Fitness Information

Designing the layout for commercial fitness equipment in a Health Club can be difficult if you havent done it before. Knowing a few tips beforehand or seeking advice from a commercial fitness equipment dealer is a good idea since theyll have previous experience and knowledge about the optimal layout for the fitness equipment. Here are five tips to keep in mind when setting up a Health Club.
1 Make sure to have enough Cardiovascular Equipment in a convenient location within the facility.
For a lot of gym users the cardiovascular equipment is the most important and the fitness equipment that they will use most often. Make sure you have enough equipment to accommodate multiple users at a time. A medium sized club should have 3-5 Treadmills, 2-3 Elliptical Trainers, 2-3 Exercise Bikes and 1 Stair Climber and/or Rowing Machine. Ensure that there is enough space around the equipment so that users can comfortably get on and off the machine without impeding users on other machines. Cardio Equipment should be facing an open space and not a wall. All the cardio equipment should also be kept in the same general area and preferable with easy access so members dont have to trek though the strength equipment or weight lifting stations to get to it, as that can be pretty intimidating for some members.
2 Space is key for Strength Equipment and Free Weights.
When clients are lifting weights or working on strength machines they need to have enough space to use the full range of motion. If space is limited in your facility than choosing multi-station gyms is a good option. They allow users to work on different muscle groups all on one piece of equipment. For safety reasons there should be a rubber floor in the strength area of the club with enough space in between machines or stations that if a weight is drop it will not hit a user nearby. There should also be an area for free weights and benches, preferably near a wall so the weights can be put away safely. Gym users also like a mirrored wall in the strength area so they can check on their form.
3 Dont forget about stretching.
Its important to remember a cool down, stretching or sit up area for clients as well. This area should be away from the dangers of the strength equipment in a relatively quiet part of the facility. Mats should be provided for floor exercises and a few yoga and Pilates balls are great too. There must be enough floor space for members to lay down and stretch out without hitting walls, equipment or other members.
4 Classes should be held in a separate room
Whether its a yoga class, step class or strength class any instructional classes need their own space and one with a closed door is best. Members who partake in classes dont like being watched by the members who arent taking part. Not only is it a distraction to other users but when classes are held in the open area of the gym, clients in the class will not be working to their full potential usually due to embarrassment. There is also the potential for injury on other pieces of fitness equipment if the class isnt held in its own dedicated closed space.
5 A womens only area is hugely beneficial.
There is a large number of women who will not join or use a Health Club purely because they are intimidated by the idea of working out amongst men. Men lift heavier weights, make more noise and often sweat more than women and this can put people off joining. Having an area dedicated only for women is a huge selling factor to a lot of female club users. The womens only area should have one or two pieces of cardio equipment and a circuit of resistance machines that cover all areas of the body. This area should be convenient to get to from the changing rooms and the women should not have to parade past the weight lifting area to get to it.
Following these simple tips will help create an optimal layout of commercial fitness equipment in a Health Club. Although its not an exact science there are certain things that can be done to make your club more appealing to the users. More knowledge can be gained by speaking with your fitness equipment representative or other gym owners. As they say knowledge is Power.

Your Headset Mic – Getting it on right!
By Kevin Dempsey

Fitness headset microphones take an awful lot of abuse. We sweat, scream, and spit into them. At the end of our class when we hit shower that poor mic is still out there doing another class. We work our mics so hard it borders on abuse. Is it any surprise we have so many problems with them? But you can help. With a little bit of care you can have of trouble free performance from your mic system.

Most group fitness headset microphones for are designed to sit at the side of your face about two finger’s width away from the corner of your mouth, or slightly in front and to the side of mouth, not directly in front as with most head worn singer’s microphones. This helps to avoid amplifying breath noises and blowing spit into the mic capsule as you teach.

If you need to confirm that the mic is working after you have turned on the transmitter and checked that the mixer and sound system are all set to go then, whatever you do, NEVER blow into the microphone to test it!

Blowing hard into the delicate microphone capsule is the easiest way to damage it.

A simple “test – one – two” is all you need to say and you won’t risk being the cause of expensive, unnecessary repairs.

After use, always remove the foam windscreen from the mic, gently wipe any sweat from the mic, and remove the body pack transmitter from your pouch belt. To store the system when not in use, hang the headset microphone on a hook 1m(3ft) above a shelf for the transmitter so that the headset’s cable is kept as straight as possible. Do not coil or kink the cable.

