PFP Buyer's Guide 2013

TOTY 2014 UPDATE: WINNER WILL ALSO RECEIVE A TECHNOGYM ARTIS BIKE SPRING 2013 WWW.FIT-PRO.COM

TRAIN LIKE A STRONGMAN Is it right for your clients?

FLASHBACK! A look at 1999 industry predictions HELPING YOU PROSPER AS A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL

2013

Buyer’s Guide

Are You The Next Big Name In Fitness?

9th Annual [ IN PARTNERSHIP WITH www.clubindustryshow.com

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• Free Technogym ARTIS Bike • $700 SPRI gift certificate • Free flight to Club Industry 2013 in October in Chicago courtesy of SPRI* • Free BodyMetrix Professional System – Ultrasound Body Composition ($1,895 Value) • Free Ab Coaster ($1,500 Value) • Free ACE Health Coach Premium Study Bundle ($599 value) • Free VIP Package to Fitness Business Summit 2014 courtesy of PT Power ($1,200 value) • Free two-night stay at the Club Industry 2013 show hotel courtesy of PT Power • 2014 PFP Trainer of the Year trophy • Winner announced on stage at Club Industry 2013 • Cover and Journey to Success spotlight in November-December issue of PFP • And much more still to be added!

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BOTH RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE:

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PFP Trainer of the Year has been a wonderful and exciting ride; I have had many opportunities to use my new title to spread my fitness message throughout my community and state. I’ve become the featured writer in multiple publications, author of the Jump Start column for fit-pro.com and have opportunities to work with local charities and host community seminars in my facility. This year has been wonderful so far and I am so excited to see what happens as it progresses. Thanks so much PFP for your support and this honor!

Valorie Ness, 2013 PFP Trainer of the Year *One domestic round-trip ticket from your location to Chicago.

Look for updates on this year’s TOTY competition on Twitter (#TOTY2014) & Facebook.

www.fit-pro.com/traineroftheyear

PFP ONLINE Visit | www.fit-pro.com VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 3

FEATURES

PUBLISHER

josh vogt | josh@rbpub.com EDITOR

lindsay vastola | lindsay@rbpub.com MANAGING EDITOR

mike beacom | mike@rbpub.com CIRCULATION MANAGER

rachel spahr | rachel@rbpub.com PRESIDENT

chad griepentrog | chad@rbpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

kelli cooke | kelli.c@rbpub.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

robert linkul, michelle nightengale, carol reed, michael seril

15-Year Giveaway

May exclusive web feature:

Bryan Ortiz shares ideas for how fitness professionals can get the best response when using daily deal sites to promote their services.

POLL RESULTS How do you acquire the majority of your clients?

OUR ONLINE COLUMNISTS

2.6%

7.9%

5.3%

Jump Start

by Valorie Ness

Referral programs Strategic partners

Career Builder

by Josh Bowen

NEXT POLL Visit : www.fit-pro.com to participate

What aspect of your fitness business is most challenging for you right now? a. Attaining new clients b. Raising your rates c. Managing a team/ employees d. Time management e. Cash flow

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Entrepreneur

by Cabel McElderry

Functionally Fit

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

FOLLOW TOTY

Lindsay Vastola | lindsay@rbpub.com

Valorie Ness | www.catalystfitness.com

An open call for decision-makers A few weeks ago, I returned from Las Vegas after spending the week at IHRSA 2013. I was thrilled to connect with many of you and have the opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies about how to succeed in this great industry; I'm excited to bring many of your thoughts to the pages of PFP! In this year's Buyer's Guide, we're featuring several of the products and innovations just released at IHRSA, as well as the reputable companies you've come to rely on year-after-year.

One thing we can count on is that there will always be those in our industry who continue to defy the limits of innovation.

As I walked the trade show floor, I couldn't help but witness a certain trend: the influence of the individual fitness professional has a greater impact than ever before. Fitness equipment and service companies are not simply targeting the big gym owners and those with purchasing power; they are targeting the real decision-makers - you. You choose to use the equipment and share it with your clients based on how safe and effective it is.

There is a keen realization that the real decision-makers are the fitness professionals who have daily client interaction; who are using the equipment day-in and day-out; and who build client relationships through personal training, group exercise or new member sales.

The industry is listening to you.

This is why it's critical that you focus on a purpose-driven career. The decisions you make, though seemingly small – whether it's the equipment you choose to buy, how you market or the strategic partnerships you create – absolutely have an impact on the industry. Our features in this issue will hopefully inspire you to make your career decisions with purpose and intention. 

  

As you probably know by now, PFP media is celebrating its 15th anniversary. We've brought back a timely feature from our first issue from 1999, “From the Beginning.” I think you'll be surprised at how closely this article predicts the trends that we're part of today.

Did you ever think about creating a foundation? Michael Seril shares how he was able to increase business while focusing on a greater purpose.

In an ode to the evolution of fitness, Robert Linkul returns us to our daily-life “strongman” roots. See if strongman exercises are right for your client.

A valued business is a purpose-driven business. Consultant Michelle Nightengale breaks down three keys to creating high-value services.

Be sure to keep this Buyer's Guide within arm's reach. As you continue to grow your business this year, keep your purpose front-of-mind first then support it with the tools you need to enhance your clients' experience.

It was a pleasure to connect with so many of you. You each are doing great work (all deserving of the PFP Trainer of the Year award, so be sure to apply!) and you have more opportunities than ever to influence. I encourage you to continue to do so with determined purpose, relentless passion and unshaken pride.

Continued success,

TOTY equipment picks for 2013 We asked 2013 PFP Trainer of the Year Valorie Ness to share some of her insights on her favorite equipment and where she sees the trends in fitness equipment moving.

1.

What are your favorite pieces of equipment to use for your own training?

That's a tough question as I have access to so many great tools to work with at the gym. At this moment I am really enjoying our new SURGE. I can train my core and upper body at crazy intensities without the risk of injury due to the omnikinetic resistance and lack of inertia. I also love zoning out and watching a movie or catching up on my favorite TV shows while on our Precor AMT. It has a big beautiful TV screen and is hooked into the internet and cable at the gym.

2.

Are you planning on adding any new equipment to your facility this year?

We recently added in a few SURGE 360s. Later this year the company will be releasing wall and ceiling mounted units that have all of the wonderful benefits of the floor-based units and allow people to train in every direction. We are also adding a rock wall or FitWall.

3.

What equipment do your clients enjoy working with most?

The most widely used tools at Catalyst Fitness include: Trigger Point Therapy tools, bodyweight training, various forms of suspension training, the ViPR and SURGE. This is because each of these offers tremendous variety, versatility and scalability. In other words, we can utilize these pieces with the many different populations we see and always have fresh and exciting content for our members.

4.

Where do you see the trend in equipment moving?

Gone are the days of fixed-apparatus equipment that only trains one body part at a time. These pieces of equipment have large foot prints, are expensive, non-functional and single-use. As trainers, we are evolving into a group of professionals that are "smarter" that your average chest press machine-user.

SPRING 2013 | WWW.FIT-PRO.COM | 5

CONTENTS

SPRING 2013

Buyer's Guide

FEATURES

08

Your purpose-driven business

Case-study: Impact your community and your business by creating a foundation

By Michael Seril

10

From the Beginning The evolution of the personal fitness professional

By Carol Reed

22

Buyer's Guide

The one-stop guide that you can hang on to for the rest of the year

OTHER Columns 30 Be Better

14

Packaging, positioning and perception

3 keys to creating high-fee, high-value fitness services and programs

By Michelle Nightengale

Research has proven the miracle is here!

By Phil Kaplan

Departments 05 Letter from the Editor

16

Everyday "Strongman" Exercises Are they right for your client?

