THE SITUATION

Boasting a 109,000-square-foot space outfitted with state of the art equipment including a 17,000-square foot aquatics park replete with waterslide, The Hockessin Athletic Club is the largest fitness facility in Delaware and among the largest on the East Coast. A family-oriented facility, HAC strives to keep fitness fresh and fun for all 4,700 of its membership units.1

Upon joining, members have free access to a broad array of group exercise classes ranging from martial arts to dance to yoga in addition to fee-based individual and small-group training sessions with staff personal trainers. Still, HAC sought to better service members whose needs fell between these two ends of the fitness continuum. But how?

THE SOLUTION

The solution came unexpectedly in 2008 when several of HAC’s personal trainers read about the TRX Suspension Trainer™ from Fitness Anywhere® and gave it a try on their own. They loved it so much that they lobbied HAC’s Fitness Director, Maria Argiroudis to add TRX classes. After her own analysis, Maria made the decision to roll out a complete TRX Suspension Training® program. In order to bridge the gap between personal training and group exercise classes and best meet their clientele’s needs, Maria had her staff attend a full-day TRX Suspension Training Course and HAC purchased enough TRX’s and TRX wall-mounts to have 6-7 participants per class.

“We all came out of the Suspension Training Course hyped and feeling well prepared to start teaching the next day,” says Rachael Ling, HAC’s Assistant Fitness Director. “The course’s demonstrations, as well as the hands-on portions, covered just about every question we could possibly have. Our heads were swimming with ways to incorporate this piece of equipment into current client routines. The course was a definite advantage for starting up our TRX program.”

HAC implemented a modular approach to its TRX classes with an emphasis on functional strength training and metabolic conditioning. Every class drew from the same pool of exercises but instructors mixed up the order, sets and duration of movements to provide a comprehensible but varied experience for those new to Suspension Training. Initially, HAC offered 15, hour-long introductory TRX courses per week.

Members were given a chance to take their first introductory TRX class free of charge with the option to continue taking TRX classes with the purchase of 8, 12, 24 or 48 class packages at $5 per class. HAC found that the classes sold themselves. “People would really like it, then they’d buy a package up front and we’d plug them into a time slot. All of the time slots filled up within eight weeks and then we didn’t have any room left,” says Ling.

THE NEXT STEP

TRX classes proved so popular that HAC expanded its TRX offerings from 15 to 22 classes per week to accommodate excess demand and better serve members’ needs. Even with the addition of extra classes, “Our Tuesday and Friday classes have a waiting list,” says Ling. “We make a point of meeting every month and discussing how to make the class fresh, maintain interest and drive progress.”

Eight months after introducing TRX classes, they’re now so popular that HAC is adding an outdoor TRX Suspension Training Zone that will accommodate 12-15 participants per class. Members continue to flock to TRX classes. “I have worked out with personal trainers for years and love the attention and focus on proper form,” says Jacqueline Ettinger, 46, who has become a devotee of HAC’s TRX classes. “I also attend group classes and enjoy the social aspect and energy of a group. Doing TRX you get the best of both—a trainer who is observing, teaching, correcting and motivating and five other people to keep you going.”

THE TARGET MARKET

When HAC surveyed its TRX class participants recently, the results revealed a varied population. “Our target demographic ranges from 12-year-olds to seniors in their upper 60s. Daytime is stay at home moms. People are much more aware of the functional training movement and are drawn to that aspect of the TRX. For the more de-conditioned population, the number one fitness concern is stability. Just about everything on the TRX involves abdominal activation and involvement, so TRX classes appeal to that population, too,” says Ling.

HAC has also discovered that TRX classes tap into a previously underserviced market that exists in every fitness facility. “We call them cardio fiends. They live on the cardio machines and run, run, run but they know they need more functional, dynamic training to reduce their risk of injury. It’s not their cup of tea to pick up weights, but the TRX is less intimidating, more novel, and therefore more appealing to this group.”