A few simple steps:

1) Don’t put the mic capsule directly in front of you mouth.
2) Never blown into the microphone.
3) If your mic was design to use a foam windscreen then always use one.
4) Always use a neoprene transmitter pouch belt.
5) Always remove the windscreen after use.
6) Always remove the body pack transmitter from the pouch belt.
7) Hang the mic when not in use. Do not coil or kink the cable.

Feedback (that squealing or howling sound) occurs when the microphone is too loud, the music is too loud for the microphone or you are too close to the speakers. In most cases turning the microphone level down or moving away from the speakers will stop the howling so just adjust the levels to get the right mix of voice over music without the howls. If the problem persists you may need to reposition your speakers to make sure that they are not ‘firing’ straight back at you. We also find that better quality speakers are less prone to feedback.

If feedback persists because of the room’s architecture (full of mirrors, windows, a polished wood floor and brick upper walls) or your speaker types (ie: some horn tweeters) then there are a selection of feedback exterminator devices or 31 band graphic equalizers available as an add-on component that fits between the Wireless Microphone Receiver and the Mixer, that will filter out those annoying squeals.

When used correctly, headset microphones that were designed for group fitness use will give you many years of trouble free service. Take care of your fitness microphone and it will take care of you.

There is no doubt that not very many shortcuts will work if you want to shape up your physique. Miracle pills, high-tech gadgets, and expensive programs just don’t do the trick. In order to achieve better health and fitness, you will need a good diet and exercise program. One good method of receiving an excellent cardiovascular work out is via a treadmill, and with appropriate maintenance from a fitness equipment repair expert, it’s an investment that will last a long time. Let’s shed a little light on a treadmill that we personally favour-the Bremshey Treadline Ambition treadmill.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Key Features:

Quick start keys let the user change the speed and elevation quickly and easily
Easy to read LCD console with large type
Max speeds of 16 kph (10 mph)

Price: can be found on the internet for about 799

Product Explanation:

The Bremshey Treadline Ambition treadmill is chocked with some terrific features to make it really beneficial, however these conveniences do not render it an expensive product. It comes with 6 preset programs and also a quick start guide which assists you in getting started right away. Additionally, it is equipped with an easy to read graphic LCD display along with quick start keys that allow your to modify the incline and speed swiftly. The console will permit you to monitor relevant things, for example, incline, speed, heart rate, etc. It offers plenty of running space, which is definitely good since it has a top speed of 16 kph (10 mph) – quite a workout for even seasoned runners. And with accessories like a compatible Polar chest belt, you’ll wonder just how the manufacturer of this fitness equipment were able to add so many elements for such a low cost.

Product Characteristics

The shock absorption components as well as the handle grips added into this treadmill will help the user to avoid overexertion.
LCD display shows the usual: distance, speed, pulse, calories burned, incline, and time spent exercising
Folds away for convenient, compact storage using hydraulic assistance

Product Specifics

Speed Range – 0.8 – 16 km/h, 0.5 – 10 mph
Amount of Slope – 0 to 10% Speed adjustment – 0.1 mph increments
Running Space: 51 x 142 cm / 20 x 56 inches 2-ply belt
Motor – 2.75 hp continuous
Max User Weight: 150 kg / 330 lbs / 23 st 8 lbs
Dimensions (unfolded): L194 x W85 x H135 cm
Dimensions (folded): (L)78 x (W)85 x (H)186 cm
Unit Weight: 101kg
Power supply – mains current

Warranty Information: 2 years manufacturer’s warranty for parts and labour

Conclusion:

The Bremshey Treadline Ambition treadmill is an excellent item at an affordable price-and there you have it. It extends a powerful workout, and with the assistance of a fitness equipment repair specialist, you can keep it in tip top shape. We’re confident you won’t find anything on this machine to complain about. When seeking the best treadmill for your regimen, this machine is certainly worth looking at. Highly suggested!