By Robert Linkul

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An open call for decision-makers

18 Exercise Spotlight The Rotational Trainer

20 New on the Market

Your purpose-drive Case-study: Impact your community and your business by creating a foundation

As

a fitness professional, it pains me to see children overweight, sad and unhappy about themselves. I felt compelled to do something about it. It became my passion and mission to help and improve children’s fitness in the city of Whittier. I began doing some research about how to create a foundation in order to have a bigger impact; shortly after the ball was rolling and the Excellence Through Exercise Foundation was born.

As we moved forward in the process of starting a foundation, I discovered there were many unexpected benefits to creating a foundation including tax benefits, media exposure that directly improved my fitness business tremendously, and it gave me the opportunity to develop key relationships with reputable organizations such as the Lakers, Dodgers, Angels, TRX, Hyperwear, Oakley and Disneyland. Since starting the foundation, we have quadrupled in studio size and increased our client base 10fold. More importantly, we have helped thousands of people in our community.

Here are a few strategies to start a foundation and a few examples of how we were able to make an impact in our community while making our studio a household name.

How to set up a foundation }

}

8

Speak with your current accountant or tax professional and discuss your plans to start a foundation. Tell them you would like to file for 501c3 status.

Prior to moving forward, be sure to consider the following: 1. Think of the name of your foundation – something that will truly relate to your mission and vision.

2. Create a mission statement and what type of programs you would like to implement.

3. Create a board member list of about six to eight people that will truly help

| www.fit-pro.com | spring 2013

and guide you with the mission and vision of your foundation.

4. Prepare to wait a few months to attain your 501c3 status; it will be worth the wait.

How to maximize your foundation’s exposure }

}

}

Always take pictures and videos of your programs and events; it may be worth hiring a professional photographer or videographer.

Gather testimonials from board members and people that are benefiting from your foundation.

Create fundraising events to raise money for your foundation such as golf tournaments, gala events or special boot camp events.

}

Place all of your pictures and videos on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and your website, as well as in your studio.

}

Make sure you always highlight people and organizations that donate time and energy – appreciation of their hard work goes a long way.

How to attain major sponsors for a greater impact Receiving your 501c3 status improves your chances of receiving great donations from bigger corporations because they are allowed to use their donation as a tax deduction, whether it is a monetary or product donation.

One of the most impactful themes that has been successful for our foundation is, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” When it comes to attracting major sponsors, this is particularly true.

What started off as only 20 tickets donated by the L.A. Dodgers, turned into 1,200 because I kept asking the community relations director

en business

By Michael Seril

if we could get more tickets. I assured her that each ticket was going to be used by a family that would truly appreciate the experience; families that have never attended a game (many of the schools our foundation benefits are in low-income school districts). After two days of convincing through email and phone calls, the Dodgers sent us 1,200 tickets.

After the Dodgers tickets, I wanted to get support from the L.A. Lakers, so I found the contact information of the community relations director and sent pictures and YouTube video links of our experience at the Dodgers game.

It included pictures of the children smiling, thanking the Dodgers on videos for their donation. I then asked at the end of the email if they would be willing to donate tickets. A week later I received an email stating that they were donating 20 tickets plus 200 Lakers pedometers.

As you can see, one of the keys in gaining major sponsors is getting that first supporter and using that name to propel you in receiving support from other companies. When we received support from

Disneyland, I contacted Knott’s Berry Farm and Magic Mountain asking for their support as well.

The potential impact of community outreach on your business Appealing to your potential clientele in your community and local (and even national) media to get maximum exposure to your business is far easier when you are able to feature an event or cause that has community interest.

When we donated the 1,200 Dodger tickets, each adult registered their name and email address on our database to receive the tickets.

From a business standpoint, we gathered hundreds of email addresses and leads in a matter of three days.

After the Dodger event, our studio was featured on Channel 7 Eyewitness News (Southern California’s most-watched TV news) and we were featured in all of our local newspapers and magazines.

For two years, we have donated $5,000 worth of physical education equipment to seven elementary schools in Whittier. The number of people we impacted who learned about our foundation and fitness studio was significant.

Creating a foundation impacts the culture inside and outside the studio walls Most people genuinely want to give back in one way or another. Some people want to give back but don’t know how; you are simply providing them the way to do so through a foundation. In their eyes, you are not just a fitness professional but an advocate of giving back and people will continue to love you for it.

When you create a meaningful foundation, you are leading the way and as long as you mean well and are passionate about your mission and vision, people will follow you.

When your fitness facility provides awesome service and results and at the same time gives back to the community, why would anyone not want to be a part of this?

In the age of the internet, fitness programs and products are available for people to easily see and experience; being the advocate behind a meaningful foundation is a great way to separate yourself and your studio from others in your community.

People want to be a part of something special. Make your fitness facility that special facility.

When you create a foundation to help with your mission and vision for your community, it is far more impactful than just holding a charity boot camp once or twice a year. Having a foundation with ongoing programs means you will constantly be in the mind of people in your community.

You want your fitness business not just to be known for pounds and reps; you want to have a greater impact in your community. You want to help more and more people even if they are not paying for your service and expertise. You care more than the average trainer. If this is you, then creating a foundation may be the perfect option for you to run a purpose-driven business.

Michael Seril is the owner of Michael Seril Fitness Studio and founder of the Excellence Through Exercise Foundation in Whittier, California. He is the 2006 NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year and 2011 ABC 7 Jefferson Award Recipient. Seril earned his Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from California State University Northridge. Check out his website at www.michaelserilfitness.com.

spring 2013 | www.fit-pro.com | 9

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF PFP: A LOOK BACK This article originally appeared in the March-April 1999 issue of PFP

From the

Beginning The evolution of the personal fitness professional

W

By Carol Reed

hen I heard someone talk about his or her personal trainer, I pictured a big guy in a Gold’s Gym muscle shirt with tan skin and huge biceps. Because of the image, I had a fear of weight training, despite my career as an aerobics instructor. I thought, “I am a woman, I don’t want huge arms and legs. I need to maintain my feminine form and don’t want some Lou Ferrigno look alike yelling at me as I try to raise a big iron bar over my head.” That was before I became a personal fitness professional.

After teaching aerobics classes for 10 years, I wanted to continue giving people the experience of getting healthy. However, my body was tired and getting injured from teaching two to three classes a day. When I considered becoming a personal trainer, I had to overcome some preconceived notions about what made a good personal trainer. I always thought of myself as a woman with “small” muscles and not a “gym rat.” I feared my image would prevent me from attracting clientele, but I was wrong.

Most Americans now realize you don’t have to be an athlete or a Hollywood star to justify hiring a personal fitness professional. Trainers can be appropriate for just about anyone: a beginner who needs to develop good form, flexibility and nutritional habits; a person who has suffered an injury and needs to regain strength; a pregnant woman who wants to maintain her fitness level but needs guidance on what is appropriate exercise; or an older person with special considerations.

Now, more than ever, there are so many niches each of us can fill.

The personal training business has grown considerable in the 1990s. Its popularity has soared, and qualified trainers have found themselves extremely busy. It’s amazing how much the industry has changed in just 10 years. The rapid, almost-daily changes have required us to keep up with the industry and its direction. But to understand where we are going, it’s important to know where we began and how much our profession has evolved.

ANCIENT ORIGINS STILL APPLICABLE The exact origin of weight training is lost in time, but there is evidence that weightlifting in some form was practiced in Ancient Egypt, China, Ireland and Greece. Pictures in Egyptian tombs that date around 2500 BC depict strength-developing exercises. Ancient Greeks recorded more feats of strength than any other ancient society. In the 6th Century BC, strength training was predominant in Greece, and the typical athlete was the strongman.

The most famous of the Greek strongmen was Milo of Crotona. Each day he developed strength by shouldering a calf. He has often been credited with inventing progressive resistance because he lifted and carried the calf as it grew and gained more weight.

