Fitness clubs constantly need new formats to keep their members interested and encourage new members to join. This year, watch out for the following programs to inject some fresh ideas into the fitness scene.
Ramping
Gin Miller, the creator of step aerobics, has added another cardio fitness option for the novice exerciser--the revolutionary Ramping[TM] program. Unlike other cardio fitness programs, Ramping[TM] appeals to a broad range of fitness enthusiasts--especially beginners. It is already gaining national attention in health clubs because of its unique approach of targeting the hips, glutes and hamstrings. This fun, easy-to-learn, low-impact activity is sure to become a household name in the coming months.
"The Ramping[TM] program is simple enough to pick up right from the start," assures Miller. "But, that's not its best feature. While most cardio activities tax the front of the legs, the Ramping[TM] program is the first cardio exercise to use a backward-dominated motion, resulting in heavy focus on the back of the legs. It's like sending yourself to 'booty camp!'"
Ramping[TM] is being taught in a group exercise setting at health clubs nationwide. "Like step aerobics in the '90s, the Ramping[TM] activity opens the door to new-comers," Miller explains. "This means health clubs have something to offer new members and, as we have seen in the past, an exciting new group exercise program can ignite a new wave of interest in fitness. So, everybody wins--the clubs, fitness professionals and, most of all, new folks who start exercising."
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"What makes this group activity new and exciting is [it] utilizes the natural human motion of walking forward combined with the opposing action of walking backward--all performed on an inclined surface," Miller continues. Although "the techniques are simple, the range of available intensities provides more than enough challenge for the experienced exerciser. Additionally, because one foot is kept in close contact with the floor most of the time, impact and joint stresses are minimized."
The Ramp[TM] exercise device's color-coded surface sections (green, blue and purple) are a unique design which makes following the instructor easy. Ramping[TM] participants work within the "comfort zone" of their own space and always feel in control. Ramping[TM] debuted at the Club Industry[R] trade show last February. For more information, call (8003 900-7228 or visit www.ramping.com.
TreadMoves[R]
Dust off the treadmill and get ready to call treadmill workouts something you've never called them before--FUN! TreadMoves[R], a new group exercise class, provides a much-needed treadmill rejuvenation. Gone are the days of staring at the timer and waiting for a workout to end. Now, with so many new moves and combinations to choose from, participants never have the same workout twice!
Compared to regular treadmill exercise, TreadMoves[R] offers a superior workout. Traditionally, treadmills exercise only the lower body. In contrast, TreadMoves[R] works all major muscle groups, improving muscle tone and burning more fat than regular treadmill workouts. Also, TreadMoves[R] allows exercisers to control intensity by altering treadmill speed and incline. Therefore, participants can follow the instructor while modifying intensity levels to their needs.
Currently, TreadMoves[R] offers four workouts. Aerobic Cardio Blast includes shuffling, boxing, knee lifts, kicks, plyometrics as well as intervals of power walking, hill climbing, running, sprinting and weight training. It is a steady-state, fat-burning workout, which means after the warm-up, exercisers stay in their target heart rate zones until the cool-down. Extreme Moves is packed with moves and combinations--it will have your heart and mind racing!
Unlike Aerobic Cardio Blast and Extreme Moves, Total Body Sport Conditioning and Training for Speed do not include any choreographed moves--they are composed of power walking, jogging, running, hill climbing, sprinting, stretching and weight training. Total Body Sports Conditioning is an interval workout, progressing from intense cardiovascular segments (e.g., sprinting) to more moderate cardiovascular segments (e.g., weight training while walking). All workouts include push-ups, lunges, abdominal exercises and stretching performed on the treadmill while it is off.
