October 2014 | Quarterly | Vol. 1 | No. 2

FEATURE Physical activity improves performance of the brain; helps in treatment of neurological disorders p 36

SPECIAL FOCUS How will lifestyle and technology impact training in gyms in the future? p 18

3 DAY TRADE EXHIBITION BUSINESS BUZZ

Studio training for children is a win-win proposition for the client, trainer and the gym owner p 28

IFAA CONVENTION & CONGRESS B2B MEETINGS

India’s first comprehensive international B2B trade fair for the fitness community

p6   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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FROM THE EDITOR

Proof of the pudding... at IFW Expo! Dhananjay Sardeshpande

Welcome to the second issue of the Indian edition of ‘bodyLIFE’ magazine. (In case you missed out on the first one, you can download it from the ‘Archive’ section at www.bodylifeindia.com). We launched the magazine at a special function in Mumbai. In attendance were the who’s-who of the fitness industry: gym owners & managers, trainers & motivational speakers, equipment suppliers and sports nutrition distributors. Thank you all! We hope the wave of support for a venture such as ‘bodyLIFE’ will continue to grow in number and in geographies as we go along. This is important because the printed magazine, its website – and other media properties that we will launch in the future – are a platform for the Indian fitness, wellness and sports nutrition industry to grow, by way of sharing, informing, educating, learning from and inspiring each other! A lot of water has flown since, and we are on the doorstep of India’s first truly international B2B trade show, the India Fitness & Wellness (IFW) Expo, scheduled to be held at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre in Goregaon (Mumbai), from October 9 to 11, 2014. bodyLIFE-India, which is organising the Expo, welcomes you all to the three-day event of product displays, educative lectures and B2B meetings between exhibitors and potential clients.

Alongside it will be an equally exciting Convention for gym owners and managers, and an action-packed Congress of trainers of all techniques and concepts! It will mark the India launch of the Germany-based International Fitness and Aerobics Academy (IFAA). It aims to bring its three-decade-long experience and expertise to India’s shores: not only training and education, but also management and marketing related to fitness and wellness. We have posed in this issue a matter of increasing importance: in the face of a deluge of mobile apps and virtual programmes online, what is the future of the gym business and the prospects of real-life trainers? The answers, dear reader, are interesting and give an insight into the psycho-social pulls and pushes that govern the behaviour of human beings! In the concluding part of his interview, body-builder-turnedfitness-enthusiast Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks his mind about ageing; and another article in a separate section of the magazine deals with exactly that: how to train seniors! We also asked experts in the field to write on busting myths about training for children; about how trainers need to be more relevant to their business; about programmed physical exertion being good for the brain... Well, like they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating! Don’t forget to send in comments, suggestions, ideas, articles and corrections to editor@ bodylifeindia.com. Happy reading... Until we meet at the IFW Expo!   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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CONTENTS 15

18

| Cover Story: Martin Klein, head of IFAA-India, throws light on the ‘extertainment’ industry

| FocusBusiness and Best Practices: Training in the future: blend of lifestyles & technology

36

| Feature: Physical training helps fight neurological disorders

COVER STORY 06 India’s first B2B, three-day trade show for the fitness & wellness community, bodyLIFE IFW Expo 2014, begins in Mumbai on 9th October 10 IFAA set to take off in India with business Convention & trainer’s Congress at IFW Expo 15 Martin Klein, head of IFAA-India, throws light on the ‘extertainment’ industry

FOCUS: BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICES 18 Training in the future: blend of lifestyles & technology 22 Apps for client retention, boosting business 24 Can virtual programmes replace trainers in the gym?

34 Trainers must learn to stay relevant to the business

FEATURES 36 Physical training helps fight neurological disorders 40 Arnold Schwarzenegger, on the battle with ageing

EDUCATION 41 The coming boom in health and fitness employment

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS 42 Elevation Series cardio line from Life Fitness 44 Unbeaten convenience of Matrix trainers 46 Star Trac’s 1-2 punch for total body conditioning

BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICES 28 Fitness training for children is a win-win proposition 32 Successful integration of personal training concept in gyms 4

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48 Official Tour de France training bike from Stag International 50 Harmonic work out from Focus Fitness 52 Precor: connecting users with technology 54 Physique India brings science in motion

46 | Products & Concepts:

Star Trac’s 1-2 punch for total body conditioning



Publisher PDA-HaB Media & Tradefairs Pvt. Ltd. 32/2 Spencer Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore - 560005, India www.bodylifeindia.com



Directors Georg von Griesheim Email: [email protected]

Pradeep Devaiah Email: [email protected] Srinivasan S. Email: [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief Max Barth Tel.: +49-721-165-112 Mobile: +49-1713-101-583 Email: [email protected]

Chief Editor (Indian Edition) Dhananjay Sardeshpande Tel.: +91-80-4250-5035 Mobile: +91-9008-290-066 Email: [email protected]

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| Training: Silver lining: seniors can work out too



Vice President - Publications Binesh Viswanath Tel.: +91-80-4250-5059 Mobile: +91-9986-014-770 Email: [email protected]

57 Apple Watch unveiled: hype or help? 58 Power generating equipment from Grand Slam



60 Technogym adds panache to fitness regime 62 Indoor cycling and the Nutella principle 64 World-class kettlebells, made in India



TRAINING 67 An insight into post-surgery fitness

Sales Enquiries (India) M.V.Praveena Tel.: +91-80- 4250-5066 Mobile: +91-8050822696/ 8105663809 Email: [email protected] Art and Production GM - Design Infant Vikas Tel.: +91-80-4250-5055 Mobile: +91-9886-044-338 Email: [email protected] Layout Wageeshwari Tuljapurkar Email: [email protected]

Govindaraju S Email: [email protected]

66 Wholesome fitness with kettlebells

Copy Editor Suraj Uprety Tel.: +91-80-4250-5044 Mobile: +91-9986-512-463 Email: [email protected]



Subscription Karthik K Tel: +91-9986-600-036 Email: [email protected] International Sales Team Spain Laia Cachinero Tel: +34-933-238-028 Email: [email protected]

70 BMXStrength: An alternative form of exercise



72 Steady correction with Functional Movement Screening

Switzerland Bernd Schuster Tel: +41-414-170-770 E-mail: [email protected]



Poland Malgorzata Szulc Tel: +48-228-587-955 E-mail: malgorzata.szulc@health-and-beauty. com

75 Achieving lower body fat loss for women 76 Silver lining: seniors can work out too



BENELUX Jordey de Joode Tel: +31-243-738-505 Email: [email protected]

Printed in India at Repromen Offset Printers Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, India. bodyLIFE Indian Edition is published by PDA-HaB Media & Tradefairs Pvt. Ltd. The publisher and its staff cannot be held liable for the contents of this magazine and statements and/ or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect its editorial views. Greatest care is given to the accuracy of information given in this publication and verified wherever possible. However, the publisher and the editors explicitly contest any liability for any inaccuracy and insufficiency of the information provided.   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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COVER STORY

IFW EXPO 2014

Small step for India, big leap for fitness India’s first international B2B trade show for the fitness business community opens in Mumbai on 9th October

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ndia’s first international trade fair on fitness training equipment, wellness and sports nutrition, bodyLIFE-IFW Expo 2014, is all set to open at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (Mumbai), between 9-11 October. It is being organised by PDA-HaB Media and Tradefairs Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture company of PDA Trade Fairs (Bangalore, India) and Health and Beauty Group (Karlsruhe, Germany). The unorganised, unregulated and unrecognised

these very concerns burgeoning industry.

for

this

A trade show of this nature and scope is the need of the hour: a fitness and wellness industry exposition that will not only act as a catalyst to the health-conscious movement, but also provide a platform to foster partnerships in the sector and convert potential to commerce. Gym and health club owners, fitness facility managers and trainers are expected to visit India’s first international B2B trade fair on fitness, to see the latest changes in the fitness industry’s ecosystem.

Explore Opportunities The expo is supported and endorsed by such leading fitness chains as Talwalkars and Snap Fitness, along with several renowned individual gyms and health clubs. It also has tremendous support from leading industry bodies.

fitness and wellness industry in India is at a crossroads: as it prepares for the anticipated boom of gyms and wellness centres across the country, it will have to address issues like awareness and education, quality and standardisation, competition and accountability.

bodyLIFE-IFW Expo aims at providing a platform to address 6

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It is being steered by an advisory committee comprising of leading names in the fitness industry. The committee provides industryspecific inputs, knowledge and guidance in framing the topics for the workshops and steering the event in line with the industry’s requirements. Importantly, the Expo will catalyse employment opportunities among the youth and offer them a platform to choose from, and train for, a variety of professional opportunities: designing content and implementing training concepts; maintenance and management of fitness facilities; physical rehabilitation and

sports science; along with sales, marketing and branding of fitness facilities. The Expo will also provide visitors direct access to manufacturers and distributors of the latest fitness equipment, technologies and services. This attitude will also provide the right stimulus for adjunct sectors – health care, media, gaming, hospitality and education – to generate additional revenue streams and generate employment by offering products and services.

Next edition of bodyLIFE Expo in September 2015, New Delhi The second edition of bodyLIFE Expo will be held in New Delhi/ NCR in September 2015. This was announced by PDA-HAB Media & Tradefairs Pvt. Ltd., the organisers and publishers of bodyLIFE Indian edition. After Mumbai, the international B2B trade fair for the fitness business community in the country is expected to reach out to the National Capital Region and facilitate easier participation from its vast hinterland: from Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, to West Bengal and the ‘Seven Sisters’ of North-East India. “Without doubt it will continue to be a pan-India show,” clarifies Mr. S. Srinivasan, Director of PDA-HAB Media and Tradefairs, a Bangalorebased Indo-German joint venture. “Organising the next show in Delhi will give out exactly that message: that it is a trade show for the fitness, wellness and sports nutrition industry across geographies in India,” he added. Watch out for details in bodyLIFE India edition and at www.bodylifeindia.com over the coming months.

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IFW EXPO 2014

Top exhibitors at the Expo Cardio Fitness Cardio Fitness was established in 1995 with the objective of promoting and enhancing the quality of fitness, leisure and sports market in India and the subcontinent. It has become the trailblazer in spreading the mantra of fitness and heralded a ‘fitness revolution’ in India. It was instrumental in bringing Life Fitness, USA, the undisputed world leader in fitness and health club equipment, to India. It is the authorized dealer for consumer and commercial fitness and spa equipment, representing Life Fitness, Celebrate Life, Hammer Strength, Fit Vibe, Trautwein, Living Earth Crafts, Helo & Amerec, Beachcomber, Ivanko, Pavigym, Power Block, Body Craft, First Degree and Everlast.

Proline Fitness Proline Fitness is a division of Cravatex Limited, a Batra Group company. Cravatex was incorporated in 1951 and is currently traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange. It distributes both home and professional fitness equipment with a retail footprint of over 50 stores across India.

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sales partner of Star Trac in India, for cardiovascular and strength training, and has pioneered several new health related technologies in the Indian and West Asian markets.

Stag International Since its inception in 1922, the company has spread its wings to 148 countries worldwide, exporting sports and fitness equipment for three generations. It is still the only India-made table tennis table to be approved by the International Table Tennis Federation. An ISO-9001:2008 company, it manufactures and exports equipment for ball games and athletics, and supplies them for international sporting events. It has also ventured into imports and supply of commercial and home gym equipment.

Focus Fitness Focus Fitness (Pvt. Ltd.), established

in August 2013, is primarily focused on developing successful partnerships in the fitness & wellness market across India. Promoted by experienced and committed professionals, it has sales & service teams across the country to ensure long-standing commitment to best products, prices and services. Among its fitness & spa products are the Freemotion, Viva Fitness, Lifestar, Concept2, Paramount Fitness and Real Ryder brands. It also has leading brands under its umbrella dealing with flooring solutions, lockers and storage, skin & beauty products, outdoor fitness, artificial grass, and provides facility management & project execution services.

Precor Precor designs premium fitness equipments for effective workouts that feel smooth and natural. Its equipment is chosen by hotels, spas, health clubs, and individuals all over the world. For over three decades, it has driven fitness forward using proven science and superior engineering.

It has represented Johnson Health Tech Company (Taiwan) as the exclusive distributors for the subcontinent for close to two decades. As an ISO certified company it strives to provide the best product range and customer service to all its customers.

Its products include, Experience Series cardio line that gives operators the proven, reliable performance they count on. The Strength Discovery Series combines all functional performance elements demanded from a strength line, but with a focus on ease of use. It is represented in India by Gympac Fitness Pvt. Ltd.

Trinity Healthtech

GDYNS Health Care

Trinity Healthtech is India’s leading integrated health solutions company with a focus on commercial fitness equipment. It is the exclusive

GDYNS Health Care (Pvt. Ltd.) is a leader in the sports nutrition market and has consistently fulfilled the needs of sports nutrition and

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Focus Fitness will introduce the FreeMotion F-708 LiveAxis Rotary at the Expo

IFW EXPO 2014

always developed quality with new technology and research. GDYNS Health Protein Plus is basically a combination of hydrolysates, isolate and concentrated whey protein, which is completely sugar-free. Whey protein powders contain 50 gm of 100% ion exchange whey protein isolate. All impurities typically found in most sugar-free whey proteins are removed to provide consumers with a great tasting, lactose-free, fat-free, glutamine enriched carbohydratefree protein supplement.

Physique India Physique India (Pvt. Ltd.) is one of India’s largest importers and distributors of home and commercial fitness equipment. A multinational company and the only joint venture in the industry, Physique India is promoted by Physique Training Equipment Ltd., UK, and is an associate of one of the largest fitness equipment manufacturers in Taiwan. The company’s Indian promoters have over three decades of industry experience. It distributes an extensive range of equipments through a pan-India network of dealers and exclusive franchise stores that are branded Home Fitness Direct. The company also distributes Momentum Commercial, Body-Solid Strength and Reebok Retail equipment. They include treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, exercise bikes, rowing machines, home & commercial gyms, benches, free weight equipment & accessories.

Sachdev Overseas Fitness Sachdev Overseas Fitness (Pvt. Ltd.) has a history going back to 1929, when its founder set shop in Hyderabad to become a leading sports material supplier in Andhra Pradesh. The third generation of the family business set up the Aerofit brand in October 2004, expanding to a dealer network of 100 in more than 200 Aerofit stores across India. Catering to the home segment, commercial gyms, hotels, society gyms and government supplies has resulted in more than a million satisfied customers and over

10,000 set-ups in the commercial space, making Aerofit a leading brand in health, fitness and sports equipment.

Fit & Spa Solutions Fit & Spa Solutions (Pvt. Ltd.) was started nine years ago with the solitary goal of providing worldclass equipment and professional service to the fitness industry. The company is now well recognized in the market for its ability to provide high quality, yet extremely cost-effective, products for use in commercial facilities and at home. Its products include cardio equipment, strength equipment, fitness accessories, rope training equipment, group cycling spin bikes, home gyms, gym flooring and free weights.

Omtex Healthwear Omtex Healthwear (Pvt. Ltd.) produces health wear and accessories of quality standards, matching those of the best in the world. Starting with jockstraps and body supporters, the company expanded its product range to include an array of sportswear and accessories. Omtex is now a leading manufacturer and supplier of sportswear in India. It manufactures a variety of health supports that aid recovery and prevent injury. It is also an exclusive distributor for many international training equipment brands in India, serving the Indian national & IPL cricket teams, clubs, schools, colleges and cricket academies across India.

Premier Rubbers Premier Rubbers is a renowned manufacturer and supplier of body building & gym equipment, aerobic steppers, Olympic decline benches, gym machine weight plates, cable cross overs, weight lifting plates, dumbbells, chest presses, yoga mats, medicine balls, tennis balls and many more products.

Sprint Healthcare India Sprint Healthcare India of Mumbai is a leading manufacturer of the

COVER STORY

complete range of cardio fitness equipment. Its products include treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, spinning & recumbent cycles and staircase trainer.

Surfset Fitness India Surfset Fitness India is a master franchise of Surfset Fitness USA for India, creators and sole distributors of the Surfset Board, the world’s first total body surf trainer designed to mimic the movements of surfing without the ocean. The board is engineered for group fitness, with adjustable levels of instability and resistance. Its products include the Surfset Workout, a fitness programme inspired by the sport of surfing. It combines elements of aerobic fat burning, lean muscle build, and balance & core training, in one 45-minute routine, burning up to 900 calories.

Influx Healthcare Influx Healthcare is a manufacturer of nutritional supplements.

Hardcore Fitness Hardcore Fitness was established in 2003, manufacturing strength training equipment across India. In 10 years it has set up a team of experts who work hard on the mechanisms of the machines, so that trainers gets the perfectly desired functional satisfaction.

Fitnessngyms.com This is a user-friendly and easy-tobrowse informative web platform enabling fitness enthusiasts to connect with gymnasiums, fitness experts and professionals from across the globe.

SBS Spa & Fitness Established in 1987, the company manufactures and exports a wide range of spa and fitness equipment. It was the first in India to introduce fully automatic spa equipment like steam, sauna, chilled shower units, jacuzzis and building swimming pools.

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IFAA all set to take off in India T

he International Fitness and Aerobics Academy (IFAA) is a well-known academy for personal trainers, instructors, gym managers, business owners and fitness enthusiasts, based in Germany. With more than 30 years’ experience in fitness, aerobics and management solutions and certification across Europe, it is making its debut as IFAA-India, through its three-day Convention and Congress alongside bodyLIFE-IFW Expo. Beginning 2015, IFAA-India will offer regularly congresses and conventions and large education and training programmes for aspirants and working professionals – trainers, business owners, facility

managers and potential investors – in the burgeoning Indian fitness industry. It will organise practical, useful and relevant programmes in facility management, sales, customer acquisition and retention, product innovation and branding. Its qualifications and international certification will assist people in making successful careers in the fitness industry, anywhere in the world. At the IFW Expo, where IFAAIndia will officially launch its India operations, there will be abundant networking possibilities and opportunities to take a look at its 90-odd programmes, already tried and tested in Europe.

Kezban Klein, Director, IFAA-India

It will begin operations in January with day-long workshops and 6-month courses in A, B & C Trainer, Group Fitness and aerobics certification that is globally recognised. There will be qualification workshops in kettlebell, suspension training, FMS, core and functional training. Other courses pertain to qualifications in nutrition, Labocca, Pilates, Pilardio and indoor cycling.

IFAA’s Master Trainers at IFW Expo attend IFAA’s first convention in Mumbai? It is a great opportunity for trainers to know what they can learn, and interact with master trainers whom they can trust on future courses.

Kiran Kumar What does IFAA mean to you personally? IFAA is a international brand which will help improve the standards of training in the fitness industry in India. Fitness is a vast world, with loads to learn on the go. I expect IFAA to keep me updated on new inventions in the market. What are your expectations from IFAA-India? I would expect IFAA to provide cutting edge knowledge, which trainers lack in India. Why is it important for a trainer to 10

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How will s/he benefit from IFAA’s certification at the convention? IFAA certification is not just theory, it’s a blend of practical and theory knowledge, which will help trainers understand and implement in their training programs. What would you recommend to a trainer in India? I would recommend trainers to attend IFAA courses as it is convenient. At the same time you will be certified internationally. What special health advice or tip do you have for your customer? There is one life to lead. If health and fitness is your priority, then train with the best and be the best!

Jasmin Waldmann What does IFAA mean to you personally? My Pilardio team and I know IFAA already from Germany. We’re in close contact with in connection with education, training and trainer conventions. Now IFAA is going to operate in India too. I can’t wait to be more involved in changing the world of fitness in India. What are your expectations from IFAA-India? I want to see IFAA as a international brand name in India, and I want to be a big part of it! The demand here is very high and it is important to

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give professional and market-proven education and performance. With international certification, trainers can be easily spotted for their high standard of education. Why is it important for a trainer to attend IFAA’s first Convention in Mumbai? The world is changing: what was right yesterday is today even better! Quality and knowledge makes the difference. The best ideas can rub off on you at a convention of this kind. One even knows and feels the difference.

Meet IFAA’s ambassadors in India Why is Fitness important to you? Fitness is about being independent. It improves the quality of life, confidence and Wanitha self-image. Most importantly it prevents, cures Ashok and controls lifestyle diseases and it is antiTrained instructor & owner of Moving aging. Yes, just like I never forget to brush my teeth each day. Being an aerobics instructor I get to exercise with my students. I take three classes a day, focusing on cardio, weight training and flexibility segments.

Soon the market (gyms and end customers) will be more aware of what makes a great trainer. Old knowledge will soon be obsolete. That’s why trainers and instructors have to see what the West is doing about fitness content and training. At the IFAA Convention in Mumbai, this will be possible.

Why did you agree to become an ambassador for IFAA?

How will one benefit from IFAA’s certification at the Convention?

From childhood, I have been interested in sports. I was quite active in Indian karate, and held the title of state champion. I used to participate in state and national-level Kumite. In 1984, I suffered a spinal injury and ligament tear of the knees while playing cricket and badminton. I had to give up all my sports activities. That is when I started swimming and weight training to keep myself fit.

Trainers must watch the latest trends. They have to keep themselves updated with new techniques. Since we trainers are very communicative people, we need to connect and exchange ideas. That way we grow together! What would you recommend to trainers in India? Never stop learning and be curious. Question yourself and your knowledge from time to time, to keep you updated. Communicate and discuss with other trainers and your teachers/ mentors. Learn from the best: do not compromise on education and knowledge.

It’s my honour to have been appointed as an ambassador for IFAA. It is a continuation of the responsibility which I have taken upon myself to promote fitness. IFAA now gives me a bigger platform to reach out to more people. What are your expectations from IFAA-India? A lot depends on trainers: well being of society, offering injury-free training, getting people strong and fit, making them return to exercise everyday. I expect IFAA to offer the right knowledge, guidance and cutting edge training.

Ha-Ha, so many! We can begin with being honest with ourselves, try to understand our bodies and minds; then figure out our personal needs and desires, along with our limitations. We then set proper goals and work towards them. We should divide our big target into small ones, so that they become easier to achieve. We should also get out of our comfort zones and strive that much more. We must live our lives for ourselves, not for others.