Galen, the most famous physician of the 2nd Century AD was instrumental in developing systematic strength training exercise using halters or jumping weights, predecessor or the modern dumbbell. His system included variations of what we would now call heavy lifting, dumbbell training and man-to-man isometric contraction exercises.

You are not only individual coaches, you are educators, supervisors, motivators and inspirational leaders

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MODERN DAY POPULARITY & DISILLUSIONMENT During the late 1800s and through the first decade of the 20th Century, professional strongmen were popular in the United States and Europe, touring with vaudeville shows and circuses. Most early strongmen were large, even obese, and as a result their movements were awkward. Hence, people associated weightlifting with awkwardness and the concept of muscle-boundness was born. While strongmen provided great entertainment, they also created an aversion for strength training in the minds of most Americans.

The Industrial Revolution marred the strongman profession in the later years of the 19th Century and early years of the 20th Century.

Because people were not doing as much physical labor, they became less interested in feats of strength. This declining interest hurt attendance at strength displays. After 1910, professional strongmen were a rarity. From 1910 to the late 1940s, strength training was thought to be an activity only for cultist bodybuilders.

In the 1940s, Dr. Thomas DeLorme helped bring strength training back to a state of public respectability. His studies, which compared the recovery rates of postoperative patients who

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used weight training to the recovery rates of those who did not, indicated the positive benefits of weights training. He devised a system of training, establishing the 10-repetition maximum (RM). As a doctor committed to helping people, DeLorme’s credibility opened the minds of Americans to the positive attributes of weight training.

Another notable researcher, L. Matveyer of the Soviet Union, interested in mixing different training systems to produce a particular effect, pioneered “periodization” or cycling. His work resulted in complex workout programs that produced strength results slightly superior to traditional set systems.

EMERGENCE OF THE PERSONAL FITNESS PROFESSIONAL The personal training industry, as we know it today, is at least 100 years old. While one-on-one personal training was offered in major urban areas, mail-order courses were the predominant means by which trainers reached their clientele. The most famous of all mail-order instructors was Angelo Siciliana, or, as he was better known, Charles Atlas. He began selling mailorder courses in the early 1920s after winning a “perfect man” contest. In order to make a profit,

Atlas perpetuated the muscle-boundness theory. He did so by advertising his dynamic tension program that used very little, if any equipment.

In the late 1970s, a boom in fitness occurred, and people started taking the idea of personal fitness seriously. The Sports Training Institute in New York City was one of the first establishments to initiate one-on-one training along with body composition testing. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, who coined the term “aerobic,” was a catalyst in the reawakening of the benefits of exercise. Even though he emphasized aerobic or endurance training, his influence stimulated all fitness activities.

As fitness progressed into the next decade, people went crazy. Aerobic classes were popular and people strived for “the burn.” The thought that it had to hurt to be effective was popular and people flocked to aerobics studios and gyms – trusting many instructors and trainers who did not have certifications or qualifications beyond large muscles or interest in pounding their clients to the ground. Just about anyone who “looked the part,” walked into a gym and stated he was a personal trainer, got the job.

TODAY’S PERSONAL FITNESS PROFESSIONAL With the widespread, poor physical condition

of many Americans and the desire to look and feel better, it’s no wonder our field is growing at a rate of almost 25% a year. It’s a personal fitness professional’s dream. Consumers now purchase our services in ever-increasing numbers. They are informed about choices and know what to look for in a personal trainer, thanks to a number of fitness publications.

en, as well as stay-at-home moms, are beginning to realize positive benefits of weight training, both physically and mentally. And because of cutbacks on physical education programs in public schools, children are becoming overweight and parents are looking for help.

By staying in tune with current trends, a trainer can develop his own niche service. For example, within the next 15 years, seniors will become the largest segment of the US population. If they could stay healthy, HMOs would save billions of dollars. That’s why insurers are beginning to offer financial incentives to fitness centers that offer services to people 65 and older. This is a niche that if served, could reap lucrative financial rewards for a savvy businessperson.

With the fast-paced lives millions of Americans lead, it becomes increasingly important personal fitness professionals be able to develop workouts around their clients’ lifestyles. Many will ask for shorter, 30- to 45-minute programs – leaving you more time for more clients. Others will prefer to meet you on a mountain for a hike, on a trail for a run or at home for convenience.

It’s not just about looking good, but also feeling whole and balanced.

There is competition among personal trainers for clientele, and certification is important in distinguishing you as a professional. But it’s more than certification – professionalism, image, conduct and references are also important. You are not only individual coaches, you are educators, supervisors, motivators and inspirational leaders.

Today, clients come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Women are encouraged by doctors to continue exercise during pregnancy, but they need to know what is safe. Professional wom-

It’s not just about looking good, but also feeling whole and balanced. A progressive personal trainer should take the time now to learn techniques that will help clients achieve balance. Yoga, meditation, stretching and relaxation techniques have a place in the fitness arena today and even more in the future.

THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES Personal training has evolved to become increasingly demanding. We are now personal fitness professionals, required to possess knowledge on a variety of topics. One of the greatest aspects of personal training is that it is not an exact profession, and there is a lot of room for creativity. You can work with your personality, choose clients based on your strengths and create a successful business all your own.

The good news is that for now, and into the future, there are many niches a personal trainer can fill. The key it to know what is out there, stay abreast of the ever-changing world of fitness and pick a population and venue that is comfortable.

Carol Reed is an ACE-certified personal trainer and AFAA-certified aerobics instructor. She has nearly 15 years of fitness experience and currently runs her own in-home personal training business.

SPRING 2013 | WWW.FIT-PRO.COM | 13

3 keys to creating high-fee, high-value fitness services and programs

By Michelle Nightengale

do have. Make a list now of all you have accomplished that could possibly impress a client, even the stuff you may not think would. Be honest with people about what you’ve achieved because you may attract more people that way. You don’t need to puff yourself up.

Another part of this is identifying your niche, or target market. You might target your market by:  Age and gender (i.e. mid-life women who want to lose weight)  People with a specific lifestyle (i.e. busy executives with little time)  Specific health concern (i.e. diabetes) All of these are examples of niches that people have specifically designed their businesses around.

KEY #2: Mix up your training and coaching formats

Packaging, positioning and perception Every personal trainer generally wants to be that elite, highly-paid fitness professional – the successful fitness professional with a thriving business, well-behaved clients and lots of time off to enjoy important things (like their family).

Important Tip: Packaging, positioning and perception are huge factors in determining how well you’ll do with high-end services and programs. Here are three keys to get you started:

KEY #1: Be specific and be yourself People will not work with generic professionals

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anymore. They want to work with professionals with specialized knowledge and experience.

However, don’t underestimate yourself. Let’s say you’re a fitness professional who has built quite a business, specializing in helping clients with diabetes lose weight and keep it off naturally, without drugs. Do you know how many people would love to improve their health, lose the weight and eliminate or reduce the drugs and insulin they take? You have an advantage here. You can be the go-to fitness professional for those suffering from diabetes. Always value the experience you

Are you currently offering one-on-one training?

Consider offering boot camps or group training as a way to increase your revenue while keeping your services affordable for your clients. In fact, offering boot camps could even lower the cost for your clients while increasing your revenue.

You can also offer value-added services like nutrition coaching or grocery store tours. If you’re just starting out, you can offer one-onone coaching, and as your clientele grows, it’s easy to convert this to a group-coaching format.

This article isn’t a course on how to add coaching to your services. Just know that people often feel overwhelmed and confused about all of the choices they have. They just want to know the best and fastest way for them to achieve what they want to achieve and will often welcome professional, personalized help.

Coaching can be conducted live and in person, over the phone or via email. Coaching can be delivered one-on-one or in groups of five to 500. The possibilities are endless. But a popular format that tends to keep your clients satisfied with your services, and therefore loyal to you as a client, is a mix of tele-coaching with live meetings.

