centers reported having automated external defibrillators (AEDs)."I believe strongly in 'foreseeability' and being proactive," says Dr. Robert Ammon, associate professor in the sport management program, and the graduate coordinator for the physical education department at Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. "Currently, no legislation has been passed forcing facility owners to purchase AEDs. However, the airline industry, the hotel industry, sport and entertainment facilities, schools, universities and even shopping centers have recognized the benefits/need of this lifesaving equipment. I personally believe it a matter of time before the expectations of our courts about the fitness industry will begin to shift. Other proactive individuals who have an awareness and appreciation of the potential liability involved with the absence of an AED will prepare themselves (and their fitness facilities) to avoid the possible resulting litigation. There is no argument that AEDs save lives that might have otherwise been lost."* The plaintiff will need day-care treatment, transitional living care and sheltered living care. Her loss of earning capacity is approximately $650,000, and thecost of future medical care is not less than $2.5 million.

Profiting from Cardio Science

Use technology and specialized training programs to help your members reach their goals, and help your facility gain a profit. Technology can also be used in the fight against obesity.Statistics about adult and child obesity in the U.S. are astounding and frightening, but they can also be seen as a business opportunity. Fitness centers can establish comprehensive programs to address childhood and adult overweight and obesity in a profitable and efficient manner. These programs can contribute significant revenue to the bottom line, while contributing to the decrease in healthcare dollars spent (currently exceeding $117billion annually).Programming over and above regular fitness center offerings should be offered at an additional cost to members.These programs require a greater degree of expertise and equipment. Plus, customized training and nutrition programs can maximize results and safety.Everyone has a unique metabolic response to exercise. A simple metabolic test will determine resting metabolic rate and anaerobic threshold, allowing true individualized programming to occur.*How do you measure exercise intensity and safety for members?Oxygen is more critical to weight control than people realize. Metabolism involves the use of oxygen to create fuel. Metabolic testing is the individualized measurement of energy expenditure by evaluating the rate of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide exhaled. Both glucose and fat, the primary fuels of the body, require oxygen for burning. The gas content of the breath reflects the metabolic exchanges that are occurring in the body.During exercise, the burn rate of oxygen (called VO2) is an indicator of the capacity of the lungs to provide the oxygen that muscles require. VO2, or the exercise burn rate, determines the intensity and duration of workouts to maximize either the calories used in a workout, or the workload required for maximum aerobic development of heart/lung fitness.Offering metabolic tests for your members can help them with weight management, and to individualize workouts.4. Adapt any diet plan to maintain lost weight.5. Improve heart/lung fitness.A sports-specific training program should be designed using a heart rate monitor. This system enables members to condition for sports or activities based on the results of exercise testing that determines individual oxygen use. The training program can then be tracked with each workout via the web or through existing software (several companies currently provide this type of software).An athlete is like a race car. Fuel in the body is stored in the muscles, blood stream and liver. Air containing oxygen is provided by the lungs. That's why athletes "feel winded" and a "burning" in their chest when they are low in oxygen and can't power the muscles. When using oxygen efficiently, athletes are in the best shape to generate a peak performance.The ability to use max burn rate is based on conditioning level. When the body is not conditioned, it is less efficient and "runs out of gas" quickly. Fatigue occurs faster and the individual is more apt to be out of breath -- trying to get more oxygen to the muscles. The burn rate of oxygen is the key to playing sports longer and harder without getting tired.VO2Max and the AT can be determinedby measuring the oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the breath. This can be accomplished with the use of gas exchange technology. Currently, technology is available to measure this at a reasonable cost, which can be passedon to the member (see Technology-Based Revenue).With training, the efficiency of the heart and lungs and the ability to supply oxygen to the muscles is dramatically improved. In addition, trained muscles learn to tolerate higher levels of lactic acid. These training effects improve efficiency, moving the AT closer to maximum (VO2Max).Retesting intervals. It is recommended that a training program be maintained for eight weeks to give the body a chance to respond to the demands of that program. Under time constraints, retesting may be considered after four weeks of training.Additional revenue can come from heart rate monitor sales, training packages, a "CompuTrainer" and more.