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Irshad Ahmed President, Irshad’s Property Matters, Bangalore

Fitness is important in our lives: being healthy and fit gives us a positive frame of mind to deal with all challenges in life, be it work, in sports or in business. I’m glad IFAA has come to India under your leadership. IFAA can bring awareness of the importance of fitness among people who need guidance and training. One of the main reasons I have become a part of the fitness industry is to educate everyone on how easy it is to remain fit; on how dieting means eating, not starving!

What special health advice or tip do you have for your customers?

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Body aerobics studio in Bangalore

Do you exercise?

Sandeep Sachdev What does IFAA mean to you personally? Till a few years ago, I never knew what fitness meant. Then the Big Happening Moment: winning the ‘Biggest Loser’ challenge on reality TV! It changed my life to such an extent that to me fitness is like breathing; it is my form of meditation.

IFAA is taking me closer to that dream of educating people and trainers, which would add a special dimension to their knowledge on fitness. Losing weight was a dream come real; but now it is a reality I am living! What are your expectations from IFAA-India? In the years to come I see myself as one of the best motivational speakers across the world. IFAAIndia would surely add big value by giving me international exposure. Getting certification from IFAA

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would be the highlight of my fitness CV. Why is it important for a trainer to attend IFAA’s first Convention in Mumbai? Fitness conventions have just been introduced in India in the last year or so. Earlier, one would have to invest in going abroad. IFAA coming to India would give a chance to all trainers: especially those who want to educate themselves, but don’t have the financial muscle to travel abroad. IFAA is now bringing the best Master Trainers from across the globe! From a trainer’s point of view, attending the Mumbai Convention would be a very small but smart investment to seek market-recognized education. In this industry, learning leads to

more earning. How will s/he benefit from IFAA’s certification at the Convention? Anything new is always welcome, and if you want to be in the race you have to be a part of it. You have to keep yourself updated with knowledge and trends on what’s happening and what’s working constantly, not only for your clients but even for yourself. Personally, I love to learn more, and that’s the biggest benefit from IFAA’s certification. What would you recommend to a trainer in India? It is very important to stick to the basics of fitness. Unfortunately, trainers tend to focus on advanced forms of training and learning techniques but ignore the basics. That in turn confuses their clients.

The word BMR (basal metabolic rate) and it’s understanding vis-avis nutrition and exercise changed my life. I can make a hundred presentations to a hundred people in a day, and I will talk about it with the same passion, because BMR is the only way to fitness. Whether you are a beginner or at the highest stage of fitness, make sure you know what BMR is, and how it applies to your fitness. Whenever you start your journey in fitness, understand the concept of BMR. It will change your life forever!

(10th to 11th Oct 2014) CONVENTION PROGRAMME for Trainer, Instructors and fitness enthusiasts

DAY 1

DAY 1

Dance Aerobic

DAY 1

Dance Aerobic

1000 - 1100 hrs 1130 - 1230 hrs 1300 - 1400 hrs 1430 - 1530 hrs 1600 - 1700 hrs 1730 - 1830 hrs 1900 - 2000 hrs

Latin Explosion Zumba® Dance Aerobics LABOOCA® Pilates Step’n’Shape REEBOK EASYTONESTEP

1000 - 1100 hrs 1130 - 1230 hrs 1300 - 1400 hrs 1430 - 1530 hrs 1600 - 1700 hrs 1730 - 1830 hrs 1900 - 2000 hrs

Latin Explosion Zumba® Dance Aerobics LABOOCA® Pilates Step’n’Shape REEBOK EASYTONESTEP

DAY 1

Functional Training

DAY 1

Functional Training

1000 - 1100 hrs 1130 - 1230 hrs 1300 - 1400 hrs 1430 - 1530 hrs 1600 - 1700 hrs 1730 - 1830 hrs 1900 - 2000 hrs

Functional Training Metabolic Conditioning Minibands Core Training Assisted Stretching Myofascial Training MOVE & PREP Advanced

1000 - 1100 hrs 1130 - 1230 hrs 1300 - 1400 hrs 1430 - 1530 hrs 1600 - 1700 hrs 1730 - 1830 hrs 1900 - 2000 hrs

Functional Training Metabolic Conditioning Minibands Core Training Assisted Stretching Myofascial Training MOVE & PREP Advanced

DAY 1

Workout

DAY 1

Workout

1000 - 1100 hrs 1130 - 1230 hrs 1300 - 1400 hrs 1430 - 1530 hrs 1600 - 1700 hrs 1730 - 1830 hrs 1900 - 2000 hrs

REEBOK KETTLEBELL Back & Spine Nutrition 1 Stretching Functional Workout REEBOK KETTLEBELL Bio-Mechanics in Resistance Training

1000 - 1100 hrs 1130 - 1230 hrs 1300 - 1400 hrs 1430 - 1530 hrs 1600 - 1700 hrs 1730 - 1830 hrs 1900 - 2000 hrs

REEBOK KETTLEBELL Back & Spine Nutrition 1 Stretching Functional Workout REEBOK KETTLEBELL Bio-Mechanics in Resistance Training

Attendee assembly Welcome by IFAA Generating revenue through networked fitness by PRECOR Break Branch of EXERTAINMENT – A new look at the fitness business by IFAA Lunch Keys of success by IFAA Q&A (Question and Answeres) Break Set-Up, Pre-Sales, Marketing for Commercial Gyms / Health Clubs by K11

DAY 2 1000 - 1015 hrs Welcome by IFAA 1015 - 1115 hrs Increasing secondary revenue through networked fitness by PRECOR 1115 - 1130 hrs Break 1130 - 1300 hrs Aspects of MEMBER GROWTH, Member Growth is more than ‘sales” by IFAA 1300 - 1345 hrs Lunch 1345 - 1515 hrs Sales Process by IFAA 1530 - 1630 hrs Boosting Revenue with Personal Cardio Training b y STAR TRAC 1630 - 1645 hrs Break 1745 - 1900 hrs Set-Up, Pre-Sales, Marketing for Commercial Gyms / Health Clubs by K11 1900 - 1200 hrs Panel discussion with IFAA BOARD, PDA, K11

A trainer must know...



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What special health advice or tip do you have for your customer?

(9th to 10th Oct 2014) CONGRESS PROGRAMME for Club-Owners, Club-Managers, Head of Departments 0930 - 1000 hrs 1000 - 1030 hrs 1030 - 1130 hrs 1130 - 1200 hrs 1200 - 1300 hrs 1300 - 1400 hrs 1400 - 1600 hrs 1600 - 1630 hrs 1630 - 1700 hrs 1700 - 1900 hrs

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A good trainer is one who can make his/her clients learn the basics of fitness and always act as their biggest motivational tool.

Myofascial Training : The concept of Myofascial release is to increase flexibility by the general decrease of muscular adhesions (knots). This increases athletic performance and helps prevent athletic injury. Assisted Stretch : The fastest and most effective way known to increase muscle flexibility, combining passive and isometric stretching. Check out just how highly effective it is! Move & Prep : ‘Movement Prep’ exercise come from performance training expert Mark Verstegen. It challenges the core to get strong and the joints to open up with more functional mobility. Designed as a “dynamic” warm-up, it prepares your clients to move better. Manual Resistance : It allows you to have productive training sessions without

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having to rely on any equipment. Performed properly, it can maximally stimulate improvements in muscular strength and endurance. It will be the most intense training you have done, if you are willing to push yourself to and beyond your limits! Plyometrics : Also known as jump training, it is a training technique designed to increase explosive muscular power. Fast movements require high-level coordination, reactivity and agility to produce power when the time comes. MetCon : Metabolic conditioning refers to exercises intended to increase storage and delivery of energy for any activity. An added benefit is the increase of resting metabolism and caloric burn for a few hours after the workout, because of increased EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption). Pilardio : Pilates meets Cardio! All Pilardio exercises are done standing, supported by fantastic rhythms. Posture, fun, body tension, peace of mind and movement are in the foreground.

CONCURRENT EVENT

COVER STORY

It’s ‘extertainment’ folks!

Fitness is all about expectations, experiences and about entertainment, combined with physical knowledge An avid fitness enthusiast and proponent, Mr. Martin Klein is the Director of IFAA-India. A member of the German rowing team in his college days, a sports teacher and a regular marathoner even now, he tells bodyLIFE what brings IFAA to India:

As a founder and shareholder of IFAA-India, can you tell us what IFAA is all about? A: IFAA-India was founded just some months ago. I wanted to get one of the best brands in terms of fitness education, and so I tied up with the mother company, IFAA-Germany, which is amazingly popular in Europe and which is operating in the European fitness market for more than 30 years now. On the one hand IFAA-India aims to inspire fitness enthusiasts, professionals and instructors with relevant and energetic fitness conventions. On the other hand, we will also support business owners and managers at all levels of the fitness industry with education and consultancy. Both events are happening for the first time in India at the bodyLIFE IFW Expo (9-11 October) in Mumbai. Let us not forget the main business of IFAA: we are an internationally recognised academy. Our main

business is our education system, which has been customized to the Indian market, and which covers all aspects and needs of stakeholders in the industry. We cover training for beginners, we deliver qualifications for already advanced professionals, and we have plenty of opportunities for business owners, sales personnel and gym managers to excel in their respective fields. How did you choose to come to the Indian market? A: I worked in India for 4 years with various fitness businesses in your lovely country. I was also the COO and a shareholder in Zela Luxury Health Club in Bangalore. I realised

Fitness and health clubs are looking at certification; businesses want to know what the market needs; and investors want to know what makes the difference.

that in India the fitness and wellness industry is booming. It also has tremendous potential to improve on quality and development of its resources in the highly competitive market. Above all, I noticed that Indian businesses are eager for new technology and concepts. The people here have a great attitude: they are hungry for knowledge and are open to adopting tried-andtested knowledge and skills of the highest quality. But India already has quite a few fitness training acadamies... A: That’s correct, but there are still no international standards in the market. Fitness and health clubs are looking at different certifications; businesses want to know what the market really needs; and investors want to know what makes the difference! IFAA-India will work with gyms and support them to educate their trainers to international standards   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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CONCURRENT EVENT

and processes. It will be a winwin deal for the gym because their members will be happy. Trainers will be able to consistently increase their knowledge and skills, and will stand to earn more of both, monetary remuneration and customer satisfaction! Of the thousands of gyms in the market, how many really care for their existing customers? How many gyms adopt strategies to reduce membership attrition? How many fitness centres set targets to retain members or renew subscriptions? Do sales teams have realistic targets and the resources to attract new customers? IFAA comes to India with solutions to these and many other related problems. We will educate trainers, instructors, club managers, service

and sales teams. That is the difference we expect to bring to the Indian market! You seem quite passionate about what you’re planning to do here. What gives you so much confidence? A: With the convention in Mumbai, and finally the launch of IFAA-India, a personal dream comes true! I was a former competitive athlete and continue to be a fitness and sport enthusiast. At heart I am still a sports teacher: I insist on the right mixture of quality and professionalism, along with inspiration and fun! What goals have you set for IFAAIndia and for yourself? A: I have three big goals for the IFAA-India: 1) To give the end customer the best

www.ifaa-india.com

International Fitness & Aerobic Academy

Zumba® with ZES Sucheta Pal & Shwetambari Shetty

Workshop For Trainers & Gym Owners

Concurrent Convention by IFAA at:

Bombay Exhibition & Convention Centre, Off Western Express Highway, Goregaon (East), Mumbai - 400 063 9-11 October, 2014

Partners:

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MASTER TRAINERS & PRESENTERS

COVER STORY

quality training; 2) Give trainers and instructors the best education and options to be successful; 3) Help mangers and business owners to avoid the mistakes the industry has been repeating for years. Any message to the fitness business and enthusiasts in India? A: Let us not forget that we are in (what I would call) the “extertainment” industry. It is all about expectations, experiences and about entertainment, combined with physical knowledge. We are all working in the incredible business of inspiring and helping people live a healthier life. Let us together raise the standards of that “happy life!” www.ifaa-india.com

Barbara Spritzendorfer Austria

Jasmin Waldmann Germany

Certified IFAA Master Trainer, International Master Instructor and educator for SpeedballSM Fitness, MAX(R) and many more.

Certified IFAA Master and the inventor of Pilardio®. An international presenter and a mental coach, she comes from Germany but made India her new home.

Marlon Connor The Netherlands

Ritesh Shaiwal India

Certified IFAA Master Trainer, highly experienced sports and fitness instructor, aqua specialist and physical therapist, and creator of LABOOCA® program.

Rising Star | TRX | FMS | Kettlebells | VipR | Les Mills Instructor

Sameer Sheikh USA

Swetha Subbiah India

Certified IFAA Master Trainer from New York City is a highly qualified fitness professional and has been in the industry for more than 15 years and a current trainer for many American celebrities.

Certified IFAA Master Trainer and a highly qualified Personal Trainer having certifications from leading fitness institutes in the UK.

Kiran Kumar India

Shwetambari Shetty India

Certified IFAA Master Trainer and India's first athletes performance trainer (Phase 4)

ZES - Zumba Education Specialist II co-founder of Tribe Fitness

Dorota Rozko Poland

Fabiano da Ros Australia

Certified IFAA Master Trainer and certified Personal Trainer, Pilates coach, Zumba, NTC, Speedo, Profi Fitness and many more.

Fabiano is a very well-known Personal Trainer with certifications from various leading academies in Europe.

Sandeep Sachdev India

Vera Leite Portugal

Motivational speaker, celebrity nutritionist, Personal Training ambassador, winner of India's 'Biggest Loser Challenge' (2007) & Fitness First India (2008-2011).

Passionate about fitness, dance and wellness. She loves Zumba® Fitness and shares her love for dance and workouts, also with kids.

Sucheta Pal India

Devrath Vijay India

Sucheta Pal is an international Zumba Education Specialist and the selected few Master Trainers for Zumba in the world. She is currently leading India after undergoing her fitness training from the United States.

A CSCS, Strength and Conditioning coach, a dancer and kick-boxer, a gym manager at a Namma Crossfitter.

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Foto: Syda Productions/shutterstock.com

How will we be trained in future?

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BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE

The effects of lifestyle and technologies on the fitness sector In recent years, fitness studios have noticeably changed their cliché image as “muscle factory” and have developed into multi-faceted service landscapes for wellness and physical performance enhancement. This evolution is already a big step forward and can be seen as a sign of changing customer needs. That is because for very long, muscle building and physical performance optimisation had been the main goal of gym users. But today they ask for much more.

W

e live in an age where individuals are more concerned with their needs that can no longer be predetermined. Rules are there to be broken! YOLO (you only live once) has become the dominant guiding principle of an ever-diversifying society. And, not least because of this, it will undergo substantial transformation. The demographical transformation of global society into an aging population is another big issue which, in coming years, will have even more powerful impact on lifestyle issues, and eventually also on the fitness sector. This is because, the generation of the “new olds” does not feel old, and does not want to be treated as such. Furthermore, this ever-growing consumer group is very critical and well-informed because of its wealth of experience. Above all, it is not ridden by old thinking and is open to new ways. Members of this group do not fear technological innovations, but see them as meaningful supplement to traditional methods and products. Also, the 50+ generation is not new to the Internet and are personally and professionally well-connected. Ultimately, however, health and fitness are the core issues for this target group, which turn out to be long-term trends of paramount importance. All in all, the present scenario already shows which issues of the

fitness sector will significantly influence the future. Mega-trends, like health, the demographic change and the individualisation of society, are the global issues with regional nuances and reverberations.

Digital Solutions Already today there is a general awareness about the positive effect of the fitness movement on mental health. It is this awareness that is creating more and more strategies towards holistic solutions, which find their roots in both traditional health solutions as well as totally new, technologically driven approaches – yet both are essentially effective and efficient for the individual user. For those who have been so far health-conscious and inclined towards good looks, particularly those in the young age segment (20s to late 30s), are joining in considerable numbers the older who wish to conserve and improve their health. Even teenagers, because of the rising health-consciousness, will play an even greater role in the fitness industry-related demographics in the years to come. One possible way to cater to this target group is to offer them services of health check-up and digital monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure and bone density. This trend will surely be consolidated in the future, both by well-trained staff in the gym and by the introduction of new digital solutions – such as

special apps and development of gadgets like ‘fitness bands’.

Internet of Things At this year’s edition of CES (Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas), it was clearly perceived that the field of fitness would increasingly provide an impetus for future technology developments. And this does not refer to only classical fitness armbands. On the contrary! According to latest reports Fitbit, one of the pioneers in this area for the time being, had withdrawn from the market its high-end product, ‘Fitbit Force’, because of material defects. More recently, Nike discontinued the advance development and production of its Fuelbands. The subject of pure fitness tracking by trendy wrist-bands or other socalled “wearables” seems to have not met the taste of the users in the long run. The reason for this could be that the broad class of consumers wants a lot more than to get only an overview of their daily physical activity level and pulse rate. Moreover, the market for the classical fitness armbands has become as incomprehensible as it was for MP3 players. In view of the rising need for digital connectivity, probably the classical fitness tracker market will also meet the same fate, because the future indicates constantly expanding digitisation and networking. The “Internet of   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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Things” will turn into a key issue for successful product innovation for the fitness sector also. This concept symbolises the connection between identifiable physical objects with a virtual representation. Products are increasingly becoming intelligent and supporting humans in their activities. Miniaturised computers in wearables – such as armbands and in future further miniaturisation of garments – are being equipped with different sensors. These sensors will be able to track various parameters, send them to a cloud for assimilation and analyses, and also carry out advance functions beneficial for the health (measuring blood counts, fatigue and stress levels), as well as counteract to prevent injuries. One example of this is the Sensoria fitness socks from Heapsylon. It helps the user receive usual running-related data like heart rate and running distance. This is done through integrated sensors and an additional Bluetooth instep ribbon (ankle band). Advance runners can additionally use it to analyse their individual running rhythm, the way it suits their footstep as well as weightbearing of the foot while running. In case the runner veers towards a motion sequence that is generally associated with the risk of injury, the socks send a signal to the included Smartphone app.

Range of Products We can clearly see from this example what the future holds in store. Existing, market-proven products are being extended and combined with add-ons, instead of reinventing new device with limited scope of services. The value-addition of the product is exhibited not merely by manufacturing quantity but by a greater variety of performance. The user will always have an option to choose the extent of service individually required by him/her and bundled with the appropriate

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software and components. In future, this decision will be left to every individual. Choice and individualisation are the highlights of the future. This poses a difficult task, particularly for fitness studios. This “arms race” for the best devices is neither efficient nor cost-effective. Nevertheless, even here the concept of ‘Internet of Things’ brings new prospects for studio owners and user. As a pioneer, Technogym is already demonstrating this in its showroom in Fitness Valley near Bologna: its devices are equipped with the latest hardware as well as their own specially developed software. A kind of USB stick, called “Wellness Key”, acts as a connecting element to the user. It is fed on user data based on a sound analysis carried out by a trained instructor. It plays a key role in effective and efficient training process. Well connected with various other studio devices, it precisely shows the user which exercise s/he should carry out, with what intensity, speed and at what intervals, in order to achieve the best results. Similar to an iPad, all the devices are directly connected to the “Wellness Cloud” through a magnificent colour display. So, at any time the user has access to all relevant data and can simultaneously post his training status on social networks and compare it with others. Comparison of training performance with contemporaries and competition alike will, in future, be a widely used field that would create playful incentives, and hence a true added value. This will ensure compatibility between key online portals such as the “Fitness Cloud” and other tracking systems of various other brands like Withings, Fitbit RunKeeper or Mapmyfitness. Moreover, along with the smartphone, other native devices like one’s own cycle, the home trainer or even the gaming

console (thanks to Kinect) could also be included in the training plan.

Extensive Networking The concept of Technogym’s Fitness Cloud is only an example of the development towards extensive networking, as well as in field of data compilation and data-sharing. Software continuously “learn” more about user and his/her individual requirements through the steady feed of new values. In future, by means of complex algorithms, it is not only possible to predict threatening overloading and unusual straining, but also (so-far immeasurable) training inhibitors – such as classical boredom resulting from one-sided training – can be averted. However, since the subject of data-mining (the compilation and evaluation of user data) is currently a weighty issue, it remains to be seen how the user adopts this development. But it is clear how traditional fitness sector progresses ever more in the direction of consumer electronics and holistic experience. This is of some concern, not only to those working in the fitness sector but all the more so for creative agencies specialising in holistic interaction concepts. Strategists, product designers, usability specialists and interface designers will all develop even more products in future which will seamlessly merge with the traditional product categories and be naturally integrated into everyday life.

– Nina Saller Nina Saller is a specialist in anthropological, socio-cultural and global scale design research. After many years of experience as a consultant in the field of fashion, cosmetics and interior design, she now leads the areas of Research and Colour & Material design at Design Affairs Ltd., Munich (Germany). Nina is also a speaker at numerous professional events.

You told us what you wanted in a treadmill. Now it's here. Our new Experience Series treadmills is designed and built to last extensive research and development with produced. It's also the quietest and most stable running experience we've over delivered. So, you enjoy a premium ownership experience, and your members enjoy their run.

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Customer retention and additional business Apps can be an investment for your future viability As if the competition with each other was not tough enough, gyms now have a new, powerful, trendy and electronic competitor: the App. Are smart phones the new gyms of the future? They need not be...

Foto: Alexey Boldin/shutterstock.com

the man stays at home and spends an hour in his home gym, working out with dumbbells and kettelbells -- under the directions of his app, all without a real trainer, without a gym, without having to drive and without paying!

Quantified Man

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man is jogging in the woods, his attention focussed on instructions emanating from his ear-plugs. No, he is not listening to music; he is listening to his fitness trainer! This trainer from the app keeps him in the aerobic zone (thanks to networking) with the help of heart rate monitor and body sensors. The app indicates to him the phases of his current training schedule and, on reaching his destination, gives him an account of calories burnt and the amount of anticipated super compensation effect through various parameters. The next day

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The movement behind many of these apps is called Quantified Self or Self-Tracking. Millions of people around the world have already had themselves physiologically measured and train virtually. In the market we have apps like Runtastic, MiCoach, Nike Training Club, MyFitnessPal, Jawbone Up, RunKeeper, Nexercise, Yoga2Go, AOK Plus Fitness manager, ShapeUp Club -- the app offers are rapidly growing. Fitness-conscious smart phone users across the globe now have access to about 97,000 incredible apps. And every month about 1,000 such apps are hitting the market. Calling it a new fitness movement would be an understatement: it is a mass phenomenon!