Tele-coaching generally involves people being on the phone with you. Perhaps you create a training teleseminar followed by a Q&A call. Add to the topic an online forum, chats or something similar to support the program.

Private Facebook groups are great for this and currently very popular. Best of all, you can host your calls from anywhere. You can do them at home, in the office, or on the road traveling.

It’s a very portable way of being able to coach.

Live meetings are a super way to power up your programs. These are a key component of some very high-level business coaching programs which feature twice-yearly retreats at beautiful resorts. If you’re going to host live meetings or retreats, why not host them in locations you’d love to visit? One retreat I know of was held in

Maui at the Four Seasons. What a great mini-vacation! Even better, it was a business write-off for everyone! (Of course, talk with your accountant about what truly qualifies as a business expense.)

Live meetings work well for two reasons: One is that you have a much more powerful program if you can get people in the room together live. This is not necessary; however, there is nothing like the energy, magic and bonding that happens when you get clients in a room together. They also retain and accomplish much more. They have a better experience when they are out of their element. You probably know this is true yourself. When you go to a seminar or retreat, you’re focused. It’s like you’re in an incubator. The dog isn’t barking. Your kids aren’t hungry. You don’t need to take the laundry out of the dryer. You’re in a different environment and totally focused.

The second reason live retreats work well is that they not only give your clients better results, but it’s been proven they give your programs higher retention rates. People stay in programs longer when live meetings are included. There are many reasons why, but not all of them are rational. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that some people won’t join or stay in your program for results. There are also

emotional reasons that people join programs like these and stay in them. There are ways to work this angle into your marketing, so you can meet the needs of these people and welcome them into your programs.

KEY #3: Require a commitment Many of us are trained to believe that you don’t want to lock people into a program. Many fitness professionals think, “I’ll attract them, and we can work together, but if it’s not meant to be, I won’t hold them to an agreement.”

Let me tell you something I have learned over the last several years: as much as people want freedom and to not be told what to do, once they become part of a program or group, they suddenly crave structure and accountability.

Your program can provide this for them. Requiring a commitment from them makes them step up. Determine what is the best amount of time for them to experience results from your program and re-engineer your offering to require that time commitment.

By insisting you won’t work with people for less than three months, six months or a year, for example, you will get a better response than if you let people go loosey-goosey, trying you for a month here and there.

Now, are there precautions you must put in place and different ways you have to sell these programs? Absolutely. It’s a big decision for people to make. There is specific information you need to provide and certain emotional appeals you need to make so they can justify the decision. The bottom line, though, is requiring a commitment will help you attract better clients and help them get better results.

Following these three keys will help you package and position your services and give your clients and potential clients the perception that you offer the highest value services available to them. Regardless of whether you are a newbie or a veteran in the fitness industry, or whether you’re an independent trainer or employee of a training facility, how you position your expertise and services can have a very real and direct impact on your success.

Michelle Nightengale is the founder and CEO of the Global Institute of Wellness Entrepreneurs. Go to www.GIWEconnect. com/pfpmagazine to get the special report “10 Tips for Attracting Affluent Fitness Clients.”

SPRING 2013 | WWW.FIT-PRO.COM | 15

“strongman” Everyday

exercises

Are they right for your client?

By Robert Linkul

M

uscular hulks known only as strongmen appeared in the early 1800s as they performed demonstrations known as feats of strength. As these demonstrations grew in popularity the sport of strongman was born. In the beginning, strongman was seen as a bit of a freak in that men would bend bars around their head, throw kegs floating in the ocean into the back of a truck and run with refrigerators on their back. The sport has developed quickly and with that development has gained tremendous popularity worldwide.

With this growth in popularity also came the growth of the participants. Late 19th century and early 20th century strongmen like Eugene Sandow and Charles Atlas barely tipped the scales at an average of 185 pounds and stood a mere 5-10; compared to today’s participant who averages 6-4 and weighs 300 pounds. The

events have changed as well, leaving behind the days of bending bars and replacing them with the farm walk, tire flip, truck pull, fingal fingers, log press, the atlas stones and many more.

The development of this sport and its unique events has lead to new program design strategies practiced and implemented by certified personal trainers and strength and conditioning coaches, to professional and collegiate athletes, as well as the general fitness enthusiast.

The field has shifted toward selecting exercises based on sport-specific, functional or daily-life movements. Push, pull, press, lunge, squat and twist have become very common words among professionals and one specific sport fits this program design perfectly: strongman.

The oldest form of exercise comes from picking up stones and moving them to a new location. This is a very functional movement, which the majority of people, pending injuries, perform daily.

Picking up shoes, moving dumbbells, cleaning up the kids’ toys and many other daily-life movements replicate the movement of the strongman Atlas stone’s clean and, pending placement, jerk if needed to put an item away in a high location.

Along with daily-life movements comes a particular emphasis on core training. In the certified personal training industry, increases in core strength are a common goal among the general fitness enthusiast during their initial consultations. There are few better exercises a fitness professional can have clients perform than the strongman farmer walk to develop full body and core strength.

Dumbbells, barbells, sandbags, railroad ties with handles mounted on them, kettlebells, ammo cases, water jugs and bumper plates can all be utilized to perform the farmer walk. The ability of the strongman farmer walk to develop core strength simultaneously brings with it a drastic improvement in posture as this exercise relies primarily on the posterior chain/posture muscles for support. The intensity of the strongman farmer walk can be increased by adding more load carried or distance traveled during the walk which ultimately leads to improved posture.

Regarding posture, generally speaking, fitness enthusiasts have become front-body obsessed as they are constantly trying to improve the muscles in which they can see. Typical overuse front-body exercises like sit-ups, bench press, bicep curls and captain’s chair knee raises have increasingly decreased posture over time. The strongman farmers walk is an efficient training tool to assist in reversing the ill effects of overdevelopment.

Along with improvements in core strength and posture comes an increase in upper body strength and coordination by utilizing the strongman log clean and press exercise. Although technically detailed, the strongman log clean and press can produce astounding results.

These results include increased muscular endurance, strength, power production, coordination, balance and reaction time.

It would seem that a standard Olympic clean and press with a typical barbell would be a sufficient replication of this lift, however, the major difference lies in the wide girth of the apparatus being hoisted. Replicated logs, dumbbells, sandbags and large water filled PVC pipes can be utilized to perform this exercise in the standard gym.

The primary emphasis of the log clean and press is on upper body strength; although, there is some demand placed on the hips during the clean phase of the movement. To target the hips an exercise called the strongman tire flip can be implemented.

Though extremely beneficial, the difficulty with the strongman tire flip exercise is space. The standard tractor tire is five to six feet tall and weighs an average of 400 pounds. Tires are unable to be broken down and stored appropriately, therefore requiring a large amount of space. These tires can cause damage to wooden or artificial flooring and should be performed on dirt or grass, if possible. The triple extension of the hips, knees and ankles performed during the deadlift movement at the start of the strongman tire flip is exceptionally beneficial for any individual seeking to improve full body strength, flexibility and power production.

Strongman training has vastly grown in popularity as many fitness professionals have begun to implement these exercises with their clients.

However, injury is always a concern. “As with any elite sport, the movements behind the numerous strongman-type events are very specific and highly technical, and should only be learned from properly trained instructors,” says strongman coach Michael Palmieri, who owns and operates the ISSAC, a strongman training facility in Las Vegas.

Improvements in core strength, muscular endurance, power production and posture are some of the primary results of strongman exercises like the Atlas stones, farmer walk, log clean and press and the tire flip. Certified personal trainers and strength and conditioning coaches should be strongly encouraged to utilize these exercises as they are extremely effective. Proper technique and the safety of each individual participating in these exercises must be the primary focus for the fitness professional as these lifts/movements can be dangerous if not performed correctly.