You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. Personal perception is extremely important in the personal training and spa services profession. Whether you are interviewing for a role at a fitness club or interacting with candidates to build your clientele, how you are perceived in the eyes of your prospects will go a long way in determining whether you get that job or lose that potential client.
Dress for Success
Wearing appropriate business attire is the first step inbuilding a respectable and potentially lucrative relationship with potential employers and/or clients. Wearing a suit exudes professionalism and builds a since of confidence with clients that may already be skeptical about taking a leap of faith with someone they may know very little about. Personal training and massage therapy sessions are already considered to have bad raps as touchy careersfor fitness and massage therapist, no pun indented, so starting out in a positive will go a very long way at balancing out any preconceived negative misconceptions. Try putting yourself in the client’s position as you recruit future clients and as you are interviewing for a job.
What to Wear
When you walk into an interview, the first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. You don’t want to make a good first impression; you want to make a great one. That’s why it’s always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual. The candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scrubs or body clinging spandex.
Men’s Interview Attire
Here is the suggested interview dress attire for men that will make a great impression for a potential employer or repeat client:
Men should wear a solid color suit, preferable a navy or dark gray. Black is never a good idea unless interviewing for Men in Black or better yet, a funeral home. Where a long sleeved shirt, white or coordinated with the suit. Make sure the suit and shirt are clean or neatly pressed and free of stains. Always wear a belt and a tie, without them the entire outfit would look incomplete. Wear dark socks and conservative leather shoes; please do not wear sneakers or sports shoes with a nice suit. Finish off your preparations with limited aftershave or cologne (none be better), and neatly trimmed nails and a nice professional haircut.
Women’s Interview Attire
Again, wear a nice suit, solid in color, with navy blue or dark grey being the colors of choice. The suit skirt should be long enough for you to sit comfortably. Coordinate the blouse and wear conservative shoes with neutral colored pantyhose. Wear limited jewelry including no dangling earring or arms full of bracelets. And remember, no jewelry is better than cheap jewelry. Finish off your preparations with light make-up and perfume and neatly manicured nails.
Follow these basic interview dress recommendations and you’ll be dressed for success. You’ll be positioning yourself at an advantage to get the spa job of your dreams, or get that perfect client, and be well on your way to a prosperous and fulfilling future in the fitness and wellness arena.

I had been looking for a superb quality life fitness machine for my little home gym, and I discovered an article about the life fitness x5 Elliptical cross trainer which seemed to be the sort of thing I had been searching for..

The Life fitness x5 Elliptical Trainer is a piece of apparatus, constructed to last, that offers you an ideal workout at home no matter what your fitness stage is, even should you’re a veteran of the fitness clubs and are able to really push it…

Made by Life Fitness who are well-known for making some of the finest top-spec health gear for home gym use, this Elliptical cross trainer is actually a lot the same as the ones you will discover at the gym.

What’s good about that is the Life Fitness x5 elliptical presents the same options which the professional machines that I’ve used in my exercise mad past. Adjustable handlebars and foot pedals, it’s possible to easily be set just for you and your body, so you will discover it more comfortable, which suggests you possibly can carry on working out on it, beyond your regular limits, it doesn’t matter what your size.

The workout you get on it will match your health and capability and your personal comfort as you’re utilizing the life fitness x5 Elliptical cross cross trainer will be spot on

As a yoga trainer I feel that makes for a bigger advantage than a lot of your fitness center instructors would but to me it is apparent that your body will let you know if your’re comfy in order to to keep exercising and keep on doing what you are doing…

Whether or not a total beginner or advanced, you can work out on the x5 setting nearest to your own limits.

As your Fitness and ability levels improve the x5 grows with you.

Even extremely skilled athletes will get an ideal exercise on the x5.

Exercising at home is definitely extra convenient than going to the gym, and the life fitness x5 Elliptical cross trainer gives a full fitness center workout in the privacy of your home. You won’t need to cram the gymnasium into your busy schedule when you’ve the Life Fitness x5 at home because it provides you the exact same exercise that you’re going to get if you go to the gym. But it’s so convenient to use when it’s just ready and sitting there that you will be rather more apt to stick to your regime or plan.

No matter what your health level you will get an ideal exercise plan going on the fitness machine for a home gym, and I found an article about the Life Fitness x5 Elliptical Cross Trainer.

You certainly be impressed with the Life Fitness x5 Elliptical Trainer and it’s features and the quality of the equipment. You will save money and time when the alternative of going to the gym is that you may get the identical high-level workout in the comfort of your own home.