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Within a month of launching its TRX small group exercise program (15 classes per week, 6-7 participants, classes priced at a modest $5 per class), HAC had recouped its initial investment and began to turn a profit. “To us, success is reaching out to a population we aren’t currently reaching out to,” says Ling. “Based on our surveys, 87% of TRX class participants aren’t involved in group fitness or personal training at the facility so TRX classes complement rather than cannibalize other potential revenue streams.”

While HAC offers numerous large group exercise classes free of charge, “charging $5 per class for TRX classes has never been a problem. In the beginning people bought smaller packages to see how the classes worked and now people are buying much bigger packages because they know slots fill up so quickly and they want to be guaranteed a slot in the class.”

Beyond the financial benefits, HAC has seen less tangible but equally important rewards for members who take TRX classes. “People build camaraderie, they build friendships,” in TRX classes, says Ling. These bonds build loyalty, drive repeat business and make the TRX classes among the stickiest fitness options that HAC offers. They also differentiate HAC from the competition and add another unique selling point to this robust facility’s arsenal of sales tools.

THE FUTURE: MORE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

With minimal investment, HAC has seen huge results from its TRX classes, and HAC owner Bob Carpenter sees even more potential for the TRX classes in the future. “TRX continues to be a very popular program for us. The intensity of the workout and the affordable price per class now allows our instructors to regularly touch 100 members that weren’t doing either group exercise or personal training. I expect to see participation continue to increase. I highly recommend adding TRX to your club’s list of programs.”

TESTIMONIALS

I do not like TRX…I absolutely LOVE it!!!!! I have been working out religiously 5 or 6 times a week for 5 years. I have always valued the benefits of cross-training. My fitness regimen consists of attending group fitness classes that range from cycling to weight training to weighted yoga to rebounding. When I started TRX 4 months ago, I noticed within 4 weeks that my muscles had changed shape and became much more defined. More importantly, I am considerably stronger than I ever was by my weight lifting. The improved balance that I have gained has benefited me in other areas of my workouts and my life! I could never do my other workouts as well without TRX. It has crossed the last “t” and dotted the last “i” of my regimen and has challenged my muscles in a way I never knew such a simple piece of “equipment” could.

Rita Crowley

The best of both worlds is how I think of TRX. I just love it!!! I have worked out with personal trainers for years and love the attention and focus on proper form. I also attend group classes and enjoy the social aspect and energy of a group. Doing TRX you get the best of both- a trainer who is observing, teaching, correcting and motivating and five other people to keep you going. I have also seen changes in my body and my abilities. Friends and family have also noticed!!! I can’t rave enough about it! It’s fun and really challenging. I try very hard NOT to let anything interfere with my attending class. I HATE to miss it.

Jacqueline Ettinger

I love my TRX classes! The groups are small enough that you receive individual attention to make sure your form is correct, and I feel like I am getting a personal training session at a fraction of the usual cost. I also like that each week the exercises change slightly so that your body and muscles have to adapt and continue to develop. I feel that my “core” has gotten stronger and I get a whole body work-out through the session. I have in the past participated in some of the other group classes offered in the club, but TRX DEFINITELY gives me the best work out and so that’s what I stick with!

Marika Malfitano

My decision to start TRX was as follows. I had been coming to HAC for one year using primarily the circuit training three to five times per week. I injured my back and had to see a physical therapist. After testing and CAT scans they determined my issue was muscular not skeletal. After a round of physical therapy I was encouraged to work towards more functional exercises verses depending on seated machines alone. So I decided to try a TRX class after watching a couple of sessions. I began taking classes once a week. I began to feel so much improvement that after three months I started taking classes twice per week. I use it in conjunction with my strength training through lifting and some aerobic training on the treadmill.

Now that you know my story here are some impressions:

My noted changes due in large part to TRX are my flexibility, core body strength, and physical endurance. I can almost touch my toes doing a typical upright stretch. There is probably three to five inches gain of flexibility in this measure alone. My core body strength was the foundation of my physical therapy needs. This has improved dramatically and my lower back and hip pain is simply non-existent. I am much more upright and my posture is significantly improved. I have noticed that during my exercise routine my stamina and endurance is dramatically different than three months ago.