The influence of the strongman pioneers runs deeper than just the athletes who participate. New generations of fitness professionals have been influenced and currently embrace the strongman way of training into their program designs. This training is geared toward full body functional daily-life movements, which is often most important to the fitness professional’s clientele. The value of this style of training is vast in that there is no such thing as being too strong.

Robert Linkul is the NSCA 2012 Personal Trainer of the Year and is the NSCA’s Southwest Regional Coordinator.

Robert has his master’s degree in personal training and is an NSCA-CPT and CSCS with distinction. Linkul is an international speaker to fitness directors and certified personal trainers on career development. Read more about CPT career development at robertlinkul.blogspot.com.

ExErcisE spotlight Exercises designed by OPTP

The Rotational Trainer

convert centripetal force into a powerful strength training tool for the shoulder joint, shoulder girdle and core. By grasping the rotational Trainer with one or two hands and rotating the yellow balls a resistant centripetal force is created, challenging the user to constantly stabilize engaged muscle groups. The rotational Trainer is as versatile as it is fun to use. simple modifications to grip and body positioning will engage different muscle groups. it can be used while standing, sitting or lying, and in conjunction with other fitness tools, like resistance bands, exercise balls and foam rollers.

Now, let’s start a revolution:

Single-arm shoulder elevation in the scapular plane

Grip the Rotational Trainer lightly with one hand on the center pad. Hold your arm laterally, level with your shoulder and start the balls spinning by using a large, exaggerated stirring motion.

Once the balls are spinning, your body will need to match the rhythm of the motion to keep the balls moving. It’s all about timing and letting your entire body contribute to the exercise: your shoulders, girdle, core and lower extremities.

The movement should come from larger muscle groups, not from moving your hand or wrist, nor flexing and extending your elbow. When performed correctly, you’ll experience a rhythmic, coordinated neuromuscular response.

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| www.fit-pro.com | spring 2013

Double-arm shoulder elevation

Grip the Rotational Trainer lightly with both hands on the outer pads and hold your arms straight out in front, at shoulder level. Start the balls spinning using an exaggerated rowing motion, then tighten up the motion once spinning. This exercise focuses on shoulder flexion while engaging the core. To increase the difficulty, loop a resistance band over the center pad while using one foot to anchor the loose ends. This emphasizes an isodynamic tension on the upper extremity while increasing the challenge of core stability.

For more information, visit www.optp.com or call 888.819.0121

Center-hold, double-hand grip

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Grip the Rotational Trainer with both hands on the center pad, fingers interlaced. Hold your arms in front of your body and start the balls spinning.

This exercise offers even more emphasis on the core, coordinating the left and right extremities to work in unison with the trunk.

Lateral raise, shoulder abduction

Grip the Rotational Trainer lightly with one hand on the center pad. Hold your arm to your side and start the balls spinning. While spinning the balls, slowly raise your arm laterally until at shoulder level. Slowly, bring the arm back to your side and repeat.

Double-arm shoulder elevation while prone on exercise ball

Lay prone on the exercise ball, supported by your core. Grip the Rotational Trainer with both hands on the outer pads. Hold your arms out in front, similar to doing a superman back extension (slightly higher than pictured) and start the balls spinning. This exercise engages the trapezius muscles, scapular stabilizers, anterior deltoids, lumbar extensors and core muscles.

Side plank core stabilization with single-hand hold

Biceps static curl, single-hand hold

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grip the Rotational Trainer lightly with one hand on the center pad. With your elbow near your side and slightly bent, start the balls spinning. While spinning the balls, slowly bend the elbow into a bicep curl position with the hand at shoulder level. Slowly extend back to the starting position and repeat. For increased resistance, wrap one end of a resistance band around the center pad before gripping the Rotational Trainer and anchor the loose end with your corresponding foot.

Lay on your side, resting on your forearm, with your elbow directly underneath your shoulder and your feet stacked. Grip the Rotational Trainer lightly with your free hand on the center pad. Lift your hips off the floor into a side plank and, with the Rotational Trainer held slightly lateral from your waist, start the balls spinning.

This is a great full-body, closed-chain exercise that works both the upper and lower extremities and core. The entire core is engaged, as well as the lateral trunk, shoulder joint, rotator cuff, scapular stabilizer and lower chain muscles, especially the hip abductors.

spring 2013 | www.fit-pro.com | 19

New oN The Market As seen At IHRsA 2013 The latest trends in fitness equipment

20

XTs TrAiNiNg sysTeM

hyPer-X

Powerblock bArbells

break plateaus, relieve joint and tendon stress and maximize training results with this uniquely-designed total body training tool. The design of this training tool increases the intensity and functionality of upper body push-ups, flies and pullups; lower body lunges, squats, squat jumps and skater lunges; core-muscle mountain climbers, pikes, sit-ups and planks and much more. independently anchored straps allow for quick adjustment of varied height and angles of loading. www.spri.com 800.222.7774

The Vicore hyper-X is a bench that moves, reacts and engages with your body. with the Vicore hyper–X, you strengthen your back while boosting your balance and cranking your coordination. The Vicore body link technology takes ergonomics to an entirely new level as you are literally floating on air, eliminating pressure points experienced on lesser equipment in the thigh and hip flexor regions. The soft surface foot platform forces the user to focus on form like never before. www.vicorefitness.com 801.878.7702

Powerblock barbells can convert Powerblock dumbbells to barbells in seconds. The barbells will offer up to 45 barbell weight increments and are available as a straight bar or eZ-curl bar.

The bars are currently available for the Urethane series Powerblocks, but will be available soon for the classic series and sport series models. www.powerblock.com 877.318.4706

Abs beNch

TrileTics

bosU PowersTAX

The Abs bench is designed with dual pivot motion to naturally perform a double crunch exercise using both a forward crunch movement and a reverse crunch movement. weight horns on the upper and lower parts of the machine allow users to add and vary the resistance level for the forward and reverse crunch movements for a more challenging workout. The ergonomically-angled pads and foot pegs provide superior comfort and stabilization regardless of the exerciser’s size. www.TheAbsCompany.com 866.219.5335

save time completing a thorough workout with Triletics, a portable system that can easily be attached to any cardio machine, or used individually, to effectively combine both cardio and resistance training. This patented device is lightweight and readily adjustable through seven levels of resistance.

Triletics resistance technology optimizes the user’s workouts whether training in classes or individually. www.Triletics.com 800.580.8239

Maximize the versatility and intensity of any workout with the bosU PowersTAX. combine the bosU balance Trainer with bosU PowersTAX to elevate the surface by four inches, challenging advancedlevel exercisers, or simplifying accessibility for older and de-conditioned participants. it also helps to stabilize the bosU balance Trainer in a dome-side up or down position. on its own, when filled with two to 35 pounds of water, bosU PowersTAX transforms into an unpredictable resistance tool. www.bosu.com 800.810.6528

| www.fit-pro.com | spring 2013

LEBERT TRAINING SYSTEMS Lebert Fitness is excited to announce the launch of the NEW LTS (Lebert Training Systems) group exercise programs LeBARRE, LeHIP and LeBOOT at IHRSA 2013. LeBARRE is a dance-inspired workout using the Lebert Equalizer, combining balance, agility, resistance, recovery and eloquence for a challenging full body workout. LeHIP (High Intensity Power) is fun and fast, showcasing the versatility of the Lebert Equalizer for strength and cardio. LeBOOT is a workout using the Lebert Equalizer and Lebert Buddy System with old school strength moves for better conditioning. www.lebertfitness.com

Lindsay's Review: HumanX Line

Harbinger has launched their line of HumanX products that offers the perfect package of fitness gear to complement your training programs. The line includes their 20-pound Weight Vest that is fully adjustable in one-pound increments. I used the vest in a recent bleacher run workout and it was one of the more comfortable vests I’ve worn.