The million dollar question now is: will they wipe out fitness studios? If yes, then why? Why are an increasing number of people preferring apps over commercial gyms? The secret of the rising popularity of health apps lies in the craze for the trend: it is suddenly the “in thing”! It’s cool! Yet, it is not fair to associate the popularity of the apps only with its trendiness. Such apps fulfil an age-old need of humans: the quantitative selfreflection. We all practice in some from or the other: some maintain personal diaries, others resort to FaceBook updates or Twitter! Orientation and inner security, among the basic needs of humans, are what app-users seek. So, it is not merely a fad; it is the ultimate motive!

Addicted to Apps The three primordial needs of the human beings are Security (safety), Stimulation and Sense of belonging (relatedness). They are perfectly observed in small children: when they do not constantly get

FOCUS

something new to play (stimulation), they whine. When they get hurt, they stop crying as soon as an adult picks them up (security). And when they find themselves lost in a zoo, they calm down when father or mother reach them through announcement (affiliation). Needless to say, for any smart phone user health apps provide stimulation. Ditto affiliation. S/he feels connected with the enormous, world-wide community of selftrackers, since many such apps allow networking and interaction with other app-users. For this reason people went to the gym earlier, where they were by themselves, had a sense of belonging, and met many likeminded people. With the basic needs satisfied, all are happy: members as well as gym owners. It is exactly this sense of fulfilment of need that is now being stolen from the gyms by health apps. Do we want to let it happen? Trainers (often) discuss the case of the young endurance athlete who was constantly fiddling with his cellphone between his three dumbbell workout rounds in the studio. One of the elderly members asked him if he was perhaps a stand-by stockbroker or doctor as he was constantly fiddling with his phone between the rounds.

The young man laughed and said: “I am documenting and analysing my work-out over app. It’s more convenient and clear than noting it on paper.” The elderly member was impressed by that. He asked: “Can my phone also do that? What should I do for it?” What is wrong in this scene? A very crucial point: wrong contact person. Why should it be explained by a member to another? Why the trainer did not discuss this with the member without the app long back? Not helped him with download? Introduced him to the use of the app? And thus help him connect with the right community? As Confucius would say: “When you cannot defeat your opponent, team up with him!”

Foto: Toocan images

Let Apps Work

Even fitness studios can have side-business over apps

Some studios come up with their own apps. With a little software programming savvy anyone can design such an app. It is not even an expensive affair. There are user programs that cost the studio owners less than 100 Euros per month; for free-of-charge use for his/ her gym members. This is the obvious solution: before the app becomes your competitor, have your own app in place! The other solution is to not exclude the existing apps of your members altogether. Instead, integrate at once all those members that already have an app. It is all about the basic need for affiliation. Your clients will not need to connect with a community outside the gym, where some day this very connectivity would give rise to competition. So, as a goal-oriented thinking gym-owner, you only integrate the apps into your customer retention strategy. For example, your trainers may advise the members on what apps are used as an aid to their training, which in turn can help them achieve more success. One good tip (for example) would be using Runtastic for an outdoor cardio session. As long as gyms openly discuss about apps, their members will feel connected with the fitness centre -- that is the secret of affiliation!

BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE

Additional Business Those familiar with FaceBook or WhatsApp also know the so-called “push notifications”: suddenly a message flashes on the cell phone display. Why not also from your gym? The best thing about this new advertising medium is instant advertising control. Every wellinformed gym owner can instantly check what the app is bringing in and accordingly optimise his marketing scheme in the next push notification. But are we really doing it? As gym owners, many feel they cannot be running after such “fancy stuff“. But then apps are not fancy stuff. They are the future of the health management and fitness industry. In another couple of years 90% of smart phones will have at least one pre-loaded health app. These apps are not a fad, but an investment in your future viability, competence, an aid in safeguarding your livelihood and strategic marketing management. And for this no gym operator needs to take a class in software programming! Nowadays anyone using the Internet and some common computer programs can set up an app with a relevant provider. It is very similar to websites: earlier it was real coding work, but today all it takes is convenient combining and clicking. However, if someone has apprehensions about it, s/he may look out for a suitable software programmer to design and maintain the app. S/he could do it out of sheer interest or to earn recognition. It should not come as a surprise if, among your own gym members, you find one such “techie” to help you out

– Dr. Rixa Kroehl Dr. Rixa Kroehl is a project manager at the Institute of Futurology and Knowledge Management. She supervises research projects with German economic enterprises and the federal ministries of education and research. She also has an ‘A’ license in fitness and yoga and is a successful teacher in many fitness studios for many years.

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Mobile training control Can apps replace the trainer in the gym? Everyone is familiar with apps and many already use them. By now, they are an integral part of our lives, just like food and sleep. The mobile application programs for smart phones and Tablet-PCs are reigning the sport and fitness scene also, promising a healthy and fit body with little training effort. Is going to the gym still worthwhile?

A

drian has had a long day at work. This project manager from Darmstadt now only has to wear on his gym apparel and work out. But his road leads him home. Like many others, Adrian works out with the help of a fitness app that he has downloaded on his smart phone just two months back. He has opted for ‘Freeletics’, a 15week program that promises “the form of your life. Guaranteed”! The website of Freeletics entices with toughened bodies, high-intensity workouts that only last a maximum of 45 minutes and can be customized to the trainee. Video animations show the correct execution of the exercises, detailed descriptions are to avoid bad

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posture. The app promises quick visible results in a short time for little to no money.

Who Wants to Pay? For many, the time factor plays an important role. They bank on the apps because they hope to build muscles, lose weight or get individual training in minimum possible time. Moreover, many of them do not want to be bound by the contracts and opening hours of gyms. For male users the technical aspect involved makes it all the more interesting. A statistical study by research2guidance was conducted to find out the user share of health and fitness apps based on

categories. The most used app category in 2013 in Germany was the paid training apps. Even in fitness tracking, more paid apps (13%) than free apps (12%) were downloaded! But after four weeks, Adrian has no motivation to work out with the app. His smart phone does not provide him the stimulus anymore, and he is missing the interaction with other sport enthusiasts. A few app developers have recognised this problem and offer the option to subsequently publish their own work-out achievements on Facebook, Twitter or any other social network. Some apps also have the option of allowing the user to compete with other app-users of the same

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training programme. The fun factor was back in work-out sessions with the app when Adrian found a workout partner in his friend. Together they completed the Freeletics programme; either at home or in the neighbouring park in pleasant weather conditions. Personal experiences of the appusers widen the circle and triggers proper fitness enthusiasm in the friends circle: starting with two, there were eventually eight participants.

Health Orientation Apps like Freeletics require the body to be in good condition. Beginners often lack the pre-requisites and the necessary knowledge to complete such programmes. That is why exercise, if not carried out correctly, may lead to injuries. Some application program providers insist on getting a preventive health examination prior using their apps.

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exercises.” Some of the programmes offer special courses for beginners, advanced users and professional users. This way the experienced sportsman avoids being underexerted, and beginners bypass over-exertion. In parallel, a visit to the gym can help you understand whether you feel at home there. Many studios are already responding to the new training behaviour and striving to care for even those app-users on their premises. The fitness chain McFIT has entered a partnership with the fitness platform Loox. Since then, McFit’s members have the option of training with the help of a specially developed app that has a ready stock of over 300 goal-oriented training plans.

– Selina Knufer

Runtastic

7 Min Workout

N u m e r o u s movements and covered tracks are illustrated via GPS, including the related duration and speed. Irrespective of chosen type of endurance sport, precise training goals can be defined. With the provided chest straps, you can complete special endurance or interval training. It’s for Android, but compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Plus its free!

Training experts have selected 12 exercises, each of the 30-secondlong exercises are carried out with a 10-second pause. This highly intensive training results in increased daily metabolism and is equivalent of an hour-long training session and yet rarely exceeds 7 minutes. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Priced at Euro 179.

You Are Your Own Gym

MiCoach

Full Fitness

Fitness expert Mark Lauren conducts the training and gives precise instructions for each exercise with elaborate texts and complete figures. Be it Tabatas, Supersets, Stappers, Interval Sets or Ladders, virtual Mark Lauren is technically correct. For Android, compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Priced at Euro 229.

The app registers the movement units, and in turn functions as a personal trainer. After a 12-minute grading test, the app calculates the current fitness status and defines various pulse areas. It issues the instructions with a Bluetoothenabled heart frequency calculator. For Android, compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Free!

The App not only provides instructions for 100 exercises but also sorts them according to body parts, target muscle and the necessary devices. Individual training plans are designed with the help of user-friendly program. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Priced at Euro 179.

Latest training apps

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Members of a gym, on the other hand, have the advantage of meeting a real trainer to guide them. Thus, the mistakes of wrong execution of exercises can be avoided. Yet, professional sports scientists advise a mandatory medical check-up before the first visit to the gym. For an experienced sportsman like Adrian and his gym-mates, fitness apps are the ideal aid, in addition to training in the gym. However, he does not want to miss out on the conversation in the studio and works out there on the devices. In return, the trainer offers the beginners a thorough basis for further training sessions -- also with a training app. Fabian Schneider of appgefahren Ltd. from Bochum, Germany, advises users to do their homework before beginning to use fitness apps: “Every smart phone user should first download the free-of-charge version of the required app and try out the

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TRAINING FOR CHILDREN

Understanding children: no kidding! Aryan (8) and Khushi (7) on the monkey bar. Both children, offspring of the authors, have been training since they were 4 years old.

Fitness training for the young is a win-win proposition for the client, trainer and the gym owner. Prevail over myths, examine scientific data, educate yourself, and tap into this booming market!

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hink of Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Roger Federer or Michael Phelps. What do you hear about them? That they have been training for sport and fitness since the age of 6. Sportsmen are the epitomes of fitness. They are our markers of excellence and we can take away many values from them. Not everyone can or will be a Federer or Messi; but the point is that fitness as a concept and practice must start at an early age. In the past, childhood was the most active time in people’s lives. Today, however, many children are choosing to spend most of their leisure time engaged in sedentary hobbies. We are all aware that in most developed nations of the world – India is no exception – childhood obesity is developing at alarming rates. Yet, parents of overweight children usually think that they need to increase their cardio vascular activity: make them go jogging, swimming or bike riding. The likelihood that an overweight, unfit child will sustain 30 minutes of boring endurance activity is very slim, regardless of how beneficial it may be portrayed to be for him/ 28

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her. Children resort to natural play: they prefer to play hard with a stopstart pattern (30-60 seconds with 1-2 minutes of rest). Almost all sports, including basketball, football or tennis, usually follow this start-stop pattern: get down, run a little bit, jump up – never continuous jogging, same-paced movements.

Break Monotony Basketball, tennis and football involve sprinting, falling, tackling, jumping, running and sprinting in any direction: non-continuous movements in any direction using all body planes. This is essentially how resistance training is done: alternating brief bouts of vigorous exercise with longer rest and recovery periods. We have been lucky to have children training with us, athletes who started very young and who are now representing India at the national level in various sports. Everything usually starts at nano level; so let us take away something from that. The maximum body development – musculoskeletal, hormonal, physiological, everything! – takes place between the ages of 5 and 18.

That is the time when maximum bone mass is building up. It is very important to engage in resistance training during these years. Just like for athletes, if a similar structured training program can be designed and delivered for overweight and/or underactive children, it can work wonders in improving their musculoskeletal system.

Bust Myths Traditionally, fitness studios and parents alike have been deterred by several myths that revolve around gym training for children. Let us examine each to see how scientific research has proven them wrong! Safety: Weight training is safer than crossing the road or flying in an aeroplane. Children have a lot more energy and full movement capacity than adults. They are naturally stronger, and are able to show improvements at a much faster pace than adults. If strength training has benefits for the old, the fragile and for all adults, it is even better for healthy young children. Injury: Weight training for children is never done maximally – even adults do it rarely. It is always done for muscular endurance, not for maximal muscular strength. If done with good technique, the risk of injury is low To be honest, the highest risk of injury is in gymnastics, because

TRAINING FOR CHILDREN

BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE

Care and Conditioning is secret to children’s training

Assuming that the child’s nutrition is in order, the emphasis should be on metabolic (cardio-vascular) conditioning, but in short, start-stop spurts, exactly the way sports is played.



Focus should be on core agility and balance. Core training is not about training abs and back alone, and not implied here.



Priority should be on throwing movements: forceful, sudden bursts of extreme strength. Madison training for children, involving strength and speed in hip thrusting, is very good in this respect.



In weight training emphasis and time should be on correct technique. Use light dumbbells and bars for muscular endurance, not maximal strength.



In strength training even for teenagers, the emphasis must be on correct technique, nothing maximal.



A combination of these, done in a proper order, will lead to better physical development and sporting excellence.



This is equally applicable to overweight children as for sporty kids.



Trying to get the exercise mechanics right does not replace unstructured free play. Rather, it complements it!



Ideally it should be done in groups of up to three children, especially if they are into weight training.

it is maximal; but parents and teachers don’t think twice about recommending gymnastics for children as part of the school’s physical education curriculum. If we let children learn gymnastics, why do we think twice about weight training? The next highest risk of injury is in contact sports such as rugby, football and basketball. Research

Headstands, dead-lifts and squats are part of a suitable strength training programme for children.

SPORT WEIGHTLIFTING & THROWING AGILITY & BALANCE METABOLIC CONDITIONING NUTRITION This pyramid outlines the order of priority when designing a children’s training programme. The base of optimal nutrition is not optional! The pyramid is equally important for children not pursuing a sporting career.

has proved, time and again, that a structured weight training programme helps children get stronger, withstand the toughness of contact sports, and recover faster in case of injury. As far back as in 1993, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) determined that 50% of preadolescent sports injuries could be prevented by enrolling children in youth strength and conditioning programmes. Stunted growth: Human bones do not fully fuse until we are in our late teens or early 20s. Instead of a fully fused bone, children have growth plates at both ends of their long bones. This is made up of growing tissue as opposed to strong, solid bone. There is widespread, but misplaced, concern that the softness of the growth plate can place children at risk of injury. What is common between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Shack O’Neal? They are both taller than 6 feet, and both started weight training at the age of 12 years! Research proves that weightbearing exercises such as pull-ups and push-ups – in which children carry their own bodyweight – have a positive impact on a child’s bone development. For overweight children that are not ready for callisthenic movements,

the use of plyometric and resistance training equipment can impart them the same benefit of stronger bone development. Growing tall: It is also a myth to say that exercise can increase the height of a child. We have so many parents walk into our fitness centres wanting their children to start a training programme, simply to increase their height! The benefits of weight training are reaped in increased bone mass, not increased bone length. The biggest benefit of throws and weight training is the positive effect on bone mass development. Height is mainly to do with genetics. In some rare cases, and with some disorders, this results in stunted growth or extreme height gain.

Viability in Gyms Culturally we may be not ready to accept children training in gyms in India; but we need to look at the rest of the world. All athletes start weight training from a very young age. None of them have any lack of development or suffer from stunted growth, debilitating injuries or poor bone development. On the contrary, they grow up to be our role models. From a commercial point of view, it is well worth the time and effort spent by gym owners to train their instructors in delivering proper training programmes for children.   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE

TRAINING FOR CHILDREN

Madison training is particularly effective for children as it involves power and speed

they grow up to be adult clients and, if treated well, ensure long-term loyalty to our business. Children who exercise regularly eventually rope in their friends, and even parents, at some stage or the other! Let’s be honest – a very small percentage of Indian children will pursue sporting excellence. The majority of them are struggling with the same issues that we struggle with as adults: balancing a lifestyle of adequate physical activity with the academic pressures of school and studies. But the fitness industry has the tools to help them improve all areas of their life by improving their physical development. The success or failure in training children mainly depends on the education and skill levels of the instructor, because it is not an easy task. The instructor needs to understand their needs well. If, for any reason, there is discomfort with the training, the adult client will understand; the parent of the child will not. We are much more

wary and scared of something going wrong with children. So it is of primary importance that the skill levels of the trainer are high in delivering a programme according to children’s needs. Poorly skilled trainers risk making mistakes and deepening the myths associated with training children, which we have already elaborated earlier in this article. Keeping delivery standards high, having sound training principles and not compromising on technique will ensure that we contribute towards a new generation of fitter, more active Indian youth.

– Sunil & Madhuri Kudva Sunil and Madhuri Kudva run Elite Fitness studios in Gamdevi and Worli (Mumbai), since 2007 with “health by design” in mind. The couple has impeccable education and credentials from their experience in running gyms in Australia and now in India. (www.elitefitness.in).

SNIPPETS

Parag eyes third gold in kettlebells Parag Mhetre, founder of Energy Kettlebell Fitness Academy (EKFA) in Pune, is all set to represent India at the Asian Open Kettlebell Championship in Bangkok (Thailand) in October. A qualified Master Trainer in kettlebell, Parag is no new-comer to competitions. He is a winner and holds the record in the cleanand-jerk (long cycle) in the 2x24 kg, lifting 62 times in the regulation 10 minutes. He achieved this feat at the Asia-Pacific Kettlebell Championship in Jakarta (Indonesia) in March this year. Parag is also preparing to participate in the Open World Kettlebell Championship in Hamburg (Germany) in Germany, where participants from more than 30 countries vie for top honours each year.

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Parag is the first person to introduce a full-fledged kettlebell training academy in India after his training in the US, Russia and Indonesia. He trained under well known American Steve Cotter, 16 times World Champion Sergie Merkulin of Russia, and Russian athlete Valery Federenko. EKFA conducted India’s first kettlebell championship in association with Body Power in Mumbai, which saw participation of 31 athletes. He plans to have international athletes competing in India again, in March 2015.

Parag Mhetre on his way to gold at the Asia-Pacific Kettlebell Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE

PERSONAL TRAINING

Premium Services Requirements for successful integration of personal training concept in gyms

Why many personal training concepts fail in fitness and health clubs? Why is the dropout rate for personal trainers so high? Why is there so much dissatisfaction from all sides? What actually is personal training?

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ersonal training is in vogue and no longer limited only to well-heeled customers. Yet, unfortunately, the interested person goes hunting in a completely obscure territory. Regulations do not exist, and so (unfortunately) a multitude of dubious offers are running scot-free in the market. From the “black work” on small group training to potentially hazardous exercises, everything is represented and sold as personal training. Therefore, the personal trainer industry and gym/ studio owners should join forces and work to provide high minimum standards. This should be significantly above the first aid course, basic training and beyond professional liability. Currently in Germany, such standards are defined by the Federation of Personal Training, together with the TUV and the Premium Personal Trainer Club. So, you may well ask, what is Personal Training? For potential clients, the task is to find a competent and truly dedicated trainer. In this I see a great challenge for gym owners to offer these to their members and customers. I was shocked by the testimony of an operator that his personal trainer

felt “compelled to offer personal training”. The major problem is that “personal training” is offered in both open market and in gyms/ fitness studio, but often under the title “individualized healthcare”. Personal Training is far more than just individual fitness care. In no other job description can it be found that someone dedicates so much attention, empathy, time, peace and appreciation to another human being. Service quality is paramount and personal training is to be understood always as an individual, holistic health care. Moreover, it is always 1:1. Unfortunately, however, it is very rarely considered to be so. It generally quickly degenerates to “small group training”, where imparting training happens in parallel to multiple people. It is here that personal training must differentiate itself from usual studio support.

Start Smart More in-depth questions must and should be asked at check-ups. It is not only important to know about the client’s pre-existing conditions, but also his/her lifestyle, nutrition, life situations, goals, desires, fears and values. The trainer should not be just concerned about posture analysis. Muscle function testing, joint diagnostics, appropriate determination of individual body parameters such as weight, blood pressure and heart rate variability should also be standardized. With such an extensive medical checkup, which sometimes can last about 90 minutes, you can demonstrate what is so special about personal training. Thus, when the start is successful,

PERSONAL TRAINING

the bonding between the trainer and the client begins. Here extraordinary long-term commitment, attention and effectiveness are required. Often it is the little things that lead to success: a freshly-squeezed orange juice after the training session, or a birthday SMS, or a hand-written greeting card. Also, your client will be thrilled when you fix up an appointment with a doctor, or have a perfect physiotherapist consult him/her, or help him/her buy a new pair of running shoes. The ideal condition is when you will be able to say, “we do everything for you”. You will surely be successful and your clients will appreciate your service. If you ask, “how is it suppose to work out?” then I would like to create an awareness, particularly for this purpose, by a structural process. Of course, these services must reflect in the fee calculation.

Learn Fast It should always be an honour to be allowed to work as a personal trainer. Your trainer in the studio must appreciate that you, as a club owner, have trusted him as a personal trainer to look after the members. As a personal trainer, s/he carries more responsibility for the clients than as a “normal” trainer.

Personal training service may create a sense of win-win situation; for you, as a studio-owner, your personal trainer and for your clients.

The achievement of goal and well-being of customers are an absolute priority. It should always be associated with a much higher efficiency than if the member were to train alone. This calls for a very good professional competence, and especially above-average social skills. In my opinion, it is at this point that many personal training concepts fail. Not every good trainer is guaranteed to be a good personal trainer. A personal trainer should have the absolute will to work with people. He should also have an above-average understanding of service. Gym owners may need to train their trainers and give them an understanding of service quality. Furthermore, the personal trainer should have exceptional skills in the areas of communication, rhetoric and psychology. Yet, these issues are hardly taken into account in the education and training in gyms. Every gym/ fitness studio can reach ambitious and rejoice in their business if the area of personal training is better developed. The past few years have shown that personal trainers possess a high degree of empathy, good selfconfidence and experience. They convince and inspire their clients and bond with them better. That is exactly what counts: your member, who hires you as a personal trainer, must not stop after 3, 5 or 10 hours of training, but ideally continue to make use of this service. The subject of “trainer personality” will thus play a significant role in the future and will determine success and failure.

