Equipment Articles

Electric Shock Physical therapists sometimes use electrical-stimulation devices to rehabilitate damaged or weakened muscles. There are professionals and companies outside the therapy world who claim that electrical stimulation can also help individuals develop “six-pack abs.” Devices come in various forms, from patches to belts, and promise users a nonexercise method for dropping weight. But do these tools live up to the claims? According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, the answer is yes and no. newsletter_teaser:  Electric Shock Physical therapists sometimes use electrical-stimulation devices to rehabilitate damaged or weakened muscles. There are professionals and companies outside the therapy world who claim that electrical stimulation can also help individuals develop “six-pack abs.” Devices come in various forms, from patches to belts, and promise users a nonexercise method for dropping weight. But do these tools live up to the claims? According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, the answer is yes and no. 

Adult Playground Who says that playgrounds are only for kids? In an effort to improve activity levels in older adults, a “playground” geared to adults 60 and older opened on May 19 in London’s Hyde Park. The “Hyde Park Senior Playground” has six pieces of outdoor exercise equipment, including a stationary bicycle, a cross-trainer and a sit-up bench. A similar park, equipped with pull-up, push-up and pedaling stations, was built in Manchester’s Dam Head Park 2 years ago. That park cost about $22,600 (£15,000) and was built by a local residents’ association. “When we tested [the park], all the people we took in were over 70, and I have never heard so much laughing,” said Joan Fitzgerald, the association’s chairwoman. “I believe you are never too old to play, and this also helps keep you fit.”newsletter_teaser:  Adult Playground Who says that playgrounds are only for kids? In an effort to improve activity levels in older adults, a “playground” geared to adults 60 and older opened on May 19 in London’s Hyde Park. The “Hyde Park Senior Playground” has six pieces of outdoor exercise equipment, including a stationary bicycle, a cross-trainer and a sit-up bench. A similar park, equipped with pull-up, push-up and pedaling stations, was built in Manchester, England, 2 years ago by a local residents’ association. “When we tested [the park], all the people we took in were over 70, and I have never heard so much laughing,” said Joan Fitzgerald, the association’s chairwoman.

The verdict is still out regarding the benefits of those bulky, uni-tasking ab machines you find on some weight room floors; however, one thing is becoming clear: core-training benefits cannot be realized by training the trunk musculature in isolation. For a more balanced approach, incorporate closed-chain exercises into your classes.

Health-Conscious Chef Spreads the Word on Healthy Eating A person’s nutrition choices can make or break his health. Unfortunately it seems that many people would rather choose McDonald’s french fries over a healthy spinach salad. However, one man has made it his mission to teach the world’s eaters to take nutrition choices into their own hands. Formerly known as the “Naked Chef,” Jamie Oliver has a reputation for helping the average, non-culinary-oriented person navigate the kitchen.

Hula-Hoop enthusiasts take heart—it may now be possible to get the same gyrational movements while sitting at your desk. The Hawaii Chair of infomercial fame promises users an opportunity to get fit while you work. According to the manufacturer’s website, the Hawaii Chair “combines the ancient art of the Hula of the Hawaiians with an easy-to-use, fun exercise machine.” Users’ hips gyrate as the seat rotates clockwise and counterclockwise at the desired speed.

A new device that has exploded onto the market is the Shake Weight™, a 2.5-pound dumbbell-shaped apparatus that promises “strong, sexy, sculpted arms & shoulders” in just 6 minutes a day. The product was originally designed for arm-conscious women, but a male version has recently entered the market. Users grip the tool in one or two hands and then shake it vigorously back and forth with minimal—if any—changes in range of motion. The Shake Weight website states that strength benefits are derived from a “new” technology dubbed “dynamic

The Pilates chair—or “wunda chair,” as Joseph Pilates called it—is a powerful piece of exercise equipment. Its small size belies its remarkable ability to build core stability, upper-body strength and lower-body power to improve performance in athletes, retrain the body after injury and increase overall physical conditioning. Although it’s been part of the Pilates system for many years, the chair is currently experiencing a new level of interest as a great tool for teaching clients either individually or in small groups.

In the January issue, it was reported that fitness equipment manufacturer CYBEX® had developed special pink treadmills to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. For each mile logged on the treadmills in October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month), the organization would donate money to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The program was a success: 250,000 miles were logged, resulting in a $50,000 donation.

As signs of recovery start to show in different sectors of the American economy, fitness facility and studio owners are still taking stock. Faced with tough economic times, some owners, directors and managers are still putting off or scaling back on new equipment, leasing rather than buying, or purchasing used or remanufactured equipment

Despite the kettlebell’s rich history, dating back at least to the 1700s, there are many people who have not yet heard of this tool. Only recently has the product caught the attention of mainstream fitness folks. Fitness pros and enthusiasts, both men and women, ranging from young to not so young, nonathletes to superstars, are starting to find use for the cast-iron tool that has its roots in Russia. The kettlebell may not be a new product, but creative programming using the age-old device is certainly “swinging” into action.