The AbX’s ergonomic design helps clients focus on proper form during ab and core training while easing pressure off the lower back and spine. Other products include the Kettlebell Arm Guards, a must-have for kettlebell enthusiasts. The X2 Speed Rope is one of the first to be fully adjustable for any height. Be sure to check out the new HumanX line and continue to “up the ante” for your training! www.harbingerfitness.com or 800.729.5954

TORQ KING

CORE TRAINER

SLIDECORETRAINER

Torq King is a revolutionary training device which allows the body to move in its natural planes of movement using an omni-wheel system. You can glide through a full 360 degrees of body movement; working all three natural human planes of movement (flexion/extension, add/abduction, medial and lateral rotation). Make the exercise as hard (or as easy) as desired by changing one’s body position and its support base. You can challenge the body in a multitude of natural or sports specific movements. www.torq-king.com

Total Gym Core Trainer strengthens the abdominals while engaging the entire core musculature. Offering unparalleled versatility for an abdominal machine, the Core Trainer allows for two primary movements: the dynamic plank and the scrunch. Accommodating all fitness levels, it helps enhance basic core stability for beginners while providing advanced strengthening for conditioned athletes by challenging their core stability and forcing increased core muscle recruitment. www.totalgym.com 800.541.4900

The SlideCoreTrainer is a multi-functional tool that can be easily incorporated into any training program. The SlideCoreTrainer provides a smooth sliding surface for all upper and lower body workouts while strengthening your core through a wider range of motion and can be used for individuals or group classes. They are available in two and four pounds and can be used on hardwood, rubber and carpet floors. www.slidecoretrainer.com 866.349.8294

SPRING 2013 | WWW.FIT-PRO.COM | 21

2013 BuyER’S GuIdE The 2013 PFP Buyer’s Guide is a one-stop guide that you can hang on to for the rest of the year. Have a product in mind? Simply pick a category from the index below, flip to the corresponding page, and contact any or all of the listed companies within that category. That’s it!

IndEx Agility Equipment (Ladders/Hurdles/Cones/etc.)............................. 22 Aquatics Equipment & Tools ........................................................... 22 Associations.............................................................................. 22-23 Balance Equipment (Stability Balls/VersaDiscs/etc.)......................23 Barbells, Dumbbells, Kettlebells & Plates .......................................23 Boot Camps ....................................................................................23 Boxing, Kickboxing & Martial Arts ...................................................23 Business Consulting .......................................................................23 Cardio Equipment (Treadmills/Bikes/etc.)....................................... 24 Certifications, CECs & Degrees ....................................................... 24 Core Equipment .........................................................................24-25 Educational Materials (DVDs/Books/etc. non-product specific) .......25-26 Events & Trade Shows .....................................................................26 Exercise Accessories (Balls/Tubing/Mats/etc.) ...........................26-27

Financing & Leasing ....................................................................... 27 Fitness Assessments (Calipers/Heart Rate Monitors/etc.) ........ 27-28 Flooring ...........................................................................................28 Franchising & Licensing .................................................................28 Insurance Providers ........................................................................28 Locker Room & Spa Products ..........................................................28 Nutrition (Food/Beverage/etc.) ........................................................28 Pilates Equipment & Supplies ........................................................28 Plyometric Equipment .....................................................................28 Software & Online Services ....................................................... 28-29 Strength & Circuit Equipment .........................................................29 Yoga Equipment & Supplies ............................................................29 Youth Fitness Equipment ................................................................29

To see our online Buyer’s Guide, where you can request information from specific companies, go to our website at www.fit-pro.com/buyersguide.

Agility Equipment (Ladders/Hurdles/Cones) Power Systems

Fitness First

www.power-systems.com

www.fitness1st.com

Fitterfirst

Prism Fitness

www.fitter1.com

www.prismfitnessgroup.com

Gopher Performance

Railyard Fitness

www.gopherperformance.com

www.railyardfitness.com

KIDSFIT

SIL Fitness

www.kidsfit.com

www.silfitness.com

Lebert Fitness

SportSmith

www.lebertfitness.com

www.SportSmith.net

Makoto USA

www.aquajogger.com

Biosig Instruments

www.biosiginstruments.com

SPRI Products

www.performbetter.com

www.spri.com

TRX

www.trxtraining.com

Power Systems

www.power-systems.com

SIL Fitness

www.silfitness.com

Fitness First

www.fitness1st.com

Gopher Performance

www.gopherperformance.com

Hydro-Tone Fitness Systems www.hydrotone.com www.nzmfg.com

Perform Better

| spring 2013 | www.fit-pro.com

AquaJogger

NZ MFG.

www.makoto-usa.com

22

Aquatics Equipment & Tools

Perform Better

www.performbetter.com

SPRI Products www.spri.com

Sprint Aquatics

www.sprintaquatics.com

Associations Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) www.afaa.com

Wholesale Point

www.wholesalepoint.com

American Council on Exercise

Creative Health Products

YogaFit

Boxing, Kickboxing & Martial Arts

www.yogafit.com

Fit Interactive

www.fitinteractive.com

www.acefitness.org

www.chponline.com

Exertools

www.exertools.com

Barbells, Dumbbells, Kettlebells & Plates

Harbinger

GMP Fitness

IART (International Association of Resistance Trainers)

Fitness First

Aeromat Fitness Products

www.impulsepower.com

Fitterfirst

Don Oliver Barbell

ISCA (International Sports Conditioning Association)

www.donoliver.co.nz

www.ISCAfit.com

freeFORM Board

Gopher Performance

Makoto USA

www.gopherperformance.com

www.makoto-usa.com

Gopher Performance

Kettlebell Cardio Fitness

National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association

Gray Institute (VibePlate)

LifelineUSA

Harbinger

Perform Better

www.personaltrainereducation.com

www.ExerciseCertification.com

www.fitness1st.com www.fitter1.com

速

IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association)

www.ihrsa.org

www.thefreeformboard.com www.gopherperformance.com

International Fitness Association

www.vibeplate.com

ISCA (International Sports Conditioning Association)

www.harbingerfitness.com

KettleBell Concepts

KIDSFIT

National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association

Mad Dogg Athletics

www.ifafitness.com

www.ISCAfit.com

www.kettlebellconcepts.com

www.aeromats.com

www.kettlebellcardio.com

www.harbingerfitness.com

Impulse Training Systems

www.nestacertified.com

www.LifelineUSA.com

www.performbetter.com

Power Systems

Indo Board Balance Trainers

www.power-systems.com

www.indoboard.com

SIL Fitness Power Systems

www.kidsfit.com

www.silfitness.com

www.power-systems.com

www.maddogg.com

www.nestacertified.com

SPRI Products

National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)

OPTP

www.nfpt.com

www.optp.com

Perform Better

www.performbetter.com

National Posture Institute

www.yogafit.com

(Stability Balls/VersaDiscs/etc.)