Master Communication Any form of contact with the client is communication. Watch how your personal trainer behaves. How does your personal trainer greet his/her client? How is s/he dressed? How does s/he talk to the client? Does s/ he have his/her cell phone in his/her pocket? Is it possibly turned on? Is s/he and the training area prepared for personal training? Does s/he laugh? Does s/he exude motivation, passion and enthusiasm? Is s/he pretending or is really interested in his/her client? Is s/he close enough to the client while talking and does

BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE

s/he correct him? Does your personal trainer strive to make the clients achieve their goals, or is the client’s goal known to him/ her? Is your trainer aware what is right for the client and where the client should be involved? Is your trainer interesting or interested? As a gym operator, you have a great responsibility to determine whether your personal training will be successful or not. My recommendation at this point is to test the personal trainer yourself. If s/he meets your high standards, then s/he is good. Are you using all communication channels available in your studio to make clients aware of personal training? It means that you should try to explain to you clients how your personal training is different from all other normal training that is offered. The special features should be handed out on flyers and also delivered by post. At the entrance and in the training area, there should be attractive display boards highlighting the individual personal trainers with their strengths and core competencies. Sale begins at the reception. The staff working there needs to know and understand personal training and should be able to clearly communicate a tangible proposition. Personal training is an exclusive service that provides people with absolutely tailor-made requirements. It is about offering undivided attention without having to bother yourself about other club members. Personal training should always be a premium service and should be charged handsomely. Request a fee corresponding to the service, and train the trainer accordingly in sales and communication. Create a win-win situation for your gym, your personal trainer and for your clients.

– Eginhard Kiess Eginhard Kiess is one of the most experienced personal trainers in Germany and, as the founder of the Federal Association of Personal Training, has been a consultant to companies, fitness studios, hotels and spas. (www.eginhard-kiess.de).   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE

CAREER PROSPECTS FOR TRAINERS

Staying relevant to the business T

he fitness industry has always been about members: getting them and keeping them. Since the industry tends to focus more on sales than on retention – although attracting members never seems to be a piece of cake for even the smartest operator in the business – holding on to them is becoming pretty big challenge. Building up a good retention strategy in the gym business starts with understanding members’ motives for joining the club and their reasons for dropping out, or staying. The key factors to be identified with members are: • Attendance: how often the member visits the facility to train. • Consistency: how well the member follows the prescribed training programme. • Dropouts: members that stop attending, even when they have a valid membership. These factors can be key indicators to identify if the member perceives that s/he is getting good returns on his/ her membership investment. If the member establishes an appreciative value to the membership, s/he will continue to make the investment of time and effort to attend the club. The difficulty is in achieving member’s consistency and plugging drop-out rate, a challenge that can only be countered by trainers and operators working in sync. Trainers have to understand their role in the business: their key performance in a fitness facility is to provide services to retain members. 34

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They have to understand the key factors, motivate the members to invest their time and effort, and prevent drop outs. They have to create adherence to programmes by being an expert and taking on the role of a facilitator. They have to create appropriate relationships with members, so that the latter find it comfortable to resume (membership or training regimes) even if they have dropped out due to some reason.

Career Path Once fitness trainers understand that their growth is always parallel and correlated to the club’s growth, they find understand the challenges and rewards of the fitness industry and map out a career path for themselves, based on their selfperformance and skill sets. The future is bright for those willing to go through training and become educated; but it might not be easy for those without a degree in exercise science or a related field. Carefully assess why you want to pursue a career in fitness before even getting into it. Being a fitness trainer takes a lot of passion and patience to provide result-oriented service. As fitness trainers you will work with people on their most valuable asset, their body, so you should have appropriate knowledge. Educational opportunities are available in India through a variety of academic settings, colleges of physical education, and professional

organizations. Choosing the right education will help you get started on your path to serve as a successful trainer. When ruminating on various facets of a career, keep in mind the following aspects of your education: introduction to the fitness industry, its guidelines and career prospects; anatomy and physiology of the human body; exercise physiology and psychology; nutrition and supplements; special population health assessment and fitness programming; fitness testing and instruction; and fitness workout designing. The educational course should provide you with the information and tools that you need to work with any client – older adults, individuals with weight loss goals, or perhaps athletes. They will prepare you to work with anyone, no matter where they currently fall on the health fitness/ performance continuum.

Gain Experience Beyond degrees and certifications, however, don’t forget the importance of practical experience and clinical skills. Fitness is more than a certification; it is being able to understand the client’s needs. The education provider should be able to arrange an organized internship at the completion of the course. If this is not available, develop a relationship with local gyms, working fitness professionals and other trainers to learn what they do.

CAREER PROSPECTS FOR TRAINERS

Additional Responsibilities

Consulting and motivation Gyms and fitness facilities usually have new prospects walking into the premises to have a view. Their interest level is generally high when they visit the club facility; but if they postpone their decision to buy membership, their interest level declines over time.



This is a loss, but it can be prevented with proper counseling by a good fitness trainer. S/he will be able to better understand the prospect’s needs and challenges, can resolve doubts and encourage the prospect to make a prompt decision to become a member.



Retaining active members To achieve healthy membership retention you have to focus on the client’s membership use and monitor his/her progress towards achieving pre-determined goals. For this the trainer has to understand the client’s needs and challenges; remember the client’s motivation to join the club; play the role of a facilitator to set realistic goals; and implement the training regimen to get results.



Getting new members If you are providing good service to you clients, they will definitely be glad to give you as many references as possible. Consider it as a token of appreciation for being a good fitness trainer.



Promoting add-on services Everybody appreciates a bit of variety now and then. Therefore, the gym’s facilities generally has some add-ons to sell, such as group classes, personal training, nutrition or sports gear. Actively participate to promote them.

The goal is to evaluate, understand clients’ needs, document sessions and communicate outcomes with other providers, all within the allotted time. Learn these skills by working in fitness business model, even if it means less payback for few months. Once you get an opportunity to work as professional fitness trainer, your immediate focus should be on implementing your knowledge and skill set to the benefit of the organization. Generally it is done by generating revenue through your services to the active members. In order to succeed as a fitness professional, you must develop your communication skills to generate positive word of mouth, a referral base and a steady flow of income. Once you achieve the performance targets required by the facility, don’t limit yourself to the role of fitness trainer. Explore other possibilities to become a group class instructor, personal trainer, or maybe a manager with the company. Opportunities in the fitness industry for personal and professional success are endless – just prepare to be a part of it.

Owner’s Onus Proprietors and managers of gyms/ fitness facilities should hire certified trainers, have a clear expectation about goals, and set up simple procedure to follow. Gym operators/ managers should follow some basic protocol to bridge the expectation and performance gaps between the management and the fitness trainers. • Hire educated fitness trainers; if not invest in a qualified and experienced manager with a training background: exercise

BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE

techniques and soft skills. • Set up your club’s standard operating system and consistently train your instructors to deliver on those standards. • Set a clear understanding of expectations on deliverables from the trainers at the time of hiring. • Set up simple and clear systems for trainers to identify gaps in their services. • Set up avenues and procedures to be followed by trainers to fill those gaps. • Monitor their performance on daily basis. • Link performance with reward, non-performance with extra hours of training session with the manager. • Impart regular updates and training through professionals in fitness education, sales, personal relations management and networking. • Provide your best performing trainers with opportunities of growth. Promote them to sell personal training, group classes, etc. • Last but not the least…keep your trainers motivated and engaged!

– Rajesh Kumar A former IT professional, Rajesh Kumar reverted to his passion for fitness. After re-educating himself and successful stints as a personal trainer in West Asia and India, he is now Assistant Business Development Manager at Fitlink-India, a branch of Fitlink Australia, which specialises in education for fitness specialists for the industry. (www.fitlink.co.in).

About Fitlink-India Fitlink specializes in personal training courses and exercise instructor courses for people who are already working or thinking of starting in the fitness industry. Established in Australia in1985, Fitlink is a renowned international academy in Australia and New Zealand, with more than 25 years’ experience. In India, Fitlink is forging revolutionary improvements

in course delivery through online education. It has designed courses to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to give them the edge in their field. Based in New Delhi, it offers courses in gym training, personal training, group exercise, programming and fitness management, and club ownership management. (www.fitlink.co.in)   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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HEALTH AND RESEARCH IN NEUROLOGY

FEATURE

Foto: Dim Dimich/shutterstock.com

Individual fitness training helps in treatment of neurological disorders

When nerve cells change in old age Irrespective of age, physical activity has a special significance in the working and performance of our brain. It plays a vital role in prevention as well as rehabilitation of neurological disorders. The science of neurology deals with the structure, function and pathological changes of our nervous system.

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he brain as our control centre is the most complex, and yet one of the most fascinating, organs of our body. It is a creation that has resulted after millions of years of evolution. It is responsible for many cognitive processes like thinking, perceiving, feeling and remembering. The human brain weighs only 1.5 kg, but consists of approximately 100-billion highly specialised nerve cells which record, store, process and forward information. In the last century numerous studies have shown that, along with our metabolism, musculature or the cardio vascular system, our brain adapts also to physical training. Contrary to the earlier widespread conception that, in adulthood, the brain is fully-matured and cannot form new nerve cells, it is now known (based on improved diagnostic 36

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analyses) that the network of our brain’s nerve cells can change irrespective of age. It can be proved that, through constant building and reconstruction processes, the brain adapts to physical stress and mental exercises, thereby enhancing its performance. This ability of the nervous system to adapt its function and structure to the current environment conditions is referred to as brain plasticity. Physical activities, as in the case of all other neurological disorders, play a pivotal role in both prevention and rehabilitation of disorders like dementia and stroke.

Brain Adaptations Physical activities help maintain the physical and cognitive functioning even in old age. A few of the most important training-induced adaptations of brain metabolism are:

Regeneration: Aerobic exercises stimulate the formation of new nerve cells (neuron genesis) from neural stem cells in the brain. This could be proved from animal experiments in the hippocampus, the region in the brain that is particularly important for learning and memory (Kempermann et al., 2002). As compared to the older nerve cells, these new nerve cells are more efficient, through which the learning and remembering processes are improved. Vascularisation: Aerobic endurance training results in augmented cerebral blood flow, because of which the density of blood vessels in the brain increases over the long term. Thus the risk of blood circulation disorders in the brain is reduced (Kleim et al. 2002). Growth: Increased blood circulation in the brain leads to higher secretion

FEATURE

of growth factors (BDNF, VGF, IGF proteins) in the blood, which stimulate the regeneration of nerve cells via plasticity genes (Cotman et.al. 2007). Data exchange: The transfer of information from nerve cell to nerve cell occurs at the synapses of nerve cells. With the help of aerobic endurance training and coordinative tasks, the communication between nerve cells becomes more efficient and faster (Hollmann/ Struder, 2004). Reconstruction: Physical activity induces structural changes in the nerve cell, such as synapse formation and growth of dendrites and feathering on the nerve cell (Eadie, et al. 2005). Psyche: The hormone and neurotransmitter, Serotonin, is a “happiness messenger” of the organism. In various research, it has been proven that aerobic training results in surged levels of amino acids, tryptophan, in the blood from which the serotonin is generated in the limbic system of the brain (Struder/ Hollmann, 1997). Performance: Aerobic endurance training leads to enhanced cognitive performance in healthy adults beyond the age of 65 years (Colcombe/ Kramer et al., 2009). From the latest scientific studies it is apparent that aerobic endurance training may be responsible for nerve cell regeneration, whereas mental activity is responsible for preservation of the nerve cells (Kempermann 2012). The combination of physical and mental activity thus seems to represent the optimal behaviour for “brain health”.

Fitness in Therapy These days a rapid rise in neurological disorders is seen in our aging society. Not only is the number of patients with known diagnoses such as stroke, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis on the rise, but also cases of mental illnesses such as burnout, depression and dementia are on the increase. Fitness training can play an important role in the lives of those affected for prevention and disease management. The training sustainably enhances both, the

HEALTH AND RESEARCH IN NEUROLOGY

psychological and the physical performance. The important aspect of engagement in sports with peers, and thus the removal from an isolated disease environment, must also be taken into account. Personal trainers should adapt to this development and to the new target groups in medium term. In the coming years, more and more people, under training and also non-trained, will be affected by these disorders. The biological need of physical activity for the functioning and efficiency of the human brain and neuronal processes are again summarized in two citations from renowned brain researcher: “Regular physical activity is the best way for prevention of brain disorders. It works better than medication, and is better than healthy nourishment.” says Prof. R. Petersen of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic. “Movement and physical activity are the simple, literally side-effectfree methods against memory loss in old age, which we should adopt more intensively,” advises brain researcher Prof. Kempermann. Before the beginning of training, it should be extensively checked if there are any pre-requisites. Personal training is ideal, especially for those affected. But when planning the training for treatment of neurological diseases, the trainer must always watch out for current fitness level and symptoms of individual patients. From a spectrum of complex neurological disorders (like epilepsy, paraplegia, neuromuscular disorders and polyneuropathy) a select number of disorders with their general training recommendations are briefly introduced here.

Cerebral Stroke Seizure, apoplexy or stroke is the third most common cause of death. In about 85% cases it occurs due to vascular occlusion of the cerebral arteries and in 15% due to rupture of vessel along with bleeding. The main cause of a vascular occlusion is arteriosclerotic vessel changes of the cerebral arteries that are the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

For dementia, newly developed training programmes are suitable. These help in simultaneous building of both cognitive and physical performance

The consequences, for the person affected by a stroke, depend on the non-perfused area in the brain, because each area of the brain is responsible for different functional areas. Paralysis, muscle weakness, impairment of speech, vision and balance, loss of consciousness and nausea are some symptoms that may occur during a stroke. Studies show that, through physical activity, about a quarter of all strokes could have been prevented. Training: Regaining independence and reduction of risk factors (obesity, high blood pressure, stress, smoking and inactive lifestyle) are the foremost goals of the training. The trainer should align the selection of exercises to the deficits and risk factors of the patient and plan the training intensity according to methodological principles with a progressive increase in load. For specification of intensity for endurance training, proper medication must be taken into account and the heart rate and blood pressure must be checked regularly during exercise. Beginners should first start with the interval method. In strength training exercises, static exercises should be avoided and correct execution of exercises should be ensured to avoid loadinduced increase in blood pressure.   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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Coordination and proprioceptive exercises should be included in the training plan to improve individual coordination and remove balance impairment.

Multiple Sclerosis MS is a chronic disorder of the central nervous-system that affects millions in India too. The age of onset is generally between 20 and 40 years. Women are twice more likely to be affected than men. Due to the very individual nature of the course of progression, it is called the “disease of a thousand faces”. MS is an auto-immune disorder in which inflammation of the nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord occurs in a localised form. It attacks the myelin, consisting of isolating layers of the nerve fibres, which degrades or suspends the forwarding of information. Depending on the localisation of the inflammation areas, it may result in physical impairment or breakdown, including locomotion and vision impairment. With 90% of the patients, initial progression of the disorder is relapsing in nature, but it can later take on a chronic progressive course. Training: In an acute attack, exercise must be strictly avoided. The trainer should be aware that MS patients are often very tired and sensitive to temperature. They reach their load limits more quickly than a normal athlete. High intensity exercises must be strictly regulated to avoid exhaustion and burdening of the immune system. Each training plan includes exercises for improving endurance, strength, coordination, agility and balance. In addition, it must be customised to individual disability levels, such as different proprioceptive exercises for balance problems. For many patients with MS, a workout in the morning makes more sense, since fatigue increases as the day progresses. Especially with poorly performing patients, the interval method should be used.

Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a slow progressing, degenerative disease of basal ganglia in which, in a particular 38

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FEATURE

cerebral area, the substantial nigra (special dopamine producing nerve cells) die out for reasons still unknown. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is responsible for passage of signals from the nerve cells to other cells. This lack of dopamine leads to disturbances in the control of our movements as well as the cognitive processes. Patients also suffer more from depression (40%) and dementia which develops in later age (60%). Men are 1.5 times more likely to be affected than women. Typical symptoms of this disorder are retardation of movements, muscle freezing, tremors and balance impairment. Training: Exercises with risk of falling should be avoided. Walking is a very important part of the training plan to improve gait. Poor posture should be corrected by targeted strength endurance training. Exercises to improve limited mobility and lack of coordination skills are further contents of the training plan. The lack of balancing ability is often responsible for falls, and this should be demonstrated by an equilibrium or proprioceptive training. Due to the reduced cognitive capability of the patients and poor endurance capacity, treatment should be accompanied by endurance training to activate the neuro-neogenesis by augmented cerebral blood circulation and, at the same time, to reduce cardio-vascular risks.

Dementia Dementia, an old-age disease, affects millions around the world, and India’s growing population of ageing people. With increasing age, the risk of disease increases. About two-thirds of dementia cases can be attributed to Alzheimer’s disease. The affected patients should be kept under watch for decline in cognitive capability and independence. They show deficits in memory, orientation, alertness, mood and thinking. In addition, it results in loss of motor and functional performance and increased risk of falling. Next to cerebral strokes, dementia is the only neurological disorder

Foto: Ocskay Bence/shutterstock.com

HEALTH AND RESEARCH IN NEUROLOGY

The world over, millions of people are affected by the old age disease, dementia

in which it could be demonstrated that a preventive endurance training may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 37% and mild cognitive deficits may be reduced by as much as 46% (Reimers et al., 2013). Training: Endurance training is the most important part since aerobic endurance training raises the cognitive capability, because of the more efficient information exchange between the newly formed and old nerve cells. The loss of motor function and routine mobility are counteracted by strength endurance and weight training. Here, exercises from everyday life should be integrated in the training plan. The reduction in risk of falling is expected to happen through proprioceptive exercises and by means of a gait therapy. Newly developed programmes train cognitive and physical performance, and seem to have a high health benefit for the affected population.

– Dr. Thorsten Kreutz Dr. Thorsten Kreutz is a professor of Fitness and Health at the IST College of Management. He is a sports scientist and sports therapist for neurology, orthopaedics and internal diseases and has 25 years of practical experience. At the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine of the German Sports University Cologne, he holds a PhD on the influence of endurance and strength training on metabolism.

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BODYLIFE EXCLUSIVE

FEATURE

Arnie’s workout BOXCDLYULSIFIVEE E ammunition: Still going strong! Arnold Schwarzenegger, the man who represents bodybuilding and fitness like no other, spoke exclusively to bodyLIFE about his career and how fitness is a part of it: from the early days of bodybuilding to the Olympics, then an international Hollywood star and politician. Now 66 years old, he must be aware that age is not passing by without leaving its mark. “Ageing sucks!” he laughs. Excerpts:

F

or a man once hailed as the perfect physical human specimen, routinely bench pressing 525, it must be hard to accept he isn’t quite as young and agile as he once was. “All of a sudden you see this body not looking anymore like in its heyday, and not having that strength anymore, and not having the endurance the way you used to have,” he admits. “Everyone goes through the drama of, ‘Jesus, man. I am really sore today and it didn’t happen before!’ But I think being fit gives you perspective: on yourself, and everything around you. Ageing is a slow process really, and that makes it easier to accept.” As the years go by, Arnie insists an integral aspect of any fitness regime is endurance. “These days I love to cycle – long rides. I swim sometimes for half an hour, and then I train with weights every day. I still get that buzz... the adrenaline… it never leaves you!”

Defeat into Victory It’s Arnie’s competitive sporting background that propels him to persevere. After all, working out always comprises an element of failure. “There are always injuries, the shoulders, the elbows, the knees,” he shrugs. “You go with them and you fall and you get up. That’s what it’s all about. You have victories, you have defeats, and hopefully have more victories than defeats.” 40

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Arnie’s everyday ‘victories’ put men half his age to shame, and it looks like his acting renaissance may have him pumping yet more iron as he resolves to perform his own stunts for the upcoming fifth instalment of the Terminator franchise. In new release Sabotage, he’s destructively brilliant, a gun-toting hard man back to his best in his first all-action adventure for some time. It all serves to mirror the actor’s ‘can do’ mentality, something he says should be considered a part of the workout effort itself. “It’s really important that we train the body, and it’s very important that we train the mind. I mean, why would you limit yourself to one or the other? And I would say spiritually you should develop yourself and work on that, so I think you can do all this at the same time. And one benefits from the other. It’s not like they are separate,” he notes.

Body, Mind, Spirit “They are now saying that the more people exercise, the more the brain is stimulated, the better the effect it has on memory, and you feel active. So I think all of that is intertwined, working together.” Since this man mountain’s early introduction to the world of bodybuilding, an entire industry has evolved around the concept that working out can lead to a better self. From stone-lifting champion to Olympic athlete, he is walking, talking evidence that sheer strength

When Arnold visited Chennai on 16 September, he landed (from the US) at 3.30 am, had breakfast at 5.30 am, then hit the gym for an incredible 6 hours! – Times of India, Bangalore

and athleticism can open doors. Bodybuilder, film star and man of political office: there’s no arguing that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name is built upon quad, bicep and pectoral muscle. With some 40 years spent harnessing his body for all its worth, the “Austrian Oak” remains the epitome of bodybuilding. It’s a line worth putting to him. “Am I? That’s nice,” he smiles. “I did it for me, but if it encourages others, I should welcome that.” “Bodybuilding and fitness is now clean and respectable, and I’m happy for that. It wasn’t always that way. People had motives, and the reputation was not too good at times,” he recalls. “But you now have men, women and even older people keen to keep themselves toned and powerful. And it comes down to health. Why should we not celebrate that?”

– Richard Aldhous (The first part of the interview appeared in bodyLIFE Indian Edition in its inaugural issue in June, 2014. To read it online, visit www.bodylifeindia.com/archive).

PREMIER GLOBAL

Going places B

y year 2025 it is estimated that a quarter of the global workforce will come from India. Obviously, that’s a statistic that says a lot about the economic potential of the country as a whole. More specifically, it also hints at the sheer demand for vocational skills in the country. Across virtually all employment sectors, demand is fuelling demand, and this has created huge opportunities for people to get skilled up and working; to demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit with which India has become associated. One sector in particular stands out: health and fitness. It is also the sector I have worked in for over 20 years, albeit in the UK. The Indian health and fitness sector is currently worth $780 million, but it is relatively undeveloped as a vocational pathway in comparison with countries such as the UK and the US. However, with India’s fast gaining wealth, the industry is expected to grow at an annual compounded rate of 25%, topping $2.4 billion by 2015. Clearly, these figures demonstrate the scale of the opportunity for those looking to enter the industry – and hopefully they will initiate a change of perception as to the notion of fitness being a lucrative career choice in the country.

