Fitness Equipment: Page 74

Safety & Security

Aerobic Test Could Save Athletes' Lives

Heat-related deaths nationwide have been on the rise since 1975, and athletic programs everywhere are looking at ways to combat that trend. Notre Dame High School in Lawrence Township, N.J., is among the schools leading the charge, as its football players recently underwent a cutting-edge Aerobic Strength Test.

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Have Machines Lost Their Luster in Health Clubs?

There was a day when fitness centers were filled with row after row of strength and cardio machines along with heavy iron that helped members — or at least offered the opportunity for them — to achieve the traditional fitness look of the day that were most often seen in the pages of Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazines. It was the look and the style of training made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno. Today, for most, the fitness ideal has shifted from the cartoon-like bulges of bodybuilders to the lean and strong appearance of athletes such as gold medalist Jessica Ennis and MMA great, George St.-Pierre. And along with that shift in goals has come a significant shift in training equipment and modalities. While independent health club owners still fill their facilities with rows of treadmills, bikes, elliptical trainers and there are still selectorized strength machines, but over the last decade and increasingly the last few years, many clubs are opting to give more space to other, more functional equipment. “There is more to health and fitness than our weight, body composition and our blood pressure. Functional exercises can develop adaptations such as improved posture, enhanced coordination, and a revved up metabolism,” says former NASM Education Specialist Eric Beard, who is the founder of EricBeard.com, and a consultant and corrective excise specialist “Machines may deliver similar benefits, but in my experience people don't train hard enough from the seated position to do so. Do most people really care if they can move the pin one more rung down the sight stack or lift five more digitally displayed pounds? They also sit all day at work and who wants to come to the gym and just sit there too?”While more clubs are setting aside additional space for kettlebells, battling ropes, jungle gyms and more, it is independent club owners that are at the forefront of the movement. “There has been a slow physical transformation of spaces inside of facilities for members to train this way. The major players in the industry have begun to embrace these changes, which are usually pioneered by their training staff. I see the urban facilities and studios catching on faster, with many members and traditionalist owners holding fast to their seated machines and traditional cardio for dear life,” adds Beard. “If the biggest chains are following a trend, then consumers may put more stock in that trend. I think chains and big box gyms are reacting in some ways to the success that smaller more flexible entities are experiencing.”One of the smaller independent clubs that has embraced this new way of fitness is New York City-based Clay Health Club & Spa, which was on the leading edge of functional fitness when it planned its club in around the time of the millennium. “When we were planning the club back in 1999, we broke the 14,000 square feet of training floor into zones and created space in each zone for people to move on their own and utilize body-weight and other functional training modalities,” says Terry Fister, program director at Clay Health Club & Spa. “People sit way too often and part of our training philosophy is to get people up and moving. It makes fitness more fun and more accessible. We've been very successful with it.”Some clubs such as Monkey Bar, FitCorp and even TSI and Lifetime Fitness have given more space to functional training and even implemented an adult playground and jungle gym approach to training. But despite the potential success, it is wise to go slowly and make sure the fitness staff has a firm grasp on this type of training. “Adult playgrounds can be fun, but beware of deconditioned members doing too much too fast. They might remember playing on the playground as a kid, hanging, swinging, jumping and landing, but odds are that was 20 years and at least 20 pounds ago,” says Beard. “If there is not buy-in from the staff and management, or if there is not a solid educational foundation for the fitness pros, then a unit like this is destined to take up space and go underutilized.” Fister agrees that it takes more than just designing a fun and functional space that makes it a success and a selling point. “Some of the bigger chains - and other independent clubs - will build the space and build awareness of functional training and 'playspace' areas,” he says, adding that 27 percent of his club's members are active in personal training. “You can't just put it up and say 'here you go.' To be successful, it comes down to having excellent fitness professionals working at the club, providing outstanding education and service to members.”While there is still room for all types of equipment to meet the needs of all types of members, with proper programming and education, functional fitness spaces may soon take more space on fitness floors.