In conclusion I like the small group setting of TRX. I like the fact that you can progress at your own pace while attending class with people of differing abilities. I have yet to become bored with the class as our trainer changes it up a little every week. I like the class instructed environment as our trainer pushes us a little more than we would on our own. The price is very economical. Bottom line I have seen better results from this class than any class I have taken before. Sign me up for another 12 weeks!!!

Jon D. Walton

¹At HAC, a typical unit consists of a couple with 2-3 children

And after hearing what you our customers told us in 2009 and what you would like to see offered by FDC, we are proud to announce that we now how available a division of Certified Branded Used Equipment to go along with our great selection of branded new equipment.

You told us you wanted brands, warranties and financial choices like leasing opportunities, and we think we have put it all under one roof.

Used Precor, Life Fitness, StarTrac, StairMaster, Nautilus, Hammer and more, in categories of treadmills, ellipticals, bikes , steppers and strength.

Call your local account manager at 1-888-245-7871 for more details. Check in often as new certified equipment will be added on a weekly basis, and we will take your requests.

Absolute Body Fusion has joined the growing movement of health clubs offering the new gravity-based training by efi Sports Medicine. Monitored GRAVITY® sessions are designed to deliver quick, efficient and effective workouts while expanding program variety and member access.

“This system has such appeal,” said Shirlee Petrat, owner of Absolute Body Fusion “Those who didn’t have time to strength train before can now enjoy maximum benefits with a shorter time commitment, and anyone interested can get functional top-notch training regardless of their starting skill level. This work-out is fit for a Spartan Warrior.”

First launched in 2003, GRAVITY has been attracting health and fitness professionals from around the world including at the renowned Cooper Fitness Center at Craig Ranch, a Cooper Aerobics Company, in McKinney, Texas.

The GRAVITYSystem offers a variety of programs on the Total Gym GTS® model. This bodyweight training system has eight calibrated resistance levels, a rolling glideboard and dynamic cable pulley system. Individual participants can perform over 250 functional exercises on the unit by simply changing body positions quickly and moving to the next exercise. Total Gym GTS engages all major muscle groups for strength and endurance training, stretching and Pilates, and integrates core training in every exercise.

Programming at Absolute Body Fusion includes:

• GRAVITYGroup®. These engaging thirty-minute exercise sessions heat up all the major muscle groups for total body conditioning. Each participant works at his/her chosen level of resistance, while enjoying the challenge and camaraderie of a group setting. These time-efficient workouts are particularly attractive to those who traditionally focus on cardio training and want to make time for a fun and effective strength regimen.
• GRAVITYPilates®. These exciting new classes create an environment of immediate success for seasoned Pilates participants and newcomers, too. Offering traditional and evolved programs, GRAVITYPilates addresses and overcomes participant’s strength and flexibility limitations, improves core stability and control for all fitness levels.
• GRAVITYPersonalTraining®. Supervised sessions on GTS, either one-on-one or in small groups require no moving around the gym or waiting for equipment. Members can enjoy lower prices for training in small groups while continuing to receive the personal attention so important to a successful personal training experience.
• GRAVITYPost-rehab®. Total Gym has a long history of application in physical therapy and athletic training. efi Sports Medicine developed the GRAVITYPost-rehab education in association with industry professionals so that clients who work with trainers who have completed this program will have confidence that their conditioning program will complement their recent physical therapy treatment.

For more than a quarter century, efi Sports Medicine has provided a wide array of functional equipment to more than 14,000 clinics, schools, hospitals, athletic training centers, health clubs and more than 3 million home exercisers worldwide.