Tapping Talent After all, the reality is that in India, the idea that one can make a living from working in fitness, either in a gym or as a personal trainer, is still a new one – and naturally new ideas take time to embed themselves into a national psyche. However, it seems to me that this is beginning to happen – particularly with major international gym chains beginning to focus significant resource into the rich commercial potential of the sector. These changes are not only bringing more internationally recognised career training courses and accreditation to the country (as has happened with Talwalkars’

partnership with Premier Training International), but they are directly increasing the demand for those trained instructors. But for gyms to successfully meet that demand, and attract the talented recruits needed, it is important that potential fitness professionals have the insight to know what to expect from the profession – the commitments, demands, perks, challenges and pathways. Perhaps the first thing to make clear is that the health and fitness sector is one where you really reap what you sow. Therefore, those with passion, vision and ambition will be the candidates who thrive. This is the case right across the globe, but in India it is even more of that case. It’s also worth saying that, though a range of providers will offer what the training candidate might need, it pays to learn with a provider that is suited to an individual’s personal plans; either the one that offers a slant towards a specific sector career direction, or one that provides a broad base from which all options are open.

Work Avenues As for the lifestyle of either a gymbased trainer or an independent personal trainer, it can be extremely varied. There is no set way of working, and it very much depends on the arrangement between the individual trainer and employer. For example, trainers may well be able to develop their own client base within an employer’s gym, on the proviso that the trainer gives a certain amount of time (or even a share of the earnings) back to the gym. Alternately, a trainer could be a complete freelancer, renting the use of gym equipment, if necessary, and working out hours on a client-byclient basis, or indeed fully salaried with regular hours. The fact that there is so much variation is one of the most exciting things about the profession – you can make it work to your specific requirements! Of course, if you choose to become a freelance personal trainer, in the long

EDUCATION

The fact that there is so much variation is one of the most exciting things about the profession... You can make it work to your specific requirements!

It pays to learn with a provider that is suited to an individual’s personal plans.

established tradition of Indian entrepreneurship, you will be effectively running your own business – something that requires knowledge and wisdom beyond the understanding of health and physiology. As a result, a proportion of a good trainer’s time will be devoted away from actually working with clients, and ensuring that you have sufficient clients to work with. In short, marketing your services via any means you can. Naturally wordof-mouth remains the best form of recommendation, but social media is close behind and a brilliant way to demonstrate your credentials directly to your target market. Ultimately, at this moment in India’s economic development, for those looking to get into health and fitness industry, India (and the world!) is their oyster. With investment, overseas expertise and commercial partnerships becoming more and more prevalent, and laying down ever more expansive employment infrastructure, health and fitness is clearly an area to watch.

– Debra Stuart Debra Stuart is CEO of Premier Global, UK, which has built a first class reputation in delivering quality vocational education since 1992. It has some of the strongest sports scientists and industry experts helping shape syllabuses and training delivery. (www.premierglobal. co.uk).   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

CARDIO FITNESS

Elevation Series cardio line from Life Fitness L

ife Fitness introduces the next generation of the Elevation Series treadmills, cross-trainers and Lifecyle exercise bikes with new Discover tablet consoles that deliver the personalized technology today’s plugged-in exercisers demand. The new Discover SE and Discover SI tablet consoles are the first to sync with the Android operating system, in addition to Apple’s iOS platform, and feature an ultra-responsive touch screen with swipe technology for superior navigation. These products are available for B2B segment like hotels, fitness centers and health clubs, as well as for HNI fitness enthusiasts. The new Elevation Series open platform products include: • Discover SE treadmill (19-inch LCD touch screen) • Discover SE cross-trainers and Bikes (16-inch LCD touch screen) • Discover SI treadmills, cross-trainers and bikes (10inch LCD touch screen)

Insignia Series Life Fitness sets a new standard for selectorspecific strength equipment with Insignia Series, a premium line of strength training products that combines best-in-class biomechanics with a sleek, modern design. It includes 21 selectorized strength training 42

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products designed with form and function in mind, to offer customizable options for facility owners. Machines feature independent movements to ensure both the left and right sides of the body perform equal amounts of work. The line includes 15 frame colour options, 30 upholstery choices and six shroud inlays, giving gyms the flexibility to differentiate and refresh their space.

FlexStrider Life Fitness poured its biomechanics expertise into the company’s first-ever variable-stride trainer, resulting in a machine with a free-motion path, allowing exercisers to emulate true walking, jogging and running motions. FlexStrider’s stride length ranges up to 36 inches and lets exercisers vary their length on the fly.

Hammer Strength Select Hammer Strength has announced new offerings with the launch of Select, the rugged, reliable strength equipment that allows exercisers to focus on enhanced performance and movement. It features a 22-piece line of selectorized equipment built to strengthen movements for the whole body, and focuses on function to help exercisers meet their strength goals. These solid, reliable machines are built to stand up to the

CARDIO FITNESS

most intense training environments. A customizable work arm colour is a unique offering in selectorized machines, providing an opportunity for facilities to create an eye-catching look in the strength layout.

Synrgy 360 The Synrgy 360 concept is to provide inspirational fitness experiences to an increasingly diverse audience of exercisers. From customizable, multi-purpose

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

equipment, built-in storage, accessories and flooring, to dynamic training resources, Synrgy 360 is about more than just working out. This revolutionary concept provides limitless opportunities to train smarter, better and more effectively. It is available in configurations such as the Synrgy 360 XL (eight unique training spaces that incorporate 10-rung monkey bars and dedicated area for TRX suspension training), the Synrgy 360 M (six training spaces incorporating seven rung monkey bars) and the Synrgy 360 S (five training spaces).

PowerMill PowerMill is the first-ever step climber introduced by Life Fitness, and is available in the popular Elevation Series line, as well as in Integrity Series. It comes with an AC motor that provides the widest interval training range available in a step climber -- from 12 steps per minute on the low end up to 185 steps per minute at highest speed. Its patented MaxBlox system eliminates toe-pinch and offers a stable platform for starting and ending workouts.

Life Fitness is represented in India by www.cardiofitness.com.   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

MATRIX

Unbeaten convenience of MSFT-300 functional trainer I

nnovation does not begin in a lab, at a factory or on a computer monitor. At Matrix, the biggest and best ideas start with people. Matrix believes the first step in innovation is not to act, but to listen. It asks questions and reflects on the answers in order to get to the crux of the issue at hand. This feedback is translated into product enhancements or prototypes. Matrix has built its reputation with industry-leading cardio and strength products, and also provides solutions tailored to its customers. It partners with the best, most innovative fitness companies in the world in an effort to provide the fullest suite of products to fit any facility or budget. The MSFT-300 functional trainer weighs in at 601 kg and comes with a 2x 131-kg functional weight stack in 1:4 ratio. The weight pins are magnetic and tethered. The self-lubricating weight stack bushings are solid coldrolled steel plate, with Teflon inner bushings. Its 3-point suspension design and guards and pulleys covers come in a total dimension of 169.2 x 130.2 x 234.4 cm. It also has instructional placards, colour-coded pivots and adjusts, bottle and towel holders. The over-sized frame tubing is finished polarized titanium colour, in Matrix’s proprietary two-coat powder process.

Features and Benefits • Multi-grip position pull-up handles with unique rock climbing attachment • Available with 131-kg functional weight stacks • 1:4 ratio for low starting resistance and high-speed movements • Swiveling accessory station accommodates more training handles and attachments • Integrated foldaway step for easy access.

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MATRIX

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

Self-powered A5X ascent trainer T

he Matrix A5X is a self-powered (100-240 V AC) ascent trainer that measures 178x 74x 174 cm, weighs 201 kg and has a maximum user weight of 182 kg. Its 51-61-cm adjustable stride length lends itself to a wide range of motion, and its 20-33-cm stepover height engages the glutes, hamstrings and core stabilizer muscle groups. Its constant rate of acceleration and patented suspension design delivers a perpetually smooth motion free of wheels and tracks. Its contra-lateral action with tapered, dual-action handlebars mimics the body’s true movement and proper fit.

Features and Benefits • • • • • • •

FEATURES Stride Length

51 - 61 cm

Incline Range

24% - 54% (15° range)

Step-on height

24 cm

Contact & Telemetric HR Yes Footpad Insert Type

Yes, premium

Pedal Spacing

6.4 cm

Handlebar Design Multi-position dual action / premium ergo-bend stationary Remote Buttons

Yes

Ethernet Port

Yes

• •

Intuitive LED console display Compatible with iPod for charging Integrated 3-speed personal fan Wi-Fi enabled for use with asset management system Adjustable incline and resistance for greater workout variety Low (24-cm) step-on height for easy accessibility Ergo Form grips with integrated incline and resistance controls enhances comfort and accessibility to key functions Removable disk for easy serviceability Self-powered system provides cost savings and freedom of placement within facility

CONSOLE Display type Display feedback User-defined multi-language display Resistance range Workouts CSAFE Ready-FitLinxx certified Netpulse compatible One-button start On-the-fly programme change FITCONNEXION Ready Wi-Fi iPod® Compatible Asset management compatible: Pause Function Resistance System

Dot-matrix LED with profile display Speed, Level, RPM, Incline, Heart Rate, Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Time of Day, Total Program Time, Distance (km & miles), Calories, Watts, METs, Workout Profile Yes - English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Swedish, Finnish 1-25 Manual, Rolling Hills, Target HR, Interval Training, Constant Watts, Fat Burn, Fitness Test, Glute Training Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - charging Only Yes Yes Brushless generator   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

TRINITY HEALTHTECH

BoxMaster’s 1-2 punch for total body conditioning B

eing revolutionary sometimes requires reinventing the wheel, or in this case, the focus mitt. The BoxMaster by Star Trac takes everything fitness enthusiasts love about boxing – total body work, high energy cardio exertion, and allround fun – and makes it better. “This is one of the most interesting and popular pieces of equipment I have experienced in my 20-plus years as a fitness pro,” explains Sonja Friend-Uhl, Star Trac Master Instructor, personal trainer and health club owner and executive. “Created by champion boxer Rai Fazio, its strategic design caters to both the competitive fighter and the fitness enthusiast who has never worn a glove, but is longing for a fun change from his/her current regimen.”

Popular Workout There is no denying the benefits of boxing. It is a full-body, cardiopumping, calorie-killing way to stay fit while having fun. But boxing in a gym setting has always been a two-person job, with one person donning the gloves and the other person holding the focus mitts to absorb the punches. (Occasionally, one might also find a heavy bag buried deep in the back of the gym as an option for a boxing workout.) Boxing can also be a bit intimidating for those not familiar with the sport, without a personal trainer to help introduce the nuances of each move. The chance for injury to either the boxer throwing punches or 46

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trainer absorbing them can be high, causing some facilities to eliminate boxing as an option in their club. Enter the revolutionary BoxMaster. With a set of 12 strategically placed pads on a secure stand, exercisers can replicate a different style of punch per pad, allowing the participant to throw any punch, or a series of punches, at any time for a completely customized workout experience. Each pad houses a spring system that replicates the “give” a boxer would get on impact, throwing punches at a focus mitt. Because they are punching into a sturdy pad, the boxer’s aim remains consistent, reducing the risk of injury without minimizing the workout. BoxMaster pads can be adjusted to meet the height of almost any user and they are set up to cater to both left and right-hand dominant exercisers at the same time, meaning there is no need to overreach or twist the body in an unnatural, injury-inducing way.

Punch to the Gym Boxing is a great workout, and always has been. And with the BoxMaster, it is now an approachable workout option for anyone in a club, regardless of age, height, or ability. In fact, gyms with at least one BoxMaster in place noted that 55% of their users are women, meaning this workout is truly more approachable to a wider audience than ever before. BoxMaster is a great new workout option, but how does a club introduce it and where does it go on the fitness floor? A12-pad BoxMaster piece only requires a 4x5-metre space, so it can fit wherever there’s room in a gym. It can go near the strength area, in a corner near a functional training space, or in a group exercise studio. There are no moving pieces, so it’s not limited to a confined space as a heavy bag would be. It is ideal as a stand-alone product or it can be incorporated into a high energy, high impact small group training session. In just 30 minutes, exercisers can go through a warm up, active punching reps, active recovery, and a cool down designed to maximize the product and challenge the stamina of any exerciser. And it’s built to last. After more than 600 classes, BoxMaster pads and springs are still going strong with no signs of replacement on the horizon. Star Trac has created a support package to help introduce the programme quickly, efficiently and profitably. The package includes access to online videos; programmes designed for various skill levels and targeted muscle groups; customizable promotional piece templates; tips for revenue and return on investment; set up instructions; and details about live training (for an additional fee). Star Trac’s support package offers the guidance to turn a one-time product investment into a dependable profit centre that differentiates any gym from the competition.

For more information visit www. startrac.com. Star Trac is represented in India by Trinity Healthtech (www. trinityht.com).

TRINITY HEALTHTECH

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

Walking towards a cardio revolution A

sk any gym operator and s/he will tell you that the highest demand cardio pieces are the treadmill and elliptical. During peak times, there are lines of people waiting to work out, or time limits set to ensure that everyone can work out on the equipment they prefer. While various makes and models might get more use than others, there is no denying that these two products dominate cardio decks in gyms of every size. With treads and ellipticals dominating and all other pieces struggling to maintain, much less grow, it’s time for something to take the cardio category by storm. So why not combine the best features of the most popular products into one new modality that can be to cardio what the functional training trend was to strength and group exercise? Introducing the TreadClimber by Star Trac, a low impact cardio workout that offers up to twice the calorie burn of a traditional cardio session in the same amount of time. While the strength and group exercise categories have embraced trends like functional training and efficient, cross-discipline workouts like high intensity interval training (HIIT) and CrossFit, cardio hasn’t had a universally accepted and truly unique modality since the introduction of the elliptical. It’s time for a true game-changing cardio revolution.

Defining the Motion Why do people like these pieces more than others? Treadmills cater to a large segment of the population. Not only is walking the number one

fitness activity worldwide, but it’s also a great way for people to get started on a fitness routine. Walkers can build up to running for improved results and an added challenge. The elliptical offers an equally inviting, yet less customizable experience than the treadmill. With a fixed path and comfortable, oversized foot pads, ellipticals are a low-to-no-impact workout that motivates many to workout longer or harder than they can on other cardio pieces. By understanding the pros and cons of each unit, Star Trac found a simple solution. The TreadClimber would feature dual, user-defined treadles (ramping decks) that provide a low impact, incline-to-flat step pattern. The new modality also targets the glutes and thighs like a stepper, making it a three-in-one solution. Sponsored research conducted at the University of Wisconsin confirmed that walking on the TreadClimber at the same speed as a flat treadmill produced almost twice the calorie burn in the same amount of time. And, walking on the TreadClimber at 5 kmph burns the same amount of calories as running on a flat treadmill at 10 kmph. This is revolutionary for many exercisers – from the avid runner in peak form to the unconditioned or first-time gym user. The TreadClimber can open up greater avenues of health and wellness for those rehabbing from an injury or illness by allowing them to burn calories and increase their heart rate without ever going faster than a

walking pace. But having a new product that offers a unique modality and an overall rewarding workout experience means nothing if users don’t embrace it. So Star Trac incorporated it into the family of cardio products that offer high quality, user-focused features like an easily accessible HotBar with one-finger speed and elevation controls; integrated personal viewing screens; and adjustable personal fans. The TreadClimber has a familiar look and feel, so users can start working out quickly. Plus it looks just like the other Star Trac cardio pieces, fitting seamlessly onto any cardio deck in the same footprint as a treadmill.

Star Trac is represented in India by Trinity Healthtech (www.trinityht. com).

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

STAG INTERNATIONAL

ProForm, the official Tour de France training bike C

limb to a striking summit finish with the strength of rigorous cross training. No matter the route, no matter the terrain, the Tour de France indoor cycle automatically adjusts the incline and decline to simulate the actual landscape. With impressive 20% incline and decline capability, your members can fully train all year for any course in the world. What is more, it is iFit-enabled with Google Maps! With iFit interactive technology, users can bike anywhere in the world. They can choose from 24 pre-mapped courses, or create their own. Tapping into Google Maps, this exclusive ProForm indoor cycle automatically simulates every hill and dip. Plus, the gym/ fitness centre can track users’ progress automatically, compete with their friends, and customize their workout to match their goals! Users can also go from ‘spectator’ to ‘participant’ when they ride key sections of the tour. By logging on to iFit they can draw their own cycling route, anywhere in the world.

Wind resistance The Tour de France indoor cycle presents ‘intelligent wind resistance’, a smart technology that 48

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adjusts the resistance of the bike based on a user’s personalized wind profile. By calculating unique key measurements, the indoor cycle applies the same natural resistance a user would feel on the road.

Electronic gears Icon Heath and Fitness takes training seriously. The Tour de France indoor cycle features customizable gear ratios to match users’ personal road bikes. With a triple front chain-ring and seven back derailleurs, a user can smoothly move through 21 gears down the valleys and over the summits of their personal records.

Colour display Users can stay in control of their workout with the 3.5-inch full-colour display. They can navigate through workout stats and options easily. Or quickly view their speed, time, distance, calories burnt, heart rate, and incline/decline on the easy-toread display.

Music port Rock your workout to your favorite music. Simply plug your iPod into the Intermix Acoustics 2.0 Sound System and listen to incredible sound through two 2-inch speakers.

Others This bike can be easily moved around the exercise area with the built-in transport wheels. Designed to keep users’ feet in place, the pedals are built with adjustable toe straps to increase stability. Smooth, steady pedal strokes with the flywheel, and a faster gear ratio and effective weight placement deliver a more natural striding experience.

About ProForm Elite athletes train for the top percentile. They work day in and day out to beat yesterday’s time, yesterday’s mistakes, and yesterday’s score. They are committed. They are determined. And they are champions. ProForm is more than a brand: it is a trainer, a competitor, an engineer, a fan, and a teammate. With a serious commitment to that top percentile, Icon Health and Fitness works to produce equipment and technology that can take business owners and clients across the finish line, place them on the podium, and push them beyond yesterday’s ideal.

Icon bikes are represented in India by Stag International (www.stag.in).

STAG INTERNATIONAL

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

Soleus GO is a quintessential activity tracker A

wearable fitness and lifestyle sensor gadget from the hills of Austin, Texas. After Australia, Japan and Canada, Stage International now brings Soleus to India. ‘Keep Going’ is our motto to making users’ running experiences simpler. Unlike any gadget, Soleus GO is considered a companion to users’ everyday lifestyle, allowing them to set goals and track their progress throughout the day. Soleus GO keeps track of sleep patterns, as much as exercise routines, and has come to become a fitness coach when paired with a companion mobile app or web account! Its real-time sharp OLED readout also incorporates a caller ID and text message notifications. For this, Soleus GO has made an application available for both iOS and Android users that helps them configure and visually experience the attributes of their activities:

exercise activity, personalized data, total time, average pace, gender, age, height, weight, distance, calories burned; goal setting: daily activity level, how much calorie they want to burn; summary details on daily, weekly & monthly basis.

Measure it all The Soleus GO app allows users to wirelessly sync all daily activities directly to their smart phones. Its activity features allow daily activity tracking, fitness goal tracking, steps taken, calories burned, move time notification. The exercise activity mode records distance travelled (miles/km), average pace and speed. It auto-scrolls through current total of calories burned for the day and current percentage of hitting daily burn goal; accumulated distance for the day; displays current weather and temperature; displays number of incoming calls with access to call

info (call date, time and caller ID); and displays number of incoming text messages with access to text info (text date, time, ID & message). Apart from tracking sleep pattern, auto & manual sleep timer, silent wake-up alarm, it keeps the time & date, incorporates vibration alerts, data memory, silicon strap, rechargeable battery via USB, and displays battery power. It stores 30 days of daily activity, 30 files of exercise data, and 10 days of sleep data. It comes in black-onblack, black-on-white, and black-onpink colours. (www.soleusrunning.com).

With the world’s attention centered on India as the next big economy, the health and fitness industry is waiting for the big boom, but international players like Precor have already started creating events which not only help in brand promotions but also provide awareness and education to the fitness industry. The second Precor Innovation experience in Bangalore was held in June. It was divided into two sessions: one for more than 150 trainers and another for fitness experts from all over South India. The speaker at the event was Mr. Jason Lawrence, an eminent orator with extensive knowledge about running fitness facilities in Australia. He spoke on personal trainers

having their own brand and all the attributes needed to achieve it. The lucky winner of a Precor patented stretch trainer was Mr. Shiva Sundar from Gold’s Gym. “This event was organized not to promote our products, but to create a platform where all fitness experts can come together, network, inspire, be inspired and also have a great time,” said Mr. Mohan Gupta, Managing Director of Gympac, the Indian partner for Precor. Precor designs and builds premium fitness equipment for effective workouts that feel smooth and natural. It has such breakthrough product categories as the EFX elliptical, adaptive motion trainer (AMT) and Preva networked fitness.

SNIPPETS

Precor holds ‘Innovation Experience’ in Bangalore

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

FOCUS FITNESS

Working out on harmonic waves

P

ower Plate is the global leader in whole-body vibration. Installing Power Plate in a gym/ fitness facility is an indication of its commitment, offering the best ways to train. Gyms will find new members, keep existing ones, and unlock the growth opportunities in personal and small group training. Engineered to apply the science behind a body’s natural response to destabilisation, Power Plate technology uses a vibrating platform to amplify the effects of any exercise performed. It creates a safe, consistent, controlled level of vibration (referred to as harmonic wave) that moves the platform up and down, forward and back and left to right. The platform produces 25 to 50 vibrations per second, at precisely

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controlled amplitudes, which triggers reflexive contractions in the muscles, the body’s natural response to the destabilisation. With a wide range of commercial and home use models, flagship products include the Power Plate Pro7 and the Power Plate My7, which boast integrated touch screens with hundreds of customised programmes to take clients through every step of their Power Plate session, and embedded proMotion multi-directional cables offering multiple levels of challenge. Certified by the Medical Device Directive (MDD), Power Plate has numerous health and wellness benefits: • Strength: It improves muscle tone, builds power and endurance • Flexibility: Increases range of

motion, coordination, balance and stability • Circulation: Improves and increases blood flow to strengthen the cardiovascular system • Weight loss: Reduces body fat and enhances metabolism • Cellulite reduction: Diminishes the appearance of cellulite • Anti-ageing: Stimulates antiaging hormones, benefitting skin, bone, and internal systems • Alleviate pain: Promotes faster recovery of damaged muscles and tendons, decreases pain and improves joint function.

Power Plate is represented in India by Focus Fitness(www.focusfitness. com).