Learning from Resort Spas

Resort spas go to great lengths to create a vacation experience. What can fitness centers learn from them? Resort spa facilities are distinct in mood and environment from the rest of the resort. Special touches like high-end finishes, plush robes, extra large towels and overstuffed lounge furnishings are common. Staff members are often highly trained not just in their technical specialty, but also in guest relations. Many of these things are also being done at the finest commercial fitness facilities. But, fitness centers have some advantages over resorts in the spa arena. Read on to find out how to make the most of your fitness center spa.Unlike most fitness workouts, all spa services are scheduled in advance. Consequently, it is not only possible to greet people by name, but your staff can warmly welcome even those they've never met before. Imagine the effect on a new spa-goer when he enters the spa and hears, "Hello. You must be Robert Johnson. I'm Karen. Welcome to the spa. I understand this is your first visit with us." What a powerful first impression. And since Robert has an appointment, your staff member can continue with, "Susie will be your massage therapist, and she's expecting you."Customize spa visitsIf the member is new to the spa, the information collection process will take a few minutes, but it need not be an interrogation, and can be a friendly and supportive process. If these records are updated with each service, your staff will have all the necessary information to make the spa experience more personal.In contrast to resorts, fitness centers have long-term relationships with their patrons. Resort spas have just a few days with each client. With a regular customer, you have the opportunity to sell new services at a pace that is appropriate for them. This is especially true for spa neophytes who may be getting their first spa services from you. After they are comfortable with basic massage, for example, their trusted therapist can suggest aromatherapy, a wrap, exfoliation or a free skin analysis from the esthetician. In this manner, their patronage of the spa can be reinforced over time.

How Waivers Can Protect Fitness Facilities

Here are some of the causes of lawsuits in fitness centers, and the effect of waivers on liability in specific cases. Why people sueAnother source of lawsuits is injuries resulting from the use of equipment. A treadmill started spontaneously and threw a woman from it. Another woman was using an arm curl machine when it turned over on her. A man was injured while using a squat machine. As he stepped down from the machine, the weights fell and broke his leg. He was given no instruction as to the machine's use, and no signs were posted. Another man was badly burned when he leaned against a heated pipe in a crowded steam room. In addition, a member was trying to turn the television set so he could see it, when it fell on him. In each of these cases, the court ruled in favor of the fitness center, finding that the waiver provided protection.Suits also result from other kinds of injury. In one case, a member collapsed while on the treadmill. Relativesof the victim alleged that the facility negligently failed to render appropriate medical care, and prevented a good Samaritan from doing so. The court ruled that the waiver was not enforceable because the alleged actions were not within the scope of the waiver. In another case, a YMCA offering childcare was sued when a four-year-old child sexually touched another four-year-old. The YMCA was aware of the propensity of the youngster to such inappropriate behavior. The YMCA claimed that a waiver signed by the parents barred the legal action; however, the California court ruled that to permit a childcare provider to contract away its duty of ordinary care is against public policy. The waiver did not protect the provider.A well-written, properly administered waiver can protect service providers from liability for negligence under certain circumstances in at least 46 states. For maximum protection, fitness facilities and professionals should always require waivers to be signed, and follow effective procedures.

The Lessons of Success and Failure

Failures and disappointments present the opportunity to adjust, refocus and do it better next time. Lesson 1: Initial planning is criticalLesson 2: Feed the good dogLesson 3: It's impossible for one person to do it allLesson 4: History is always the same until it is differentREFERENCESBounds, G. Lessons of Success and Failure. Wall Street Journal Jul. 12, 2004.

Help Clients Establish Successful Weight-Loss Goals

When clients ask, "What is my ideal weight?" it's important to understand the meaning of the question. For years, fitness professionals and nutritionists used the term "ideal weight" to refer to the weight that a person should weigh, were they to have good body composition. The term is problematic in several ways.Similarly, it is difficult to pick one number to represent the best weight for a person. Weight depends to some degree on body composition. Since most body composition measures are estimates, even these values are somewhat inaccurate. So even if you know your client's body composition, the error of measurement makes it difficult to calculate one number that would represent a "best" weight.Should we use the term "normal" weight, instead of "ideal" weight? This is not helpful, either, as norms have become increasingly heavy. Indeed, in the U.S., "normal" is overweight, at least according to weight-for-height measures such as body mass index.When clients ask, "What is my ideal weight?" it's important to understand the meaning of the question. Sometimes they are asking, "Is my weight OK?" Clients who are not particularly overweight may just want to be reassured that their weight is not the issue, but that regular exercise is.Studies have found that people who lose just 5 to 10 percent of their body weight experience improvements in many health variables, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels and measures of blood lipids. This amount of weight loss is also more likely to be achieved and maintained (the important and most difficult part!) by your clients. While your clients may come in with hopes of losing 25 percent or more of their body weight, encourage them to think more realistically, and to focus on lifestyle change rather than on dramatic, and unrealistic, weight loss. 1.Foster, G.D., T.A. Wadden, R.A. Vogt and G. Brewer. What is a reasonable weight loss? Patient's expectations and evaluations of obesity treatment outcomes. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 65: 79-85, 1997.3.Yes, but is weight loss the be-all and the end-all? Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter 22:5: 1, 4-5, July 2004.