• Electrical requirements: Minimum 115v, 15 amp. dedicated electrical circuit. Each treadmill will include a 12 foot power cord with a normal 3 prong outlet. The important item to keep in mind, is the dedicated line to the treadmill use.
• AC drive motor: This is highly recommended when choosing a treadmill for multi-use. These run with less moving parts than a DC. It’s not that DC is bad, but AC is better. Most importantly, the motor needs to be continuous duty, which will minimize heat build up. Heat buildup can be a major problem, attracts dirt and is the foundation of 90% of the motor-related service problems down the road.
• Shock absorbing decks:  However, the key is not too bouncy, as lots of bounce can = premature wear of the deck and belt.
• Low maintenance decks: Stay away from non-lubricated decks or decks that you have to change wax packages at random intervals. A pre-impregnated wax deck that liberates the special lubricant automatically as heat builds up is the way to go. It is virtually maintenance free.
• Other specs: Minimum of 1 to 10 miles per hour; an incline of 0 to 10% and a user weight capacity of 300 lbs at minimum.
• Ease-of-use: If there will no supervision in the fitness room, look for a simple console, offering manual and or 3-4 pre-programmed options.
• Appropriate warranty: You must ensure the treadmill has a warranty for the type of usage that will be incurred. Even if 2 hours per day, most treadmills built for residential usage will not hold up very long. If you expect usage to range upwards of 6-8 hours per day, then consider an extended warranty. It truly will streamline your costs for a minimum of 3 years and provide a great return on investment.
• Service contract: Ensure you have a service provider in your area that is factory-trained and offers a pro preventative maintenance contract.

Fitness Depot Commercial carries 24 different models of commercial treadmills, all built for different needs. Our commitment to our customers is to take the time to assess your specific needs, and recommend a treadmill that fits your situation best.

To learn more about our treadmill selection, speak to a Fitness Depot Commercial Representative today!

Whether you are looking to increase your sports performance, take your fitness training to the next level, improve your health, increase bone density or rehab an injury … whole body vibration could be your answer!

Whole Body Vibration technology has been proven and validated for over 40 years as a superior way to train.

Teutonic, one of the most reliable names in vibration technology offers Zen Pro, created specifically to generate performance results to the entire body. Teutonic gives you the tools you need to boost your muscle burning fat, maximize your flexibility, increase your blood circulation, and improve your overall health through efficient and effective whole body vibration training.

Here are a few reasons you should consider adding a Vibration Training category to your facility:

• Better Results in Less Time: Just 10 minutes a day of Whole Body Vibration has been proven to show increased results, versus standard cardiovascular exercise in the same amount of time.
• Performance Enhancement: WBV is a key asset for professional sports teams to increase stamina, and improve flexibility through short WBV workout spurts. Olympic athletes benefit from WBV for the additional muscle strength, and muscle endurance it provides in a short time.
• Injury Rehabilitation: WBV is a great asset for anyone that needs physical injury rehabilitation, it works efficiently and safely. The vibration helps to wake the inactive muscles that can be dormant from an injury or illness.
• Bone Density: WBV improves density of bone with just a few minutes of training, making this an incredible machine for the retirement-age sector.
• Overall Health: Boosts metabolism to burn fat faster, increases flexibility and core strength, advances muscle strength to help eliminate fat cells and helps to decrease stress through hormone balance

These machines have been created specifically to generate performance results to the entire body. 

To learn more about Vibration Training Technology, speak to a Fitness Depot Commercial Representative today!

Reprinted with permission

The stationary bike was the first piece of cardiovascular fitness equipment to hit the market and it is still the most-used equipment in fitness clubs and home gyms. For years, people have endured the tediousness of stationary cycling for hours because it is an efficient and effective way to train. The Expresso Bike is the newest stationary bike in the market; it combines an interactive “virtual reality” experience with cardiovascular training known as exergaming.

What is it?
Expresso Bikes are interactive, commercial-grade bikes that incorporate virtual reality course, letting you steer and shift gears like a road bike.

The bike, networked through the Internet, allows you to track your rides or compete against other riders. You can also ride scenic routes and compete in races. There are three styles: upright, recumbent and youth. Each has more than 30 fantasy, interactive road tours, which are rated basic to extreme or off-road.