FOCUS FITNESS

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

RealRyder ushers new era in indoor cycling “I

can never go back to a stationary bike”. It is something one often hears from some of the millions of RealRyder owners, instructors and outdoor cyclists who train on the bike. RealRyder can’t go back either: it firmly believes the traditional, rigid stationary bike is dead. Rather than decorate a static indoor bike with gadgets and gizmos that take people out of their cycling experience, the mission behind the RealRyder Bike was to create the best indoor bike on the planet – one that is not only built to last, but also incorporates the fun and freedom that a real bike offers. Invented by a competitive cyclist who was seeking a more effective way to train indoors, the RealRyder Bike now has indoor riders completely addicted in 50 countries around the globe. The RealRyder ABF8 Indoor Cycle has evolved the traditional indoor cycle from a one-dimensional pedalling contraption to a fluid, multidimensional indoor riding machine. Offering superior biomechanical, physiological and emotional benefits to the rider, the world’s first and only functional indoor cycle is also the most durable indoor bike on the market. The patented articulating bike frame and operational headset exclusive to the RealRyder Indoor Cycle allows users to lean, turn, steer and balance through three essential planes of motion, becoming fully engaged with the bike, and overall riding experience. Whether the user is a cycling nut or a functional training junkie, the RealRyder Bike offers superior biomechanical, physiological and emotional benefits over everyday stationary bikes.

Key Benefits: • Increases core strength and stability • Challenges balance, full-body coordination and proprioceptive skills • Recruits more muscles during learning and steering movements • Burns approximately 20% more calories compared to a conventional stationary bike • Improves endurance, speed and agility for sport • Identifies and helps correct muscle and joint imbalances

• Benefits from greater joint mobility (especially, hips, back and knees) • Bike moves with the body’s natural pedalling motion

Shipping Carton Dimensions • 140cm x 89cm x 43 cm • Net weight: 102.97 kg (bike only) • Total carton weight: 114.53 kg

RealRyder is represented in India by Focus Fitness. (www.focusfitness.com).

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Assembled Bike Weight Flywheel Weight Colour Water Bottle Holders Diameter

150cm x 80cm x 105cm 102.97 kg 30 kg Black frame & shrouding, polished flywheel Two, integrated 3/16-inch rated to 907 kg.

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

PRECOR

‘One size fits all’ makes sense now! P

recor’s new adaptive motion trainer, the AMT-885 with Open Stride, creates a whole new feeling during a workout. Savvy operators immediately see the benefits of a machine that enables exercisers of all levels to personalize their workouts and keep them engaged, challenged and loyal. The AMT has already proven that it burns calories at a higher rate than other cardio equipment. And it doesn’t hurt that the AMT-885 takes pressure off your other equipment by delivering a range of motions similar to what they offer. The AMT885 from Precor will be the hardest working piece of cardio equipment in your facility, and the easiest, most enjoyable to use. Open Stride sets users free to adjust their stride height at will (17-25 cm). Combine this with the AMT’s ability to dynamically adapt the exercisers’ stride length (0-91 cm).

variety of motion paths. Go vertical and it’s becomes a stepper. Increase resistance and it is a climber. Then go more horizontal and walk, jog or sprint with a stride length that goes up to 91 cm. For once, one-size-fits-all is not a compromise in performance! The engineered flexibility built into the new AMT means that no exerciser has to spend time adjusting the equipment or settling for a machine that doesn’t quite fit.

• The new look is tighter, lighter and leaner. • New right and left grips with three distinct positions accommodate smaller hands. • Rodeo grip provides stability when focusing on lower body workout.

This AMT with Open Stride fits virtually every exerciser, regardless of size and fitness level, while providing an infinite range of motion paths that will deliver the workout they want. Every little thing adds up to an amazing experience.

Highlights • An all-new platform that delivers improved motion and feel.

• Support tubes curve out for easy access.

This enables an infinite range of motion paths and the capability to duplicate the workout of treadmills, ellipticals and bikes. Open Stride can deliver similar workouts.

• Open Stride provides adjustable stride height to create a personalized fit, greater workout variety for exercisers of all sizes and levels of fitness.

• Storage zone is 500% larger.

Open Stride lets you not only change the length of your stride but also the height, providing an infinite

• Increases stride length from 6991 cm, to accommodate runners and taller users.

• Handgrips with belt guards for safety. • New pedal and toe cap for greater range; no pinching. • Centre cover protects frame from liquids and adds a finished look. • Large step-up removable platform is easier to position and move.

Precor designs and builds premium fitness equipment for effective workouts that feel smooth and natural. Over nearly three decades, its equipment has been chosen by health clubs, hotels, spas and individuals all over the world. Its hallmarks are ergonomic motion and superior engineering, based on proven science. (www.precor.com) 52

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PRECOR

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

Preva experience: connecting users with technology T

housands of facilities worldwide utilize Preva to provide exercisers with a personalized, goal-focused fitness and media experience that has been proven to increase facility visits and retention. Preva on-console software differentiates by helping you communicate with exercisers right on the console, manage your equipment in the cloud, and delight your exercisers with access to personal accounts and web-based entertainment. The Preva experience exemplifies the Precor “fitness is foremost” philosophy, designed to enhance the workout experience without distracting.

The strategically simple design of the P80 console provides a headsup viewing angle, allowing for proper biomechanics and posture during the workout. Features, such as the optional web browser, are only accessible to exercisers during workouts, ensuring your equipment is always used for fitness. With 22,000 networked units across 56 countries and more than 70 million workouts logged since its launch in 2010, Preva is the industry’s proven networked fitness solution. It provides operators with powerful communication and cardio optimization tools. Preva In-Touch and Feed Publisher allow you to send in-workout messages and custom content to exercisers, while Preva Asset Manager provides real-time equipment usage insights, trends and reports. Preva keeps exercisers coming back to your facility with a personalized workout experience, available through both networked Precor cardio equipment and the Preva mobile app. With their data stored in the cloud, exercisers are able to set and track progress toward their fitness goals on your equipment, or while away from the facility with the Preva mobile app. The Preva Token, an RFID-enabled fob, gives them quick account access to start their workouts faster.

improve equipment management, increase retention and drive revenue. Preva features an integrated software and hardware experience that combines the touch-screen technologies found in the latest mobile phones and electronic tablets with proprietary software to provide a rich and inviting interface. Many have tried to develop a networked fitness solution that connects operators, exercisers and technology. Preva is the first to deliver on the full promise.

Preva Mobile App

Made for iPhone and Android



Log all fitness activity, even when walking completing a marathon



Get credit for activities outside the gym that count towards your weekly goals



Collect fun achievement badges, and proudly share them on Facebook and Twitter

Preva networked fitness is the inspired connection of people and the technology that empowers their fitness journey. These same technologies also help facility operators better manage their business with solutions that   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

PHYSIQUE INDIA

G6B is beyond simple pressing motions I

f you love the feel of free weights, you will want the consumers’ choice, Body-Solid G6B, rated a Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy’ over all the competition. Body-Solid has advanced gym technology beyond simple pressing motions. Body-Solid’s patented bi-angular press arm guides the users through the optimal range of motion while applying resistance from two directions simultaneously. This smooth, fluid, multi-directional resistance increases muscle interaction by 25% by eliminating the ability to rest the chest muscles. This helps to increase the exercise intensity through a full range of safe, convergent, multi-joint, multi-plane movement patterns. Users can enjoy the benefits of bi-angular technology when doing chest presses, incline presses and shoulder presses. It’s

like working out with free weights. The high-pulley station enables performance of lat pull downs, triceps press downs, cable crossovers and many more exercises. Adjustable hold-down pads stabilize the body for lifts beyond the user’s body weight. Unique versatility allows users to increase the strength and endurance of their back muscles. To develop awesome abs and terrific triceps quickly, the midpulley strength training station is bio-mechanically engineered for smooth, comfortable, full range of motion crunching movement. It is specifically designed for firming, flattening and isolating the entire abdominal area. The perfect pec station is equipped with swivel arms and designed for both unilateral and bilateral movements to give the maximum

stretch for deep muscle toning, and the most incredible upper body development possible. The leg curl station is ready to help meet users’ goals when they’re ready to build muscular legs and stronger knee joints. The leg developer’s smooth glide bearing system, combined with the self-aligning leg cuffs, guide users through the most demanding leg curls and leg extensions. The low-pulley station is essential for well-developed backs. Seated row exercises build depth in the middle back and train hard to reach lower lats. Low-pulley swivels smoothly and fully to provide accurate resistance for cable curls, upright rows, shrugs, leg abduction, leg adduction and much more. The advanced 95-kg alloy weight stack plates are machine-drilled to exact specifications and employ state of-the-art nylon bushings for super-smooth and quiet operation.

Technical Details • Patented bi-angular converging press station replicates a free weight dumbbell press and produces 25% more muscle interaction. • Chest, incline, shoulder press and leg developer stations incorporate the friction-free smooth glide bearing system. • Self-aligning, contoured leg extension cuffs automatically adjust throughout the exercise movement. • Integrated leg developer CAM prevents resistance drop-off at the end of the exercise movement and provides consistent resistance throughout full range of motion. • 95-kg selectorised weight stack, with optional 118-kg weight stack available. • High-density, top grade DuraFirm pads with lumbar support provide ultimate comfort and prevent lower back strain. 54

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• Telescoping, chrome-plated, gasassist adjustable seat post for quick, smooth adjustment and proper body positioning. • Flip-up seated row foot brace plate stabilizes your body when using heavy resistance. • 999-kg tension strength, military spec, steel aircraft cables with swiveling ends provide durability and low maintenance. • Pulleys are impact-resistant, fiberglass-reinforced nylon with precision machined steel ball bearings. • 11-gauge mainframe construction assures maximum strength, function and durability.

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

• Tough, durable, electrostatically applied powder coat finish. • Easy to use, space saving, nocable-change design. • Includes revolving lat bar, revolving straight bar, ankle strap, abs/triceps strap, Total Body Workout DVD, full-size exercise chart and convenient water bottle and towel

Body-Solid Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality fitness equipment for home and commercial markets. Its wide range is distributed in India by Physique India Pvt. Ltd. (www.physiqueindia.com).

DIMENSIONS Floor Space

215cm x 127cm x 212cm

With Leg Press Option

15cm x 208cm x 212cm

Live Working Area

215cm x 213cm x 212cm

With Leg Press Option

215cm x 243cm x 212cm

SNIPPETS

Snap opens in Lucknow, eyes 5 new centres in Delhi With more than 50 clubs already running in India, Snap Fitness is now looking to offer residents of Lucknow a fresh new way to approach fitness and train differently. Having grown in a bustling city with more jobs, more people and busier lives, there is less time to do what is of utmost importance in today’s day and age: exercise. With this foray Snap Fitness is looking at changing this. Snap Fitness’ Director for Marketing, Srileka Reddy said, “We are very excited to enter Lucknow. The fitness market has immense potential. In the last few months we have received innumerable franchise opportunities from the market in Uttar Pradesh and with the help of like-minded partners, we look forward to further expand here.” Snap Fitness has signed up 60+ more fitness centres in Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad,

The brand-new facility in Lucknow, inaugurated in September.

Mumbai and Gurgaon. “We are looking at opening five new clubs in Delhi, in Vasant Kunj, Pitampura, Vasundhara, Greater Kailash and Vikas Marg, by mid-October. This would bring up our count to eight in Delhi NCR, with existing locations in Janakpuri, Gujranwala and Gurgaon,” she added. Open 24 hours, the focus is on providing members with the best

equipment, guidance, and valueadded services to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. Snap Fitness, headquartered in Minneapolis, is a recognized global leader in the fitness industry. Its presence is spread across the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, England, Egypt and India, with more than 2,500 clubs in 1,450 locations.

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PHYSIQUE INDIA

ZR11 treadmill: science in motion E

very time a runner’s foot connects with the ground during a run, a force similar -and in some cases greater -- than his/ her body weight is transmitted back up his/her lower body. As a treadmill user, it is extremely important to have the necessary equipment to support his/her fitness activities. Inspired by Reebok ZigTech technology, a cushioning and energy return feature has been incorporated that enhances the workout. ZigTech reduces stress in the flutes, hamstrings and shins by harnessing the shock waves made while running. The zig-shaped treadmill cushioning absorbs the impact of heel strike and sends a shock wave along the length of the running deck to disperse high levels of energy, and ultimately assists joints and muscles during exercise. The Reebok ZR11 treadmill is everything anybody would want in a treadmill to enhance users’ overall fitness. A powerful 2.5-HP continuous motor, coupled with the more than ample 137x50cm running range, provides the ideal platform for a variety of different intensity runs. With a maximum speed of 18 kmph and 15 different incline levels -- all conveniently controlled through the stylish LCD backlit display -- the different combinations of workout are almost endless! To make sure your clients are on the right track there are 24 pre-set programmes, combining different inclines and speeds for a surprisingly varied workout. If a user wants to set his/her own workout programme there is space for this too, with userdefined functions! As well as being a fantastic, popular

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piece of equipment for improving overall cardiovascular health, treadmill running can actually help you tone and strengthen muscles. With the varied incline levels on all of Reebok’s treadmills, users can work various muscle groups harder than they normally would during an outdoor run. For that extra challenge Reebok recommends integrating weights or dumbbells into the user’s training, which also helps tone his/her arms, something often neglected during running. As with all of the ZR series treadmills, innovative cushioning inspired by Reebok ZigTech is at the heart of this treadmill, with multipoint cushioning at the front and middle of the running deck. The benefit to this is that the impact of every step is reduced to provide a more comfortable run and reduce injury.

Reebok fitness equipment carries a comprehensive on-site warranty of 2 years, and the treadmill drive motor carries a 3-year warranty.

Technical Details • Dimension: 186cm x 90cm x 145cm. • Folded: 110cm x 90cm x 159cm. • Multi-point ZigTech cushioning system • Easy folding with soft drop mechanism • Quick speed/ incline and handlebar controls • 16 electronic incline levels • 2.5-HP motor • Speeds of 1-18 kmph • LCD display with blue and yellow backlight, cooling fan, MP3 input plus speakers and separate volume control. • Speed/ time/ distance/ calories/ pulse/ incline/ programme display/ chart profiles • 24 preset programmes plus body fat, 3 target programmes and 3 user-defined programmes • Hand pulse sensors • 137cm x 50cm running area • Maximum user weight 130 kg.

Reebok Fitness Equipment is the world’s leading fitness brand, specializing in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of a comprehensive range of fitness equipment to both the commercial and home markets. It is distributed in South, West and Central India by Physique India Pvt. Ltd (www.reebokfitness.in).

APPLE

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

The Apple of your eye? Smart Watch promises breakthrough in fitness awareness, but only time will tell it apart from the others

S

eptember 9 was not an ordinary day in Cupertino, California. Apple unveiled its new model of iPhones – but this time it was a new device that stole the show. Apple’s expansion into entirely new market of “smart watches” had been anticipated for a year, and Apple Watch was clearly the most anticipated product of the year. Apple Watch is a wearable device with computing power, which can do amazing things: play music, make and receive calls, text and audio recordings, exchange heart beats which can be felt, control Apple TV and home devices, and make payments at stores (with Apple Pay). It can make a walkie-talkie call with fellow users, track your caloric expenditure while working out, monitor your heart rate, help you navigate on the road – tell the time, of course! – and much more. Apple Watch is made of stainless steel, Apple Watch Sport of aluminum and Apple Watch Edition is made of gold, no less than 18 carat! The screen is made of sapphire, which is second hardest transparent material after diamond. The touch screen is super-sensitive, it detects touch and press differently, the touch is to tap on something on the screen, and a slightly harder press is akin to right click on a mouse. The problem with smart watches is that since they have smaller screens compared to phones, the screens get blocked from sight when we touch to

zoom or scroll. Apple comes with a major breakthrough here: the Digital Crown at the right edge (which can come on the left side for left-handed users). The button has functions like access to home screen, scroll down, zoom, and also access to Siri. A button below the crown offers a set of controls that don’t need the screen touch. The user can draw an emoji icon with his/her finger and send it to a friend, record one’s heart beat and send across to loved one(s), or even send vibration “love taps”.

What’s New The major relevance of a smart watch is as a fitness device, and this is where Apple Watch claims to beat them all. A majority of fitness devices focus on power training for athletes, but Apple changes the landscape by combining everyday wellness and training. Apps can track daily activities like movements, exercise and even standing. When users sets a goal, the watch reminds them to complete tasks when they are trailing. It keeps a track of daily progress and the number of calories burned. Workout, is a real-time motivator and teacher app, suggesting the user increase his/her goal when s/he has completed one. It also keeps track of the user’s pace, distance covered, time and calories burned. The accelerometer and gyroscope, both introduced to the world of personal devices by Apple, are inbuilt in Apple Watch, to measure

How It Works

By necessity most smart watches are ancillaries to their master smart phones, and so is Apple Watch. It works with iPhones 5, 5C, 5S, 6, and 6-Plus



Through Bluetooth radio it piggybacks off the Wi-Fi and the GPS of the iPhone



It has a magnetic inductor charging, but needs charging overnight



Powered by a wholly new S-1 processor



Equipped with gyroscope and accelerometer

speed and orientation. But the jewel on the crown is the heart rate monitor: four sapphire lenses on the back of the watch that optically measure pulses. The monitor will be an all-day tracker, keep the user aware every day of his/ her cardiac health. All iDevices are known for their richness in apps. A lot more apps for the watches are expected, enhancing the wearable experience, and a majority of them should be for fitness. The real test will come when the watch is released in markets in early 2015. The Apple Watch comes in a range of designs and straps to match individual preferences. We will wait to see how much of a ‘personal trainer’ Apple Watch can be!

– Suraj Uprety   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

GRAND SLAM FITNESS

SportsArt Fitness ushers Green System H

elping people to get fit while saving the planet is the mission of SportsArt Fitness. The company provides self-powered or energy-creating treadmills, cycles and elliptical machines for its customers. The new machines, part of SportsArt Fitness’ Green System products, attach to inverters that harness human-generated power from exercisers and then feed electricity back into the power grid as useable energy. One inverter is capable of linking 10 green system products and produces up to 2,000 Watthours of power. “This means that the energy of the person on the cardio machine is actually producing positive energy being used to light streets, listen to the radio or charge their laptop,” Marketing Head George Chang says. “Every time someone works out, they are actually helping provide power to the gym, or even someone else in your city.” Although treadmills from SportsArt Fitness use 32% less power than traditional treadmills, it doesn’t mean their quality is lower, adds George Chang.

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“Many of our ellipticals are selfgenerating and some even create power and perform just as well, or better than any commercial cardio product. Yet they provide unique innovations that make people think about the impact their actions have on the environment,” he says. Members at fitness clubs love knowing that they’re helping save the planet while exercising. And, the machines are saving on electricity costs. SportsArt’s passion for going green also sets them apart from other brands when it comes to marketing and serving niche populations. “Imagine every small gym saving a little bit of energy. But just imagine how much energy we could save if gyms all over the country started using the equipment,” Chang points out. “It would be amazing. As long as the quality of products isn’t lower, why wouldn’t anyone love these machines?” The machines not only display the calories each user burns, but also show how many Watts of power they’ve put back on the grid, a number that many members use as a way of competing with one another. “It’s just a really cool thing to see what you are actually contributing,” Chang says. Also included is a points accumulation system for energy created by each user. Exercisers can then redeem points for discounts at the club. And those points can lead to contests and

competitions with other members! The system is fully integrated with social media, includes accessible personal workout data via the user’s email address as the ID, and includes iPhone applications. SportsArt Fitness’ green machines have only been on the market for a short time but are selling very well, Chang says. “We have a lot of interest from American universities, and that seems to be a big area for growth with this product line. They are early adopters of technology and often lead facilities to better solutions.” Many universities are even able to purchase the eco-friendly fitness machines using their sustainability budgets, even if they don’t currently have a budget for new fitness equipment. “It offers the opportunity to teach students about energy and provide them with a state-of-the-art fitness machine,” Chang notes. The company’s plan for growth is to reach out to other business owners, who have a sustainability mission or simply want to give their users the opportunity to put their energy to good use. They are also targeting clubs, universities, hotels and corporate fitness centres that want to make an investment in green technology.

SportsArt is represented by Grand Slam Fitness in India. (www.grandslamfitness.co.in)

GRAND SLAM FITNESS

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

SportsArt’s S770 Pinnacle trainer: Watts with workouts! H

itting the gym is about to get a whole lot greener as SportsArt Fitness recently unveiled an energy-generating exercise machine that produces Watts as you work out! The company’s new S770 Pinnacle trainer features a kinetic energygenerating design that feeds excess electricity back into the power grid. The machine can generate up to 2,000 Watts during use and, for multi-equipment gyms, potentially save lakhs of rupees in electricity bills each year. The machine utilizes forwardbackward and medial-lateral motion to improve core stability and balance, and activates various muscle groups for a complete workout. It also has a monitor for heart rate, and it is completely powered by the kinetic energy generated during a workout – all one needs to do is start exercising! “The power inverter attached to the green system is about the size of a stereo receiver and operates on 208-240 Volts AC power,” says Bob Baumgartner, Product Manager for SportsArt Fitness. “The product feels and acts like any other cardio product. But what happens behind the scenes is not like any other cardio product.” This S770 is also a great option for those who prefer to set up their own home gym: it represents a good longterm monetary investment, and is a huge step forward for environmental sustainability. Designed to be different, the S770 Pinnacle trainer uniquely combines cardio and core training. Other cardio fitness products employ the large muscle groups associated with

forward motion. The S770 Pinnacle combines this forward motion with sideways movement to employ small muscle groups that enhance core stability and balance. Not only can exercisers on this product improve users’ cardiovascular health and tone their large muscle groups, but they can also strengthen their core – a unique combination in the realm of cardio fitness products. Results of a university study confirm that the new S770 Pinnacle provides similar heart rate and caloric expenditures to those a user would experience when running on a treadmill at between 7-8 kmph. Users also burned calories 30% faster than they did when using an elliptical machine at a similar cadence. Previous university testing has indicated that the Pinnacle’s unique motion is safe for joints and could actually improve balance. This study utilized male and female participants between the ages of 20-24 years with average levels of fitness. Heart rate and RPE were recorded at the end of each minute of the exercise test. “The Pinnacle trainer offers fitness enthusiasts all the benefits of a high-intensity workout on a machine that won’t pound your joints and, in turn, is less likely to aggravate injuries,” Amber Maechler, Director of Marketing for SportsArt Fitness said. “The overall muscle activation and calorie burn provided by this machine is unparalleled in the fitness industry. You won’t get this kind of workout on other low-impact machines.”