Resist-A-Ball

www.resistaball.com

SIL Fitness

SportSmith

www.SportSmith.net

SPRI Products www.spri.com

TRX

www.trxtraining.com

Core-Tex

Vicore Fitness

Country Technology

Vortex Fitness Equipment

www.functionfirst.com www.fitnessmart.com

SPRI Products www.spri.com

www.vicorefitness.com www.vortexfitness.com

www.americangymtrader.com

American Leisure

www.americanleisure.com

Exhibit Surveys

www.globetrotterfitness.com

myFitnessStore.com www.myfitnessstore.com

T-Grip Barbell

www.t-gripbarbell.com

Boot Camps Adventure Boot Camp Fit Body Boot Camp

www.fitball.com

American Gym Trader

Globetrotter Fitness

www.adventurebootcamp.com

Ball Dynamics International

Business Consulting

www.exhibitsurveys.com

www.railyardfitness.com

www.aeromats.com

www.bosu.com

www.silfitness.com

Railyard Fitness

Aeromat Fitness Products

BOSU

SIL Fitness

www.power-systems.com

www.silfitness.com

Balance Equipment

www.scwfitness.com

Power Systems

www.nsca.com

YogaFit

SCW Fitness Education

www.SportSmith.net

National Strength and Conditioning Association

www.uswfa.com

www.powerblock.com

SportSmith

www.npionline.org

United States Water Fitness Association

www.spri.com

PowerBlock

www.myfitbodybootcamp.com

The Sure Victory Fitness Bootcamp

www.thefitnessbootcamp.com

UNICUS Fitness Wedding Boot Camp

PT Power

www.ptpower.com

Qameliyan Fitness & Lifestyle Consulting QFLC.NET

The Fitness Profit Center

www.thefitnessprofitcenter.com

VicteliB

www.bootcamp-challenge.com

www.weddingbootcampinstructor.com

VicteliB

www.bootcamp-challenge.com WWW.FIT-PRO.COM | SPRING 2013 |

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Cardio Equipment (Treadmills/Bikes/etc.)

Bodystat

www.vacumed.com

FreeMotion Fitness

www.freemotionfitness.com

Gopher Performance

www.gopherperformance.com

Hudson Fitness

www.hudsonfitness.com

Australian College of Weight Loss Consultants

National Strength and Conditioning Association

Bastyr University (Exercise Science and Wellness Degree Program)

Peak Pilates

www.weightlosscollege.com.au

www.bastyr.edu

www.kidsfit.com

KORR Medical Technologies www.korr.com

Life Fitness

www.lifefitness.com

Mad Dogg Athletics www.maddogg.com

Can-Fit-Pro

DCAC Fitness Conventions www.dcacfitness.com

Educational Fitness Solutions www.efslibrary.net

Fitness Learning Systems

www.FitnessLearningSystems.com

Motus USA

www.schwinnfitness.com

Octane Fitness

www.octanefitness.com www.precor.com

Spinning

www.spinning.com

SportsArt Fitness

www.sportsartamerica.com

Star Trac

www.startrac.com

www.resistancebandtraining.com

SCW Fitness Education www.scwfitness.com

Spinning

www.spinning.com

www.cooperinstitute.org

www.ISCAfit.com

www.uswfa.com

Kettlebell Cardio Fitness

W.I.T.S. (World Instructor Training Schools)

KettleBell Concepts

www.kettlebellconcepts.com

Lebert Fitness

www.lebertfitness.com

Leeann Carey Yoga

www.witseducation.com

YogaFit

www.yogafit.com

www.afaa.com

American Academy of Health and Fitness (AAHF) www.AAHF.info

www.acefitness.org

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| SPRING 2013 | WWW.FIT-PRO.COM

www.kidsfit.com

Lebert Fitness

www.lebertfitness.com

LifelineUSA

www.LifelineUSA.com

Mad Dogg Athletics www.maddogg.com

Motus USA

www.motususa.com

Mad Dogg Athletics

Core Equipment Aeromat Fitness Products www.pilates.com

www.mtaloy.edu/fitness

National Academy of Sports Medicine

Bodyblade

www.bodyblade.com

BOSU

www.bosu.com

www.nasm.org

Core-Tex

National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association

DOD Fitness

www.functionfirst.com

www.nestacertified.com

www.dodfitness.com

National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)

Exertools

www.nfpt.com

www.npionline.org

Perform Better

www.performbetter.com

PhysicalMind Institute www.themethodpilates.com

Pioneer Fitness Products (General Leathercraft) www.generalleathercraft.com

www.power-systems.com

Prepak Products

www.prepakproducts.com

Prism Fitness Group

www.prismfitnessgroup.com

Railyard Fitness

www.railyardfitness.com

Resist-A-Ball

www.resistaball.com

Resistance Band Training Systems www.resistancebandtraining.com

SIL Fitness

www.silfitness.com

www.exertools.com

Fitness First

www.fitness1st.com

National Posture Institute

www.peakpilates.com

Power Systems

Balanced Body Mount Aloysius College

Peak Pilates

www.zoningfitness.com

SPRI Products www.spri.com

Fitterfirst

Stretching

freeFORM Board

T-Grip Barbell

www.fitter1.com

American Council on Exercise

KIDSFIT

ZONING Fitness

www.leeanncareyyoga.com

www.technogym.com

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)

www.impulsepower.com

www.optp.com

The Cooper Institute

ISCA (International Sports Conditioning Association)

Technogym

Certifications, CECs & Degrees

Impulse Training Systems

OPTP

www.aeromats.com

www.totalgym.com

www.harbingerfitness.com

www.thecenterforwomensfitness.com

United States Water Fitness Association

www.maddogg.com

Total Gym

Harbinger

The Center for Women’s Fitness

www.iyca.org

www.kettlebellcardio.org

Precor

www.resistaball.com

www.gopherperformance.com

GMP Fitness

International Youth Conditioning Association

Nautilus

www.themethodpilates.com

Resistance Band Training Systems

www.calu.edu/gowww.calu.edu/go

www.personaltrainereducation.com

www.motususa.com

PhysicalMind Institute Resist-A-Ball

Makoto USA

www.makoto-usa.com

www.peakpilates.com

California University of Pennsylvania www.canfitpro.net

KIDSFIT

www.nsca.com

Gopher Performance

www.thefreeformboard.com

www.stretching.com www.t-gripbarbell.com

AthleteInMe.com

Human Kinetics

Bastyr University

IART (International Association of Resistance Trainers)

www.AthleteInMe.com

The Abs Company

www.theabscompany.com

www.bastyr.edu

www.HumanKinetics.com

Total Gym

BeyondDiets.com

www.ExerciseCertification.com

TRX

Bodystat

insideoutbusinessbuilder.com

California University of Pennsylvania

www.ifafitness.com

Can-Fit-Pro

www.iyca.org

www.totalgym.com www.trxtraining.com

Vicore Fitness

www.vicorefitness.com

Educational Materials

www.beyonddiets.com www.vacumed.com

www.calu.edu/gowww.calu.edu/go www.canfitpro.net

www.afaa.com

American Academy of Health and Fitness (AAHF) www.AAHF.info

International Fitness Association

www.nsca.com

International Youth Conditioning Association

www.focusonflexibility.com

Physical Culture Press PhysicalMind Institute www.themethodpilates.com

KineticFlix

www.ptpower.com

Club Industry Show

www.clubindustryshow.com

DCAC Fitness Conventions www.dcacfitness.com

Educational Fitness Solutions

Mount Aloysius College www.mtaloy.edu/fitness

National Academy of Sports Medicine

Fitness Learning Systems

www.nasm.org

GMP Fitness

National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)

www.FitnessLearningSystems.com

www.acefitness.org

National Strength and Conditioning Association

PT Power

www.efslibrary.net

American Council on Exercise

www.npionline.org

www.KineticFlix.com

(DVDs/Books/etc. non-product specific) Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)

Inside Out Business Builder

National Posture Institute

www.personaltrainereducation.com

Resistance Band Training Systems

www.resistancebandtraining.com

Savvy Knowledge

www.savvyknowledge.com

Smart Group Training smartgrouptraining.com

www.nfpt.com

WWW.FIT-PRO.COM | SPRING 2013 |

25

Exercise Accessories

(Balls/Tubing/Mats/etc.)