A Body Like Arnold Schwarzenegger's Is No Longer The Goal For Many People In Your Gym

The Center of Recreational Excellence (The CORE)

Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture

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Industry Press Room

NATA Publishes Position Statement on Ankle Sprain Prevention

Source: National Athletic Trainers' Association DALLAS, June 27, 2013 - During its 64th Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia in Las Vegas today, the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) pre-released a position statement on the "Conservative Management and Prevention of Ankle Sprains in Athletes." The statement, created by the NATA Research & Education Foundation, will appear in the July issue of the Journal of Athletic Training, NATA's scientific publication. Ankle sprains remain one of the most common joint injuries that affect athletes of all ages and in all sporting events. An estimated 28,000 ankle injuries occur in the United States each day, translating into an enormous impact on the health care industry and resulting in millions of dollars spent on treatment, according to the statement. In sports, ankle injuries are the most common with some estimates attributing more than 45 percent of all athletic injuries to ankle sprains. "Most ankle sprains result from damage due to an acute twisting of the foot or are caused from landing from jumps, stepping on another athlete's foot, trauma at heel strike during running or stressing the foot while in a fixed position," according to lead author Thomas W. Kaminski, PhD, ATC, University of Delaware, Athletic Training Education Program. "The guidelines we've recommended provide sports medicine professionals, coaches, parents and others with appropriate steps to provide the best possible care." Sports with the highest incidence of ankle injuries are field hockey, followed by volleyball, football, basketball, cheerleading, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, rugby, track and field, gymnastics and softball. The new position statement offers very specific guidelines on ankle sprain prevention and treatment. Highlights include: Diagnosis:Ascertain the patient's history, including the cause of injury and past injuries. This can provide important insights, though severity of injury may be difficult to determine.Assess active, passive and resistant range of motion (ROM) about the ankle. This can provide insight into injury to ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves.Administer special testing to assess injury to the lateral ankle ligaments performed soon after injury and before joint swelling. This may have better diagnostic accuracy than tests performed after swelling has occurred.Use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a reliable technique to detect acute tears of the ligament after injury. Compared with MRIs, diagnostic ultrasound is useful in detecting acute ankle injury. Treatment and Rehabilitation:· Cryotherapy (cold therapy) should be applied to acute ankle sprains to reduce pain, minimize swelling formation and decrease secondary injury. Compression should be applied and the limb should be elevated.· Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, administered orally or topically, reduce pain and swelling and improve short-term function after ankle sprains.· Functional rehabilitation, ankle stabilization with progressive weight bearing and exercise, is more effective than immobilization in managing grade I (mild) and II (moderate) ankle sprains. Grade III (severe) sprains should be immobilized for at least 10 days with a brace or below the knee cast and controlled therapeutic exercise.· Rehabilitation should include comprehensive range of motion, flexibility and strength training, and balance training. Return-to-Play Considerations:· The patient's perception of function should be included in all return-to-play (RTP decision making.· Functional performance testing should be a component of the RTP decision making. Several tests may be used to help determine the patient's ability to RTP.· Before the patient returns to sport-specific tasks, the injured limb's functional performance should measure at least 80 percent of the uninjured limb.· Athletes with a history of previous ankle sprains should wear prophylactic ankle supports in the form of taping or bracing for all practices and games. Prevention:· Clinicians working with athletes should implement a multi-intervention injury prevention program, lasting at least three months that focuses on balance and neuromuscular control to reduce the risk of injury.· Addressing the strength of the leg muscles, hip extensors and abductors may be an ankle injury-prevention strategy.· Clinicians should consider assessing dorsiflexion (upward movement of the foot at the ankle joint) ROM in at-risk athletes. If the ROM is limited, clinicians should incorporate techniques to enhance motion for possible prevention of ankle injury. Special considerations:· Syndesmotic or high ankle sprains are characterized by symptoms including prolonged pain, bone spurs and functional disability. Evaluation should include testing, functional evaluation and radiography, with MRI if indicated.· High ankle sprains should be treated more conservatively than lateral sprains. Acute management includes immobilization for a period of time to allow healing and functional return.· Surgery should be considered for high ankle sprains that demonstrate more joint incongruity and instability.· Clinicians should be aware of any characteristics that define chronic ankle instability. Strategies that focus on balance, strength and dynamic movements with changes in direction may be effective in reducing risk of recurrence. "Individuals who suffer ankle sprains typically have high occurrence rates, prolonged symptoms, diminished quality of life, reduced physical activity levels and a propensity to develop chronic ankle instability and an increased risk for ankle osteoarthritis," adds Kaminski. "Managing these injuries can be challenging, and following the proper protocols is critical for a successful and sustained return to activity." For a copy of the complete statement, visit http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/ankle-sprains.pdf. About National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) - Health Care for Life & SportAthletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses. They prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. Athletic trainers offer a continuum of care that is unparalleled in health care. The National Athletic Trainers' Association represents and supports 35,000 members of the athletic training profession. Visit www.nata.org for more information.

