It feels like spring in New Zealand as the air temperature has risen and we’ve had blue skies this week. Alas, it’s only August and there’s more cold and wet weather ahead before we get to enjoy the long balmy days of summer.
This week has seen an lot of newcomers coming into the studio for their first free trial visit and some of these have been older women. These women tell me their reasons for coming in; improved mobility, fat-loss, fitness and general well-being. Some say they want to ensure their bones remain strong and prevent osteoporosis. It’s exciting to get these women into the studio as they are usually not sports oriented but have lived active lives and now having slowed down a little they recognise the need to rebuild fitness or they simply want to keep the muscle strength they already have.
I feel privileged to work for Vibra-Train as we have a vibration platform that’s perfect for these women to use. It’s called the Vibra (or Vibra-Train) and as well as the platform having upward vibration it has vibrating side handlebars. This machine’s handlebars were specifically designed for people who find it difficult to hold a 110 degree angled squat position. By holding the side handlebars users are able to push down with their arms to take some pressure off the quad muscles (the thighs) while more easily holding their body in the correct squat position. Their hips and knees are well supported. This means that these new customers are able to do the full Safety Program. There’s no need for individualised programs and no special program cards. If necessary, like if a customer cannot kneel, there’s a standing variation for just two of the positions.
My job as an Instructor is mader so much easier thanks to the thought that’s gone into creating the Vibra-Train Safety Program. The simplicity of it yet it’s absolute effectiveness means that I can supervise a room of 7 or 8 machines at once including instructing a total newcomer. For the customer this means the cost of training is kept very low, just NZ$10 per session (around US$7) for a fully supervised session.
I’m looking forward to working with the older ladies who have started Vibra-Train this week. Two are overweight and it will exciting to see them build up their fitness and improve their overall health with some fat-loss and muscle and strength gains.