The ability to shift gears and move the handle bars like an outdoor bike makes the time fly by.

Who would like it?
People who like to play interactive games will love this bike. On expresso.net, riders can personalize their experience, track fitness results and celebrate accomplishments with virtual awards. Even if you don’t like working out, you will like riding the Expresso Bike. It’s so much fun, you’ll forget you are working out.

The sweat factor
Feeling ambitious, I set my intensity level to black diamond, representing an advanced-but not the most challenging-level.  But my scenic ride through the Alps tough terrain; the pedal resistance automatically increased, and I had to steer carefully avoid riding off the cliff. It was fun and intense.

The virtual reality helps to distract you from the fact that you are working, which allows you to work harder and longer.

The klutz factor
One reason the stationary bike is so popular is that it is easy to use. The Expresso Bike has a range of settings and programs; you can ride by yourself down a country road or you can race against others.

The more advanced rides require concentration. You can’t read a magazine and become distracted from your workout. This bike forces you to continually react to the changing terrain. I even found talking to my neighbours difficult while riding the mountain course.

Gear needed
Wear comfortable fitness clothes. A good pair of bike shorts always makes riding more comfortable. Cycling shoes are not required.

Where to get it?
You can check out the bike at Expresso.com. In Canada, the Expresso Bikes are sold through Fitness Depot Commercial.

How much does it cost?
The Expresso Bike is built for health clubs as well as home gym use. The price starts at $7,000.

Bottom line
The Expresso Bike is a revolutionary stationary cycling experience. The interactive gaming combined with the ability to track workout progression and virtual awards make it the bike of the future.

To learn more about Expresso Bikes and Virtual Reality Fitness, speak to a Fitness Depot Commercial Representative today!

Achieving long term and sustainable health starts with small consistent daily changes. MYTRAK uses creative, state-of-the-art technology to provide immediate, meaningful feedback to ensure you move consistently and enjoyably towards your goals. Small and sleek, M² is worn daily while at home, at work or at play – it is your personal key to the MYTRAK system. M² constantly monitors your body movements ensuring you are burning more calories than you consume, you are getting adequate daily cardiovascular benefit and your overall fitness level is improving.

M² is worn at home, at work and at play – continuously learning and adapting to your lifestyle and activities. You set your own unique and achievable lifestyle goals. MYTRAK continually monitors, analyzes and adapts to your lifestyle and activities – intuitively pushing you when necessary and easing up when required. A benevolent intelligence, watching, protecting, motivating – always available – at home, at work or at play.

Complementing the award winning MYTRAK for Fitness Clubs, M² will guide you through your workout at any MYTRAK equipped fitness facility, one exercise at a time, ensuring proper form and energy balance.

MYTRAK Health Circle

M² displays the results of your physical activities and caloric intake instantaneously in a series of red, yellow and green lights that form the MYTRAK Health Circle. A solid green circle tells you immediately that you are burning more calories than you consume, you are getting adequate daily cardiovascular benefit and your overall fitness level is improving – motivating you to GO FOR GREEN!

Simple, elegant and effective.

To learn more about MYTRAK products, speak to a Fitness Depot Commercial Representative today!

The Windsor Spitfires use the Suunto Team POD Training System from Fitness Depot Commercial. Proud suppliers to the Spitfires, Fitness Depot Commercial recently outfitted them with state of the art fitness equipment and systems for their new facility.

No doubt a key contributor to their success!

Congratulations to Coach Boughner and the ownership group, Joey Garland and the support staff, the players and their families and the Windsor community for their fine support of the team.

- Fitness Depot Academy

Our Representatives are experts in their field, and will work with each and every client to assess their needs, bring innovative solutions and provide a quality of service that is unmatched in the industry. We represent quality brands that will provide lasting value.

Our goal is always 100% client satisfaction, which we achieve by continually exceeding our clients’ expectations.

Team up with the leader in commercial fitness – Fitness Depot Commercial.