S770 Highlights • Ideal for sports conditioning: users can simulate all forms of climb, plus have the option to perform short stride intervals in wider positions • Stride length is user defined to promote a variety of goals and training modalities • Two footplate adjustments provide greater comfort when exercising for longer periods, or more aggressive positioning for training at higher intensities • Comes with lifetime warranty (frame) on high-use 24x7 facilities; 5 years on parts.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS Feedback: Calories/calories per hour, Distance, Time, Speed, Mets, Watts, Heart rate (actual and target), Steps, Resistance levels

Workout programmes: Manual, Mountain, Plateau, Interval, Cardio weight loss and custom HRC, Fat burn, Fit test

Accessories: • USB power port • CSAFE compatible • CardioActive Entertainment Station option • iPod connectivity optional

SportsArt is represented by Grand Slam Fitness in India. (www.grandslamfitness.co.in)   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

TECHNOGYM

Adding panache to fitness regime W

ant to enjoy a movie, play an exciting game, send an urgent email or make a presentation to meet a deadline while you work out? Staying fit has become a necessity, and fitness equipments with just the health benefits are passé. High-heeled consumers are now looking for equipment that not only take care of their health but also entertain and pamper them, making the workout pleasant and interesting. Technogym, the world leader in the design of fitness equipment, has launched Run Personal, the firstof-its-kind treadmill which has the perfect synthesis of cutting-edge technology, unbeatable design, and supremely innovative materials. It’s an ideal unit for homes, hotels, spas, and any other wellness environment. Says Mr. Pankaj Arora, MD, GeoSpafitness India, “Run Personal is the state-of-the-art treadmill for people looking for professional cardio training experience, together with highly engaging multimedia entertainment. What make Run Personal so unique are its highly innovative features, marked by the selection of precious, elegant materials, never used before in training equipment.” Run Personal is designed with exceptional inbuilt features: softtouch materials such as tempered glass and aluminium, integrated TV, iPod & iPhone connections, and

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large 19-inch screens. It also has a Visio digital platform for managing workout and entertainment options, USB connectivity for personal multimedia content, games and visual guides to train your mind while exercising and is compatible with Wellness System . This product is indicated for training the cardio-respiratory system, losing or maintaining weight, strengthening and toning the lower body, fighting stress, training mind and body, and is suitable for beginners and professionals.

Premium Offering With innovations in technology catching up fast globally, there has been a revolution in the fitness regime. The latest innovations in this concept have been developed by Technogym and introduced in Cross Personal, taking fitness to higher level of imagination. It is the ideal training experience to beginners and the sportive ones. The elliptical movement trajectory offers a smooth and impact-free feeling. At the same time the upper

and lower limbs’ coordinated action ensures maximum caloric expenditure. Cross Personal is the first cross-trainer connected to the Web, thanks to the integrated VisioWeb display. It also has the Wellness Atelier concept introduced by Technogym to provide a truly bespoke wellness experience, adding unprecedented product customization options. It combines premium leather, expert craftsmanship and attention to detail (nine palette variations, contrast-stitching, upholstered accents) to give a unique look to your designer workout equipment.

TECHNOGYM

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

200 exercises The ultimate in designer furnishing for home fitness or wellness spaces is Kinesis Personal. It returns you to the origins of human movement, freeing you to re-discover four fundamental physical abilities: endurance, balance, strength and flexibility. The revolutionary feature is the patented ‘Fullgravity’ design, inspired by nature and science to allow unrestricted, enjoyable movement. Kinesis Personal helps you build strength, flexibility, resistance, coordination, posture control and breathing control. Easy to use, the multipurpose machine with three handgrips in the Alpha, Beta and Gamma positions allow for more than 200 different exercises. Kinesis Personal returns the human being to the centre of the picture and technology takes second place. The resistance applied is regulated by a sophisticated and technologically patented innovation whereby a revolutionary system of force gradually increases the resistance quietly, smoothly and in total safety. Its full-gravity feature has the pivoting pulley system which provides smooth movement in all dimensions.

Ergonomic Bike The new exercise bike that marries Technogym’s expertise in designing skills and modern technology is the Recline Personal, which lets you connect to the Internet, thanks to the integrated VisioWeb display. An intuitive touch screen with simple visual applications allows you to check your email, or relax and have fun online by catching up with your favourite websites or TV. It can also be used to watch TV, access your iPhone and a wide range of training programmes. It is specially designed for a comfortable cardio exercise along with toning the legs, without stressing the back. From an ergonomics point of view the Recline Personal seat is extremely innovative: both the seat and the backrest have been designed to produce the style and performance to the best.

Italy’s Technogym SpA is represented in India by www.geospafitness.com.

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

SPINNING

SPINNING

Indoor cycling and the Nutella principle In 1979, Italian confectionery maker Michele Ferrero launched a catchy and appealing slogan: “If Nutella is in it, it must say so”. At the time there was much more to the slogan than just a moral claim. Here brand awareness was being skilfully created and conveyed across the world. Today, every child knows that Nutella chocolate cream comes from a particular supplier, not from anyone else.

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B

ut what does a sandwich spread brand have to do with cycling? Conceptually, a whole lot: because there are pioneers in every industry setting the trends. Jonathan Goldberg, aka “Johnny G”, is one such name in the world of indoor cycling. In the early 1990s, this cycling professional developed a totally new kind of integrated group training programme on a stationary fitness cycle. During his wife’s pregnancy, Johnny could not go on long cycle tours and so could not optimally prepare for the ‘Race of America’. Just to stay close to his wife, without further ado, he shifted his training sessions indoors and installed a stationary cycle in his garage which was equipped with a special flywheel. He then invited his friends and neighbours to participate in this self-developed indoor training regimen. This laid the foundation of one of

the most successful group training programmes of all time. To boost the motivation to work out, Johnny chose appropriate rhythmic music for its indoor training sessions. The result was a complete novel exercising approach where cycling enthusiasts, in a 45-minute session under a specially trained coach, could finish an imaginary route (plains and mountains) on a cycle with an appropriate tonal background.

Concept to Brand Together with John Baudhuin, current CEO of the company, Johnny founded the first fitness company, Mad Dogg Athletics Inc. (MDA), in Venice, California. The founders chose Spinning as the brand name for their fitness training, under which their indoor cycling programme and the associated stationary cycles called Spinner Bikes became worldfamous.

SPINNING

Cycling in groups on stationary fitness cycles fast gained tremendous popularity. In mid 1990s, because of the well-developed bike technique based on Johnny G’s methods, this new group training drew more crowds and was a runaway hit among fitness enthusiasts. It also proved to be a successful group fitness programme world-wide. The joint sales company MDA had the name Spinning registered for the first time in 1994. around the same time, the training programme ‘Spinning Instructor Certified Programme’ was also developed. Here fitness trainers were specially trained to teach Spinning courses in fitness studios so as to offer indoor training in more places and countries. In a very short period, the Spinning wave surged through North America and all over Europe. Since its inception, MDA has certified over 2,20,000 Spinning instructors across the globe. Today, more than 85,000 spinning instructors, who have been trained by MDA and its license agreement partners, teach the programme in Europe. The umbrella brands Spinning and Spinner are now protected in more than 75 countries around the world.

Trademark Rights The success of the original Spinning indoor cycling training programme attracted a lot of competitors who brought their own products and programmes in the market. Some of the well-known competitors of MDA are Keiser, Les Mills, Tomahawk and Precor, who have marketed their

PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

At fitness conventions, Spinning enjoys great popularity.

own indoor cycling programmes and products, either under the free generic name ‘indoor cycling’ or under varied brand names like ‘Schwinn Cycling’ or ‘Body Bike’. After the brand name Spinning was offered full protection in favour of MDA (trademark protection includes fitness devices, stationary fitness cycle, fitness training, fitness lectures, fitness consultations, apparel, shoes and sound recordings), the free generic name ‘indoor cycling’ has established itself in the fitness world as the sport of group cycling on a stationary cycle in the gym. Because of the existing trademark rights, only licensed gyms can use the symbol Spinning in the external representation and on their course plans. The same applies to the use of the symbol Spinning for the sale of indoor bikes, sports apparel, shoes, CDs and DVDs. Only authorized fitness studios that are equipped with the original indoor bikes, and in which the courses are conducted by certified instructors, can be recognized by MDA as an official Spinning centre. As in the Nutella principle, a product or a service can be characterized or promoted with Spinning only if it is based on the Spinning training method. All other products and services that have nothing to do with MDA or its authorized distributors can be referred to and advertised as “indoor cycling products” or “indoor cycling workout” or, of course, with respective manufacturers’ own brand, such as Tomahawk or Precor.

Facing the Music What the brands Spinning and Nutella have in common is that they convey a high-quality advertising message and indicate the origin from a particular manufacturing plant. Whoever intrudes the “function of origin” by promoting an unauthorised foreign product under the well-known brand name or conducts a fitness course under the name of well-known brand without licensing, commits a trademark infringement and must face the consequences. Normally the “infringers” have to pay up a penalty-based declaration of omission and obligation, information, compensation of damages and warning costs, the distribution of labelled goods to some extent the destruction thereof. The term ‘indoor cycling’ is devoid of third-party rights and can be used by anyone without any risk. But the widespread notion that Spinning is synonymous with indoor cycling is totally wrong. ‘Indoor cycling’ is the name of a sporting activity, whereas Spinning is a proprietary, trademarked work-out on special training equipment under the guidance of a certified instructor.

– Jens H. Steinberg



Jens H. Steinberg is a managing partner of the Berlin office of Grey Hills Lawyers, an international trademark law specialist firm.

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PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

EKFA

World-class kettlebells, made in India K

ettlebells manufactured by the Energy Kettlebell Fitness Academy (EKFA) in Pune, Maharashtra, are largest selling kettlebells in India, with over 10,000 kg already sold to clients from Leh (Jammu & Kashmir) to Sri Lanka. EKFA kettlebells come in two different types: casting and competition bells. Casting bells are solid kettlebells (6kg to 12kg), made from high-grade cast iron. These are given an epoxy coating or enamel coating, along with lacquer to increase the life of its colour. The cannonball size and diameter of the handle increases as the size and weight of the kettlebell increases, which makes for a cumbersome grip to lift. That is the main disadvantage of casting solid kettlebells. Competition bells, on the other hand, are made up of cast steel and are hollow. Irrespective of the weight of the kettlebells, the outer diameter does not change: it is only the internal core that varies. This makes the competition kettlebells most effective and easy to use for fitness centre members or athletes. Thin handles with superb finish and with internationally-approved colour coding for different weights of kettlebells (yellow is 16 kg, green is 24 kg and red 32 kg) gives an additional advantage over casting kettlebells.

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Competition kettlebells are expensive, as compared to casting kettlebells, but the advantages of the former far outweigh those of cast iron kettlebells.

Words of Caution Rubber-coated casting kettlebells must be strictly avoided for two reasons: first, rubber produces heat during repetitive exercise movements (clean and jerk) and result in painful bruises on shoulders. The rubber on the handle causes a “step” on the kettlebells, which places additional load on the wrists during “cleans” and leads to painful bruises to the wrists. Steel handle kettlebells are smooth and lack good grip. They are also not recognised as standard exercise equipment. Plastic kettlebells are also non-standard equipment: their design is absurd, handle diameter varies, and plastic does not absorb sweat. These three types of kettlebells should not be used, even for

practice, as their use can cause injuries.

For more information email: [email protected].

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TRAINING

KETTLEBELLS

Kettle or bell? It’s wholesome fitness! B

efore understanding kettlebells, let us understand fitness. Be it yoga, dance, lifting weights, running or something similar, everyone takes the easiest way to achieving it. We need to understand that it is the wholesome way, not just any single activity, that leads to fitness and wellness. Throughout prehistoric times, man’s quest for fitness has been driven by a desire to survive through hunting and gathering. Today, though no longer driven by subsistence requirements, fitness remains paramount to good health and wellbeing. A kettlebell looks like a solid castiron kettle without a spout. It started in rural Russia as a counterbalance for weighing grains. Russian peasants picked it up and swung it around for a bit of convenient weight training. Over time, the Russian military understood its potential and started to use it. They were followed by Russian strongmen, weightlifters a n d wrestlers. Today it is regarded by fitness experts as the ultimate training tool for all-round fitness and physical development. Kettlebells are easy to use, but it is recommended to learn it under an expert initially. W a t c h i n g YouTube videos

Celebrity trainer Abbas Ali swears by kettlebell training.

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and executing the drills cannot help understand kettlebells and related exercises. If done scientifically, workouts like swing, clean and press, or jerk cover endurance and strength training simultaneously, in a ratio of 70:30 (endurance: strength).

Russian Roots Kettlebells are known as Girya in Russia, and athletes lifting them are called Gireviks. Girevoy sport is a traditional Russian weight-lifting sport, where maximal repetitions, rather than maximal weight, determines who is champion. In Russia the standard weight for measuring grain was a pood (16 kg). This weight measure is set as the competition weight for Girevoy sport that we know today. Through 1870 to 1880, Doctor V. Kraevsky from St. Petersburg gathered all sort of information about physical culture and the development of sports through his travels across Europe. His goal was to improve health and wellbeing for the masses through physical culture. He introduced exercises with kettlebells and barbells to the Russian athletic circles in 1885 by opening the first weight training facility in Russia. By the early 1900s, circus performers, physical culturists and strongmen from around the world trained with kettlebells. But while kettlebells slowly disappeared in the West in the second half of the century, they flourished in the former Soviet Union: everyone, from common people, to the military, to Olympic athletes, trained with kettlebells. It didn’t take too long for the Russian military and government to realize the potential benefits of the humble kettlebell and spread their use across the nation. In 1981, an official commission enforced mandatory kettlebell training for the masses, relying on them as an effective and yet simple tool to

increase productivity and decrease health care costs. During Soviet times, Girevoy sport spread rapidly in rural areas, in factories, among students, and in the army and navy. In 1948, the first kettlebell competition was attended by 2,00,000 people. From then on, kettlebells went from being used for general physical conditioning to a sport of its own. The needs for specific sport specialization led to modern kettlebell competitions, making their appearance in the 1960s. Those bells are hollow and made of steel, and have the advantage of coming in one standard size, regardless of the weight.

Advantages • Great functional aspect to training involving the entire body as a single unit, which also helps burn more calories for a given time when compared to other fitness tools. • It is safe for any age, shape or size of person. • It also significantly increases mental strength. • Optimum level of conditioning which gives a crossover effect in any sport, like bodybuilding, marathon, tennis, wrestling, boxing, squash or other sports. • Easy to carry anywhere you travel, requires less space, also can be stored in any corner of the house. • Excellent tool to learn for personal trainers for home training. • Strengthens lower back region and puts less stress on the knees. • Very effective for fat loss programmes, as it involves multijoint compound movements. • The American Council of Exercises states that kettlebells double the results in half the time you spend in a gym.

– Parag Mhetre Parag Mhetre is a qualified Master Trainer and Founder of Energy Kettlebell Fitness Academy (EKFA) in Pune. He has been imparting education to hundreds of gyms across the Indian sub-continent and Sri Lanka, and winning in international competitive kettlebell competitions.

POST-SURGERY TRAINING

MEDICAL FITNESS

Impactful intensity despite wound healing As a rule, an attempt is made to configure the exercises in the health

of the body’s performance capacity. To therapists and trainers, this poses the challenge of ensuring a routine-life-oriented “gentle-on-thestomach” training with impactful intensity, but without structural overtaxing of the abdominal scar.

and performance-oriented fitness training to be as functional, holistic and effective as possible. Fitness trends, such as TRX Suspension Training or Flowing Friction Training, are known to encourage classic training of larger muscle groups with further co-activation of the local joints as well as of the trunk. This makes the exercises effective and addresses inter-

Understanding Physiology

muscular cooperation while simultaneously reducing overload and injury risks caused by heavy weights and high intensity workouts.

states of healing and size, depending on the scale of the operation (Fig.1). Thus, at least in the initial period, the focus remains on two most important lines of treatment that are (seemingly) diametrically opposed to each other. On the one hand is the optimal and complication-less treatment of the surgical wound, and on the other hand the best possible enhancement

Foto: Andy Dean Photography/shutterstock.com

T

here are situations where these effects are undesirable. After surgery of the gastro-intestinal tract and inner organs – resulting from chronic, oncological or acute conditions – almost all patients suffer from muscle weakness, decreased body functioning and reduced cardio-pulmonary capacity. Also coming along with such surgery are abdominal scars in different

According to the findings of a survey, medical specialists and surgeons give varying instructions about where the limits on loading must be placed and which activities and movements are allowed in which phase of the rehabilitation. The general consensus is that the abdominal wall opened during surgery has to be relieved within the wound-healing phase (from 6 weeks to 3 months), depending on the severity, in order to ensure optimal wound closure/healing and in order to avoid any complications. Immediately after healing, the strength of the tissue drops down by nearly half; even a year later, it still has only 90% of its original strength. Further, it is also expected that the opened skin tissue should fast become more resilient than the bruised muscle tissue underneath. With laparoscopic surgery great progress has been made in the field of medical and surgery technology. Using this technology, where it is practical, operations can be performed with small incisions, thereby minimising damage to tissue. Ideally this results in faster wound healing, lower pain and rapid patient recovery. If the abdominal wall is subjected to strain too early it may delay the wound and scar healing, as well as result in ripping of deep scar tissue. It may even pose the risk of reduced mechanical stability. Further complications include incision hernias, infections and more pain for the patient. Apart from mechanical pressure and tensile loading through abdominal muscle activity, intra-abdominal   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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MEDICAL FITNESS

POST-SURGERY TRAINING

Basics of gentle ‘tummy-training’

Functional training for improvement of balance, co-ordination and gait



Weight machines in upright sitting position (chest presses, rowing machine) are suitable



Exercises on wire-rope/ dumbbells in sitting posture have very low intensity

instruction. It is possible to relieve the load on the scar with the help of an abdominal belt and simultaneously stabilise the trunk with light pressure. Patients find it subjectively most pleasant. Generally it is compulsory to wear the stabilising abdominal belt as a part of the post-operative treatment plan.



Reduce range of motion in the pain and tension-free area

Training Therapy



Avoid press breathing/ Valsalva manoeuvre



Dynamic exercises are preferred



No direct training of the trunk muscles



Strength exercises for the lower extremities, rather on stable base (lower co-activation)

Many strength exercises, as described earlier, cause stabilising co-activation of the trunk muscles, which is difficult to avoid. This mechanism, necessary for body posture and stability, is generally desirable in overall strength training and is deliberately sought in most of

Fig 1: Various incisions after visceral surgery. Wound healing takes top priority.

pressure and abdominal wall tension are the other important parameters influencing abdominal wall protection. The abdominal scars after visceral operations (Fig. 1) give an idea of the importance of stress-free treatment for wound healing. In everyday life, some situations arise inevitably that cause high degree of straining of the abdominal scar. This calls for a good training of the patient for self-care and educating him/her on how to deal with such situations. Medical precautions must be taken to facilitate the patient’s compliance with guidelines. The blockage or obstruction of the prostate may lead to compression manoeuvres during visits to the toilet, which massively increases the tension in the abdominal wall. Coughing, sneezing and laughing are other actions which are very difficult for the patient to control and require good information and 68

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the cases. In case of a post-operative situation, this mechanism, because it is difficult to control, should be minimised as far as possible. In a pilot study conducted by Zurich Hohenklinik, Davos, the abdominal muscle activity of the test persons was compared based on the measured values of the everyday activities during diverse strength exercises. Using this data, a matrix of suitable and unsuitable exercises was created to support the selection of exercises. The chart clearly shows that classical training devices such as the rowing machine and the chest/leg press can be performed with medium to high intensities without any risk. Even at moderate intensity, free exercises in the field of strength endurance (with dumbbells or the cable) significantly exceed all the stresses of daily life. In a seated position, numerous exercises (wire-rope hoist or free weights) are linked to a much lower co-activation of trunk muscles. The

box below summarizes the basics of post-operative training in the first few weeks:

Endurance Training Aerobic cardio-pulmonary training undisputedly adds value by stabilising the cardio-vascular system, activating musculature and metabolism, improving body awareness and self-esteem. Here too the intensity, extent and choice of device are self-determinant. The subjective sensation of the patient is of paramount importance. Pains and overtraining must be strictly avoided. A seating ergo-meter with backrest provides a great way to get started with endurance training. It shortens the pedal radius, the hip angle when pedalling becomes much smaller, and the associated movement (“unrest”) in the abdominal cavity is lowered significantly. At first sight this effect seems trivial, but in practice it is seen that especially for obese patients or for patients with artificial anus, training without shortening of pedal radius would be subjectively unpleasant or painful, and thus contra-indicated. An alternative could be gait training on the treadmill, possibly with light elevation. Other devices like rowing machine ergo-meter, upper body ergo-meter or cross-trainer should be avoided in the first month.

Rehab to Fitness Even after the patient is discharged from hospital and his/her subsequent outpatient therapeutic care is long over, abdominal wall protection is still indicated. Thus, other entities within the scope of a

Seating ergo-meter with backrest with short pedal radius provides a great way to get started with endurance training.

POST-SURGERY TRAINING

Safety and Comfort

Sneezing: in an upright position, turn head to one side or bend with light pressure on the scar



Coughing: press a pillow on the scar with light pressure from the outside



Toilet: do not press; in case of problems slightly sway the upper body back and forth



Tying shoe-lace: place one foot on a chair or on a step



Lying/ standing: from lying on the back, turn to your side and then stand up. When standing, sit on the bed, lie down slowly on one side, then roll over on the back



Lifting loads: no lifting of weights over 5 kg. When lifting, stay upright and keep weight close to the body; avoid forced rotation

medical fitness training programme still have an important role to play. After the wound has completely healed, it is important to progressively load the trunk muscles

(relieved in the “honeymoon period”) again to prevent persistent imbalances and muscle weakness. This information should not be withheld from the patients, so that s/he can gain confidence in his/her body and win back capability again. It is expected to work particularly on the body posture and straightening of the upper body at an early stage of convalescence in order to correct the pain-relieving postures and breathing, observed frequently in the initial period. The pace of development is solely dependent on the person, his/her capacity, as well as coordination and his/her own body awareness. Isometric stretching of trunk and pelvic floor are the first steps in gradual performance building of the abdominal wall and trunk musculature. Then come exercises for trunk stabilisation in all axes of the spine on wire-rope hoist or with small free weights. Parallel to all the phases what is happening is

MEDICAL FITNESS

raising of intensity and extent of the restoration training of all the muscle groups. Light dynamic strengthening exercises of abdominal and back musculature finally end the construction method and are integrated in the training programme only about 4 to 6 months after the complete healing of the wound. Till such time as the scar and tissue have gained sufficient stability and the trunk muscles have achieved enough strength, all exercises are to be administered and monitored systematically, sequentially and progressively.