New Projects: Gannon University; Rodney Smith Wellness Center; Provo City Recreation Center

Work begins this month at Gannon University on a $12.5 million renovation and expansion of the student recreation and athletic facility.

(Rendering courtesy of The Collaborative Inc.)

New Projects: Eccles Student Life Center; HackensackUMC; Fargo-Moorhead Curling Club

After more than 10 years of planning, the University of Utah has broken ground on the George S. Eccles Student Life Center

(Renderings Courtesy of University of Utah)

Industry Press Room

Paul Byrne Announces Retirement as Precor President; Rob Barker Named as Successor

Source: Precor Woodinville, WA - May 13, 2013 - President Paul Byrne announced today that after 28 years with Precor, including 13 as President, he will begin his retirement on September 1. Precor Vice President - EMEA & APAC, Rob Barker, will assume the presidency in the culmination of a long-developing succession plan. When announcing his retirement Byrne shared: "Over the past 35 years, I have been fortunate to have been part of an industry that has contributed to the well being of so many people, and to have spent 28 of those years at Precor has been beyond fortunate. It has been an immeasurable gift. I will retire with great pride in what we have accomplished and with eager anticipation of what lies ahead." Byrne, one of the most recognized and respected executives in the fitness industry, began his career as the co-founder of Concept 90, a chain of stores that helped introduce the concept of specialty fitness retail in the United States. In 1985, Precor founder David Smith invited Byrne to join the then fledgling company as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In 2000, Byrne took the helm as president. Over the course of 28 years Byrne has been a consistent visionary, guiding the transformation of Precor, the fitness industry and the way millions of people exercise. Under his leadership, Precor: · Grew from a $20 million manufacturer of home rowing machines in the United States to a $350 million supplier of home and commercial fitness experiences globally· Developed a corporate culture admired for openness and loyalty which is regularly recognized in media surveys of "Best Places to Work"· Introduced the Elliptical Fitness Cross-Trainer (EFX®) , establishing what is now the second largest category of cardio equipment found in homes and gyms· Introduced the Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT®), the most personalized piece of cardio training equipment available· Established the standard in the newly developing category of networked fitness with Preva®, which now operates in more than 1,000 commercial installations across 37 countries Upon Byrne's recommendation, Rob Barker was unanimously approved as the new President by the Amer Sports Board of Directors and Heikki Takala, President & CEO of Amer Sports. The promotion of Barker continues the legacy of internal leadership development at Precor. The expectation of a smooth transition and continued success of Precor was emphasized by Byrne: "Rob has been part of the Precor family since 1995, and I consider him a great colleague and a great friend. He has done an extraordinary job leading our international business and helping to shape our overall strategy as part of the global senior management team. I am confident in the future of the Precor business and the Precor culture with Rob as our new President." Barker joined Precor in 1995 as the U.K. Sales and Marketing Manager and has developed his experience through several positions. For the last five years Barker served as Vice President - EMEA & APAC and as a member of the global Precor senior management team where he has helped shape the company's growth strategy. During his five year tenure at the helm of EMEA & APAC, the Precor business has grown dramatically. From 2008 through 2012, sales increased 133 percent and now represent 45 percent of all Precor revenue. Barker will begin his transition now, enjoying several months of overlap with Byrne. He and his family will relocate to the United States this summer. In response to the announcement Barker remarked: "I am honoured and excited to be asked by Paul Byrne and Heikki Takala to become the Precor President upon Paul's retirement. I congratulate Paul on his strong career and admire his extraordinary efforts in shaping Precor into the world-leading company that it is today. It has been my good fortune to work closely with Paul for many years and to see first-hand how Precor has, under his stewardship, innovated entirely new categories of fitness equipment and services like the EFX, AMT and Preva. It will be a pleasure to work with our employees worldwide to continue the Precor legacy of innovation." Precor operates as the fitness segment of Amer Sports, where the traditional Precor expertise in exercise is complemented by the other brands' deep understanding of sports and advanced sports equipment. Heikki Takala, President and CEO of Amer Sports, added: "I would like to thank Paul for his great contribution to the company as President of Precor. Paul leaves a huge legacy, with very strong business momentum coupled with a tremendous strategic business transformation from 'traditional' fitness company into a 'networked' business behind the successful introduction of Preva. As to Rob Barker's appointment, I'm really glad that we have been able to internally grow a professional like Rob to assume Paul's role. Rob's many years of experience with Precor has given him the skills to succeed in the new position." About Precor Precor designs and builds premium fitness equipment for effective workouts that feel smooth and natural. With a passionate focus on ergonomic motion, insight driven innovation and superior engineering, the company continually advances the home and commercial fitness industry with breakthrough new product categories, including EFX® Elliptical, Adaptive Motion Trainer® and Preva® Networked Fitness. Precor is a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation, the world's largest sports equipment company, with internationally recognized brands Wilson, Atomic, Suunto, Salomon, Arc'Teryx and Mavic.