Measuring Success One Heart at a Time

The Satilla Regional Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center is a fitness center that caters to the needs of those recovering from recent cardiac-related events.The facility itself has three main exercise areas: two cardio areas (one for Phase II and one for Phase III/IV patients) and a newly expanded resistance-training room. There is also an exam room that has emergency medical and monitoring equipment, and two kitchens (located in each cardio room) that offer heart-healthy snacks and drinks, as well as a place for socializing.To complement the exercise sessions, educational classes are offered on a weekly basis. Topics include stress management, nutrition, understanding medications, coronary artery disease, cholesterol-level management and a diabetes class. Yoga and CPR classes for patients and family members are offered on an intermittent basis.Staff members provide entertainment in many forms, such as dressing up for Halloween and the Christmas season (as elves). The building is always adorned in some kind of theme: New Year's, Valentine's Day, the Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. "And probably our most important theme," explains Tanner, "is the opening of college football, and our support for the Georgia Bulldogs."Staff interaction with patients is important, but probably equally important is patient interaction with each other. "Patients learn from being at rehab that they are not alone with their medical problem. They find there are others who experience the same problems that come with their conditions, like fear, depression, loneliness, etc.," Tanner explains.Success for this fitness center is different than that for a traditional facility. "To us, success is seeing patients getting back on their feet, and overcoming the problems associated with heart and pulmonary disease...," Tanner says. "Patients feel comfortable exercising in our facility knowing they are under the care of highly trained staff, capable of handling any emergency situation. These are amenities they would not have exercising at home or at the majority of most fitness centers." Most of the patients come into the center with a low functional status and, by program's end, "they have regained their independence and confidence," says Tanner. Now that's success.

How Audiovisual Systems Affect Member Retention

One fitness center designed a scientific study to determine whether entertaining its members kept them coming back. In August of 2003, the University of North Texas opened a 138,000-square-foot recreation facility with a large variety and supply of cardiovascular equipment. A majority of the equipment faced a row of 12 wall-mounted televisions, with a selection of six different stations playing at all times. Participants could insert their personal headphones into a receiver box and choose from six different cable channels and eight different digital music stations. The stations were selected by the facility staff, but chosen in hopes to accommodate various tastes. The cost for the equipment and installation was around $20,000, not including the cost of the TVs. The remaining cardio equipment was without a view of a television and was located along windows and on the second level beside an indoor track.The individual TVs were installed in the early part of the second semester in front of nearly all of the cardio equipment that was not facing the wall-mounted TVs. The individual TVs allowed users to select any station of their choice. The controller for each TV was located within hand's reach, and could be changed by the participant at any time. It was unclear, however, how individual TVs would change workout patterns.This unique situation opened up a wonderful opportunity to see first-hand if audiovisual equipment could really affect participation and preference of equipment. To determine the usage of each piece of equipment, hours recorded on each piece were retrieved from the outset of the fitness center's opening.During the first two months of the semester, the treadmills without TVs averaged 69 hours a month, and the treadmills with the wall-mounted TVs averaged about 93 hours a month. After the flat screen televisions were installed, those treadmills averaged about 146 hours a month, and the treadmills in front of the pre-existing wall-mounted TVs averaged about 61 hours a month. This difference in usage was statistically significant (p

Small Ball

Despite some limitations inherent to the design of ballparks, sports facility architects view minor league venues as opportunities to build something unique and personal.

Photo of Gill Stadium in Manchester, N.H.

Handle with Care

Any attention given to the energy efficiency of your laundry operations is bound to have a positive impact, both environmentally and financially.

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