– Silvio Catuogno Silvio Catuogno is a graduate in Sports Science and professional director of Therapy Zurich Hohenklinik, Davos. www.zhd.ch.

SNIPPETS

Cardio Fitness opens new showroom in Delhi Cardio Fitness India, the country’s largest and most reputable company for fitness and wellness equipment, opened its flagship store, Life Fitness-Celebrate Life (The Wellness Store) at The Gallery on MG (Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, New Delhi), on August 30. Hosted by its Chairman and managing Director, Mr. Deepak Dewan, the glittering evening had a high-profile attendance. The 5,000-square-foot store was inaugurated by Mr. Gene Harper, Managing Director, Life Fitness Asia-Pacific, who had flown down from Hong Kong for the occasion. The piece de resistance of the event was the unveiling of some of the most sophisticated fitness products from Life Fitness, including the Synrgy 360 (see page xx), a functional training solution that offers countless exercise options and can handle up to 16 exercisers at a time. Each piece was unveiled by Mr. Steve Holtz, Business Development Manager, Life Fitness

Cardio Fitness’ new 5,000-square-foot showroom opened in New Delhi (The Gallery on MG) on August 30.

Asia-Pacific. In the cardiovascular range, Life Fitness treadmills were launched in black onyx, diamond white and titanium, along with cross-trainer and bikes in the recumbent and upright range. All cardio products were launched with Discover technology, which offers truly customized workout experience with dynamic, interactive exercise technology, complete access to

personal files and fitness content, internet browsing, and on-demand videos. Equipment from the Insignia Strength series was also launched, including the chest press, shoulder press and row. The showroom also represents brands like Hammer Strength, Gym 80, First Degree, Tomahawk, Body Craft, Ecore Everlast, Pavi Gym, Fitvibe, Living Earth Crafts, Ivanko and Airex.

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TRAINING TECHNIQUES

BMXSTRENTH

An alternative B

MXStrength (bio-mechanic exercise technique) is a method of performing physical exercise where the movements are friendly with the joints and the centrally balanced posture leads to reduction in body fatigue and maximizes results on the working muscles. Whatever equipments we use in old fashioned strength training we can use the same in BMXStrength training needs the same equipment – barbells, plates, dumbbells, etc. – as that used in most gyms. But the emphasis is on the understanding of joint-friendly moves, taking care not to over-strain the connective tissue (ligaments and tendons), and correct exercise techniques. It is important to understand and control the ability to target muscles for working and relaxing. So the energy consumed is very less, but the muscle target is four times. The body becomes stronger and more flexible without undue strain, sprain or injury. One needs to understand that the body should be relaxed while performing the exercise (relaxed contraction), so that the energy which is stored for the exercise can be used economically, followed by enhancing the performance. Movement and breathing techniques play an important role, as in all exercises. In BMXStrength the main muscle which we are exercising is used to the full, whereas the supporting muscles are not unduly put under

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strain. This can be achieved through relaxed contraction, correct body posture and right breathing system. As unique individuals, we have different body types in terms of size, shape and genetic makeup; but BMXStrength works well across these individual differences. Properly applied, it benefits sportspersons, women, general fitness enthusiasts and senior citizens alike, and works best in the rehabilitation of any injury or stiffness in the body. BMXStrength concentrates on muscle balance. It is not right to do the same exercise for the same body day after day. To prevent asymmetrical body development, it is important that for every major muscle worked, the opposing muscle should also be worked. Its joint-friendly nature ensures prevention of frequent muscle and ligament injuries, and vastly assists in recovery and rehabilitation. BMXStrength is four times faster than old systems, exercising 80% of main muscles and 20% of supporting muscles at a time. This enables use of concentric and eccentric contraction to their maximum, and a better range of motion of the joints. The tempo of the exercises is slow and controlled, enabling maximum safety with maximum results. BMXStrength was introduced 15 years ago in India, benefitting more than 13,000 trainers and over 200,000 gym clients across the country. This training is now registered as a trademark and is in the process of getting a patent.

– Neeraj Mehta Neeraj Mehta is a PhD in Alternative Medicine and Human Biomechanics, an international fitness expert and nutritionist, and Director of GFFI Fitness Academy, New Delhi. He writes for several newspapers in the country. (www.gffi-fitness.org).

BMXSTRENTH

TRAINING TECHNIQUES

form of exercise Key points of technique For all three exercises keep in mind the following rules: • The weight you are choosing should be up to your strength levels • The right posture, breathing and movements play an important role

Bench Press

Dumbbell Curls

Lat Pull-Down

• Lie down on a bench and grip the barbell in such a way that your joints do not experience any strain. • When pressing the barbell down towards the chest, all your joints (shoulder, elbow and wrist) should be in the same line. • The barbell should touch the line where your chest ends (under the chest). • Bring the barbell down in a slow and controlled manner.

• When lifting the weights your elbow ‘end edge’ should be in line with the ‘front edge’ of your shoulder, for elbow flexion. • When lifting weights, all the joints (shoulders, elbows and wrists) should be in the same line. • The barbell should touch the line where your chest ends. • Bring the barbell down in a slow and controlled manner.

• While pulling the weight, you should lean backward and not touch the bar/ pulley to your upper chest muscles. • When you are lifting the weights, all your joints (shoulders, elbows and wrists) should be in the same line. • The barbell should touch the line where your chest ends. • Bring the barbell down in a slow and controlled manner.

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FUNCTIONAL TRAINING

CORRECTIVE EXERCISE STRATEGIES

A steady correction Andrew Bassett/shutterstock.com

For people who wish to engage in sports, or who are already active in sports, possible injury risks can be determined with the help of a Functional Movement Screen. Once these limitations are ascertained, they can be overcome through corrective exercise strategies.

T

he Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a reliable check-up for determination of the injury risks of those who want to be actively involved in sports, or who already are so involved. Possibly existing asymmetries and dysfunction in fundamental movement patterns, as well as pain, are filtered out in the screening process. With the acquired results, these limitations can subsequently be overcome through a systematic and structured approach through various corrective exercise strategies (CES). Through proper integration and dosage of the corrective exercises in the training plan, functional status of every individual can be purposefully increased, goals of training achieved faster and risks of injury reduced. 72

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Everyone Wants It More and more people feel the urge to break out of inactivity and do something proactively for their health. Many feel unhappy about their bodies: they rush to gyms, yoga, cross-fit and health centres, register themselves in associations or start searching for new trends. However, latest studies show that nearly 70% of the population struggles with chronic problems in the neck and back. Based on results of a public study of health in Pomerania (Germany), it is assumed that 30% of the population is not functionally fit; and there exists a greater risk of injury during sports activities. Therefore, the use of movement screening is even more important to prevent unnecessary injuries and to keep the menacing

signs of exhaustion as low as possible. The history and origin of the concept of CES dates back to the mid-20th century and evolved from empirical knowledge based on international interactions of exercise experts, therapists and doctors. The first attempts and strategies originated from the methods of treatment of structural problems of the posture and musculoskeletal system or treatment of the central nervous system. The perspective of anatomical functioning was expanded through neurological approach and was used back then, like today, as a precautionary method. Josef Pilates, Moshe Feldenkrais, Frederick Alexander, Vladimir Janda, Berta and Karel Bobath, Vaclav Vojta, B.K.S. Iyengar are among the wellknown people from diverse fields who led the way. They recognised that structural, neurological or physical problems were linked with movement patterns. The exercises resulting from that helped the patients or

CORRECTIVE EXERCISE STRATEGIES

persons undergoing training to change their movement, posture and body awareness.

Natural Movement Unfortunately, and like never before, modern lifestyles force humans to remain in rigid and often stooped posture, be it sitting or standing. Natural movements, – pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, throwing, climbing, running, sprinting and so on – do not occur frequently with adolescents as well as adults. In many cases the consequences of ‘no use’ or also ‘wrong use’ are motor impoverishment and functional restrictions with regard to mobility and stability in the human musculoskeletal system. Most of the times it leads to compensation by way of incorrect physiological posture, disturbing the natural joints mechanism and leading to micro-trauma. Many trainers and therapists still use the concept of CES indiscriminately and without any discernible system – comparable to a multi-vitamin supplement with broad-spectrum activity, which is used in the hope that one of the many vitamins so administered will cure the defect somehow! Screening should be properly carried out. The very first step should be the correct identification of the “weakest link” in the movement pattern with Corrective Exercises for Improvement of Shoulder Movement Note: None of the following exercise should be carried out when the pain in the shoulder persists or the exercise causes pain. Watch out for equally important abdominal breathing and execution of movements.

BWS Rotation with ‘Rib-gripper’ Objective: Self-mobilisation of thoracic spine for the improvement of movement radius; improved mobility in shoulder and pelvic girdle Implementation: • In lateral position, bend the upper leg in knee and hips to 90 degrees and support with a foam roller (do not touch the feet to the ground)

One and the same corrective exercise can produce different results for two clients with the same ‘weak link’

the help of FMS. If the screening is not done correctly, or wrong conclusions are drawn, then the process of correction, rehabilitation and training slows down. FMS shows up much more than a weakness. Signs of pain during movement must be taken seriously and should be separately medically evaluated. If the client or athlete shows mobility dysfunction or asymmetries on FMS, they should be corrected first before proceeding to correction of stability or greater functional pattern. If the mobility is restricted in one or more joints then this restricted extent of movement provides inadequate feedback for the joints-centring and control. Poor joints movement and restricted movement are results of immobility. It negatively affects the targeted strength training and leads to further complications through the body’s compensation mechanisms. It must be borne in mind that every person responds differently to correcting exercises. This is primarily because of the motor cortex and how the client or athlete has processed the movement, its learning and • Lay a pillow under the head; HWS neutral position • Hold the ribs from under with upper hand and hold yourself in that position • With exhalation rotate the upper shoulder backwards and towards the floor • Throughout the exercise contact between knee and foam roller should be retained • Raise the ribs and rotate the whole shoulder girdle and ribcage • While inhaling return to the neutral initial position

FUNCTIONAL TRAINING

awareness, and stored it over the course of the development process. But the good news is: our body tells and shows us directly which of the corrective exercises work and which do not. FMS makes it easier to measure and in doing so it serves as a higher supervising body for the client and the trainer during the programme. A corrective movement pattern has, in many cases, farreaching consequences for the rest of the body.

Once Isn’t Enough FMS should be revised regularly. The first screen can change over the course of a chosen CES. Before beginning the corrective exercises, one chooses a weakness to work on. Once this is rectified, screening is carried out once again and the results of the new status give further directions. Little-by-little this should result in improved muscle balance, joints movement, reduced injury risk and increased ability to regenerate. Thus, an individual and wellmeasured corrective programme creates the basis and pre-condition for good training adaptations. This way, the concept of CES fills the gaps between rehabilitation and scientific training, and is one of the most important building blocks of functional movement and functional training. • Continue with breathing and rotation • Repeat the exercise seven times on each side

BWS Rotation in quadripedal posture Objective: Self-mobilisation for the improvement of movement radius in BWS while at the same time stabilisation of the opposite side

Implementation: • Hold the quadripedal position by holding the shoulders on the hands and hips on the knees   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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FUNCTIONAL TRAINING

CORRECTIVE EXERCISE STRATEGIES

• Keep the spine in neutral position • The hip is pushed a few centimetres behind the hip-knee axis; the WS-neutral position is maintained • One hand be placed on the back; palm facing outward (Important: this position should be comfortable and should not cause any pain) • During exhalation via the open side, the rotation is initiated around the eyes; follow the head and trunk • The bottom hand is forcefully pushed to the ground, as if you want to push away from the floor • While inhaling return to the neutral initial position • Continue with breathing and rotation • Repeat the exercise seven times on each side

Wall sitting with both arms stretching Objective: Self-mobilisation and stretch for improvement of shoulder and hip mobility Implementation: • Seats increased, coccyx, lumbar spine, shoulder blades and head in contact with the wall • The soles of the feet are placed together, knees and hips are flexed • Support your knee to reduce the tension in the hips • Place a stick on the head and bend 90 degrees at shoulder and elbow • Route the rod over the head while you stretch out your arms along the wall (Important: throughout the exercise with coccyx, lumbar spine and the shoulder blades,

retain contact with the wall) • While inhaling, return to the initial position • Continue breathing and stretching • Repeat this exercise seven times

– Eberhard Schlommer Eberhard Schlommer is a graduate in Sport Science, FMS expert and official trainer in Europe for FMS.

SNIPPETS

Godinho to hold demo at IFW Expo Regarded in India as one of the country’s foremost authorities on Aikido and the Ketsugo systems, Soke Sensei Leonard V. Godinho, will talk at the IFW Expo (9-11 October) in Mumbai, to explain various techniques with some demonstrations. He will be available

at Stall No. A101 (Hardcore Fitness). A Black Belt (6th Dan), Godinho was born in Mumbai, where he was an active practitioner of the martial arts for over 43 years. He has now settled in the US. He is also a highly respected, experienced and registered yoga teacher and

SNIPPETS

FROM THE EDITOR

Talwalkars offer online EMIs Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd. has rolled out an attractive new scheme for fitness enthusiasts. The hesitation of shelling out a big sum of money may have prevented many from fulfilling their dream of joining a health club. The new EMI scheme from Talwalkars offers membership fee payment in 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, easing the financial burden to gym users. With just a swipe of a credit/debit card, or online (http:// talwalkars.net/) people can become

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a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. He is also conducting a LVG coach programme (a combination of martial arts and yoga to achieve fitness, safety and wellness) in Mumbai. For more information email [email protected].

a member. The facility is available with all major banks of the country. Seen as a boon to health enthusiasts, the facility also offers related services like nutrition counseling and massages, and Talwalkars products such as NuForm and Reduce. Talwalkars also offers seasonal discounts to newcomers and existing members, making the membership even less expensive. The aim is to motivate more people to invest in health.

Correction There was a mistake in bodyLIFE Indian Edition (June 2014; Page 24). Mr. Frank van de Veen is President of Life Fitness, and Mr. Chris Clawson its Vice-President. Their photographs were also exchanged. The error was unintentional, and we regret it. - Chief Editor

SHEDDING FAT

TRAINING

Fat loss for women from the lower body As a personal trainer working with female clients, I know that the hardest area to lean out is the thighs and buttocks. Every woman is very different, storing fat in different areas. But storing fat on the thighs, or what is often called oestrogen dominance, is a very common thing.

M

odern life has many oestrogen mimickers: plastic, tap water, chemicals, even body lotions and shower gels, that can increase oestrogen in men and women. This can be especially frustrating when you, as a trainer, and make good food choices, but the fat around your client’s buttocks and on her thighs just won’t go. When the client’s waist is getting small and her belly is starting to look good, you may notice that her legs are still letting her down. Exercising and eating well will help, but first she needs to stop storing fat in that area, or it will be a neverending cycle. Here are some things I’ve gathered and tried myself and on my clients, which will hopefully help you break through those oestrogen-specific lower body fat loss plateaus that your client has been struggling with for so long. Decrease exposure to all oestrogenrelated factors in the diet and environment. Help the body deal with excess oestrogen through natural detoxification. This is done through increased intake of pure green tea and cruciferous vegetables, which have excellent potential to help rid the body of bad estrogens.

Examples are broccoli, spinach, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Broccoli, especially, contains compounds known as indoles which have very potent anti-breast cancer fighting properties, as well as improving the liver’s oestrogen detoxification abilities, increased fibre, tailored supplementation, and decreased dairy and grains. • Decrease insulin and cortisol effects by decreasing most grains and starches • Replace these with fruits and vegetables • Drink plenty of water (not out of plastic) and green tea • Skip coffee and other sugary beverages • Try pure Omega-3 fish oils or flaxseed oil • Avoid processed carbohydrates, pasteurized dairy and all products containing corn, vegetable oils and trans-fats (anything listed as hydrogenated on the label) • The liver needs B vitamins, particularly B6, to detoxify excess estrogens • Your client should get plenty of sleep and hydration: she can improve her recovery and sleep with pure zinc, magnesium and B6 supplement. • Allow her to lift weights a minimum of 3x times per week. Workouts involving the major muscles and multi-joint exercises will force the body to lose the fat reserves and increase muscle mass. Some of my favourite total body strength training exercises includes Olympic lifts, squats, multidirectional lunges, dead lifts, pullups, push-ups and step-ups. But before the workout ensure that your client has consumed foods rich in choline and tyrosine (nuts, seeds, avocado or blueberries),

to encourage precursors to the neurotransmitters that will increase neural drive. Consider pre-workout and post-workout nutrition packages to further enhance her workouts and recovery. Try performance prime pre-workout and post-workout; try pure whey protein isolate 95 or pure whey protein concentrate 80 – white chocolate is my favourite! I know, it sounds like terribly many things to do, but trust me, you will see results fast!

– Justin Wright



Justin Wright is a Master Trainer for Star Trac. He is currently lecturing in India, organising awareness and conducting training sessions for Trinity Healthtech.   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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TRAINING

WORKOUTS WITH SENIORS

Worn out and Rigid? No way! I

n absence of adequate movement, body functioning slows down, muscles weaken, joints stiffen and balance tends to reduce. Our body is a minimalist: it continues with only those functions that are used and necessary in everyday life. Therefore, motivation for workout primarily plays a vital role for seniors. Workout should be fun for them, so that they do not stop it. In fact, like young people, seniors also want to have an active social life and stay independent for long. Unfortunately, they cannot have such a life because of immobility. Staying active in old age means living the sunset years of life on your own terms. The client group of 60+ will further gain importance in the fitness and health industry because of demographic changes. The “baby boomer” generation will slowly yet

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certainly retire. The often wealthy and time-wise flexible elders can lead a healthy public life and also fill the personal trainer’s calendar!

Suitable Small Devices

Togu Brasils: small, handy and effective they train the musculature and can be used as a normal dumbbell, while their dimpled surface stimulates receptors



Winshape Belt: helps maintain correct posture



Togu Topanga: natural motion sequences work on muscle groups of hips, arms and shoulders.

Health Check First A training session with seniors, particularly with those who are new to the world of sports, will not be easy. A few things must be borne in mind. What are the health risks associated? What are the existing body complaints? Hence, it is advisable that • Before starting training, carry out a health check-up by a doctor • Do not impose excessive loads • Restore mobility so that daily routines (like wearing socks) can be easily managed • Mobility of the spine, shoulder, fingers, hip, knees and ankles is of special importance. In every workout, the social aspect

also plays an important role. Seniors are often alone at home; so they like to talk about their problems and want to have a listener. In this respect, training sessions for and with seniors, in small groups of two to three members, is a good option. It also helps them make new contacts and keeps the fun factor alive. By training them in small batches the trainer reaps rich benefits from the ‘Silver Agers’.

WORKOUTS WITH SENIORS



Have fun while exercising



Manage social contacts



Get rid of the fear of falling



Improve walking stability



Relieve pain



Maintain/ restore mobility

Prevent Falls When it comes to a fall, seniors try to avoid such a situation. That means they further limit their routine activities. Fall prevention through fitness regimen with special training is an excellent option. In practice, core muscles must be activated and strengthened. Without preliminary work and collaboration of the core musculature, the mobilizers cannot develop their strength fully. Cooperation of the various muscle layers finally enables our coordination. Through repetitive movement, stimuli and associated care, the musculature simultaneously learns the coordinative ability of the core layers and tensing. But this results in rapid wear and tear of joints and increases the risk of injury.

Most commonly, the activation of the deep muscle layers is achieved by training the sensorimotor. The sensorimotor system is the direct interaction of the nervous system and muscles. It is responsible for the uptake and dissemination of information to the central nervous system. The ability to quickly perceive and process sensations and impulses decreases over the course of a lifetime – however, training is still possible! There are many ways to address our sensory channels: • Tactile (touch & feel) • Kinaesthetic (movement perception) • Vestibular (balance ability) • Proprioceptive (perception of motion).

Foto: StockLite/shutterstock.com

Aims of 60+ Workouts

TRAINING

– Gabi Fastner Gabi Fastner Staatl is a certified gymnastic trainer, author and lecturer. She has been teaching since 1997 in her own fitness studio, is well-known for many television shows and training videos on YouTube.

Silver lining: Seniors can opt for workout sessions with a personal trainer in the day, when not many clients work out at the studio.

SNIPPETS

Barcelona beckons! With more than 25 first-class providers of fitness as well as wellness and healthcare industry and 60 invited buyers, the annual European Fitness Summit (EFS) is a top event with an exclusive character. From October 8 to 10, key players are coming together at the industry summit for the 7th time. EFS is organised by Reed Exhibitions (Germany) and bodyLIFE, Europe’s leading business publication in fitness and health. Owners, managers and decisionmakers of fitness studios and wellness and spa facilities from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, Poland, Italy, Spain and Scandinavia come to Barcelona every year to establish strategic

partnerships and close business deals. Buyers meet suppliers, whose offers are of special interest to them. This is the key feature of the event. Suppliers from the fields of training devices, equipment, financing, nutrition, wellness, training and functional training are represented. The organisers plan in advance individual meetings between the participants, who wish to engage themselves in such direct effective conversation. Typically around 350 such meetings take place at each EFS. Among the registered suppliers for EFS 2014 are Milon, Life Fitness, Johnson Health, Escape Fitness, Five-Concept, Technogym, Body+Soul, Aerobis and Precor. Along with the meetings, the

The European Fitness Summit features various topics and serves as a platform to facilitate knowledge transfer and networking.

programme also features many themes to facilitate knowledge transfer, networking and discussion platforms. The introductory keynote will be on ‘What opportunities the fitness industry has to offer in the field of e-commerce’. (www.bodylife.com/partner/efseuropean-fitness-summit/home. html)   body LIFE 2 I 2014

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