Fitness Franchise Owner to Appear on 'Undercover Boss'

The Emmy-award-winning reality television series Undercover Boss - which allows upper-level managers to perform job duties on the front lines to explore how their companies really operate and where improvements can be made - has included senior execs from Hooters, Roto-Rooter, NASCAR, Boston Market and Yankee Candle.

Online Fitness Guide Delivers Comprehensive Marine Workouts

The strength and conditioning professionals that occupy Semper Fit centers and other fitness centers can see what type of programming is available to individuals and units and tailor their offerings.

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New Projects: University of Nebraska; Fox Cities Stadium; Rock Fitness

An upgrade of the University of New Orleans' Maestri Field at Privateer Park is now under way. The $2.5 million project will construct a new stadium structure with press boxes, luxury suites, updated chair-back seating and a new entrance.

(Renderings courtesy of University of Nebraska Kearney)

Industry Press Room

U of Iowa Wins First College Interactive Cycling Challenge

Source: Interactive Fitness Sunnyvale, California - April 15, 2013 - The University of Iowa, home of the Hawkeyes, captured the 2013 College Interactive Cycling Challenge, sponsored by Interactive Fitness, makers of the popular Expresso Bike. According to Matthew Stancel at the University of Iowa, "I'm the Assistant Director of Fitness Programs at the University of Iowa Recreational Services Department. We currently have six Expresso Bikes at this facility (the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center). It opened a little over two years ago. I'm fairly new here; I started about a year and a half ago. We started out with three Expresso Bikes, but our member comment cards kept coming in asking us to add more, so we are now up to six. "I've seen a huge increase in the use of the Expresso Bikes over the last few months," Stancel said. "We promote them via our social networks like Facebook and Twitter, bi-weekly newsletters emailed to our members, marketed on all digital televisions, general fitness orientation and all the attendants on the floor are trained in how to use the product. Our membership is comprised of 30,865 students, 4108 faculty and staff, and around 485 community members.

Military Yoga Part 2: Yoga Programs Are a Match for Tough Workouts

After battling image issues and some resistance, yoga programs have emerged as useful therapeutic tools for military personnel. Not far behind, however, is yoga's growing appeal as a workout alternative for other fitness programs.

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