SPRI Products www.spri.com

Aeromat Fitness Products

Club Industry Show

www.clubindustryshow.com

National Posture Institute

DCAC Fitness Conventions www.dcacfitness.com

The Cooper Institute www.cooperinstitute.org

The Fitness Company www.carolargo.com

ECA World Fitness Alliance www.ecaworldfitness.com

W.I.T.S. (World Instructor Training Schools) www.witseducation.com

YogaFit

www.yogafit.com

PT Power IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association)

www.ihrsa.org

International Youth Conditioning Association

26

Mad Dogg Athletics

Athletic Revolution Can-Fit-Pro

www.merrithew.com

www.canfitpro.net

| SPRING 2013 | WWW.FIT-PRO.COM

www.ptpower.com

速

www.maddogg.com

www.myathleticrevolution.com

www.nsca.com

www.fitball.com

BOSU

www.bosu.com

www.fitbusinessinsider.com

www.iyca.org

Events & Trade Shows

National Strength and Conditioning Association

Ball Dynamics International

Fitness Consulting Group

United States Water Fitness Association www.uswfa.com

www.npionline.org

www.aeromats.com

Merrithew Health & Fitness

Resistance Band Training Systems

www.resistancebandtraining.com

SCW Fitness Education www.scwfitness.com

Spinning

www.spinning.com

United States Water Fitness Association www.uswfa.com

YogaFit

www.yogafit.com

Creative Health Products www.chponline.com

Fitness Consulting Group www.fitbusinessinsider.com

Fitterfirst

www.fitter1.com

Gopher Performance

www.gopherperformance.com

Harbinger

www.harbingerfitness.com

Hudson Fitness

www.hudsonfitness.com

LifelineUSA

www.LifelineUSA.com

Mad Dogg Athletics www.maddogg.com

Resistance Band Training Systems

www.resistancebandtraining.com

NZ MFG.

www.nzmfg.com

Schiek Sports www.schiek.com

SCW Fitness Education OPTP

www.optp.com

Peak Pilates

www.peakpilates.com

Perform Better

www.performbetter.com

PhysicalMind Institute

www.scwfitness.com

SIL Fitness

www.silfitness.com

Spinning

www.spinning.com

SportSmith

www.SportSmith.net

SPRI Products

www.generalleathercraft.com

www.spri.com

The Stick (RPI of Atlanta) www.thestick.com

VQ ActionCare

Wholesale Point

Prism Fitness Group

YogaFit

www.prismfitnessgroup.com

Resist-A-Ball

www.resistaball.com

www.fitleasing.com

Fitness Assessments (Calipers/Heart Rate Monitors/etc.)

AccuFitness

IntelaMetrix

www.intelametrix.com

KORR Medical Technologies www.korr.com

www.accufitness.com

American Academy of Health and Fitness www.AAHF.info

MicroFit

www.microfit.com

Biosig Instruments

www.biosiginstruments.com

Bodystat

www.vacumed.com

Country Technology www.fitnessmart.com

www.vqactioncare.com

Prepak Products

www.prepakproducts.com

www.gopherperformance.com

www.aspensoftware.com

Pioneer Fitness Products (General Leathercraft)

www.power-systems.com

F.I.T. Leasing

Gopher Performance

Aspen Information Systems

www.themethodpilates.com

Power Systems

Financing & Leasing

National Posture Institute www.npionline.org

Perform Better

www.performbetter.com

Polar USA

www.polarusa.com

www.wholesalepoint.com www.yogafit.com

Creative Health Products www.chponline.com

Fitness First

Power Systems

www.power-systems.com

www.fitness1st.com

WWW.FIT-PRO.COM | SPRING 2013 |

27

SIL Fitness

\KI’NETICK|FITNESS

www.kinetik-fitness.com

Lean Eats

www.silfitness.com

Spinning

PACE Fitness & Nutrition www.pacegroupexercise.com

Natural Fitness Concepts

www.spinning.com

SportSmith

Precision Fitness

PACE Fitness & Nutrition

Stretch U

Performance Food Centers

VicteliB

PhysicalMind Institute

www.SportSmith.net

www.pfitness.net

www.stretchu.com

SPRI Products www.spri.com

Wholesale Point

www.wholesalepoint.com

www.bootcamp-challenge.com

www.myleaneats.com www.naturalfitnessconcepts.com www.pacegroupexercise.com

www.themethodpilates.com

Fitness First

www.fitness1st.com

Fitness Flooring

www.fitnessfloors.com

Gopher Performance

www.gopherperformance.com

Kiefer Specialty Flooring www.kieferfloors.com

Perform Better

www.performbetter.com

Pioneer Fitness Products (General Leathercraft) www.generalleathercraft.com

Power Systems

www.power-systems.com

Franchising & Licensing Adventure Boot Camp

www.adventurebootcamp.com

American Gym Trader

www.americangymtrader.com

Athletic Revolution

www.myathleticrevolution.com

EduFit Personal Training Studio www.myfitbodybootcamp.com

Fitness Revolution

www.fitnessrevolutionfranchise.com

Fitness Together Holdings www.fitnesstogether.com

Kettlebell Cardio Fitness www.kettlebellcardio.com

28

| spring 2013 | www.fit-pro.com

SPRI Products

PrivateLabelFitness.com

www.totalgym.com

www.privatelabelfitness.com

K&K Insurance Group

www.FitnessInsurance-KK.com

National Strength and Conditioning Association www.nsca.com

Sports & Fitness Insurance www.sportsfitness.com

Locker Room & Spa Products

www.nutritioncompleteonline.com

Waterwise

www.waterwise.com

Worldwide Sport Nutrition (MET-Rx) www.sportnutrition.com

Pilates Equipment & Supplies Aeromat Fitness Products www.aeromats.com

Balanced Body

www.gymwipes.com

www.pilates.com

CHINA-GEL

Ball Dynamics International

www.chinagel.com

www.fitball.com

DETECTO

Biosig Instruments

www.detecto.com

www.biosiginstruments.com

Kool ‘N Fit

BOSU

www.koolnfit.com

www.bosu.com

Matsana

DOD Fitness

www.matsana.net

www.dodfitness.com

Ready Care Industries

Gopher Performance

www.readycare.com

www.gopherperformance.com

Sports Solutions

LifelineUSA

www.sportssolutionsinc.com

www.LifelineUSA.com

Steam Sauna

Mad Dogg Athletics

www.steam-sauna.com

www.maddogg.com

Super Body Care

Merrithew Health & Fitness

www.SuperBodyCare.com

American Academy of Health and Fitness (AAHF) www.AAHF.info

Everlast Sports Nutrition www.evernutrition.com

www.bodyblade.com

Exertools

www.exertools.com

Gopher Performance

Impulse Training Systems www.impulsepower.com

LifelineUSA

www.LifelineUSA.com

Perform Better

www.performbetter.com

Power Systems

www.power-systems.com

Prism Fitness

www.prismfitnessgroup.com

SportSmith

www.SportSmith.net

SPRI Products www.spri.com

Total Gym

www.totalgym.com

Software

(PC/Web-based/etc.)

www.tanita.com

(Food/Beverage/Supplements)

Bodyblade

www.merrithew.com

Tanita Corporation

Nutrition

Plyometric Equipment

www.gopherperformance.com

2XL CORPORATION

www.edufit.com

Fit Body Boot Camp

www.silfitness.com

Total Gym

Insurance Providers

Real Body World Wide

www.centaurfloors.com

SIL Fitness

www.spri.com

www.zoningfitness.com

Centaur Floor Systems

www power-systems.com

www.performancefoodcenters.com

Zoning Fitness

Flooring

Power Systems

OPTP

www.optp.com

Peak Pilates

www.peakpilates.com

PhysicalMind Institute www.themethodpilates.com

AccuFitness

www.accufitness.com

ASF International

www.asfinternational.com

Aspen Information Systems www.aspensoftware.com

AthleteInMe.com

www.AthleteInMe.com

Real Body World Wide

Precor

Fitterfirst

Shape.Net Software

ProMaxima Strength and Conditioning

Gopher Performance

www.nutritioncompleteonline.com

BioEx Systems Personal Trainer Software

www.BioExSystems.com

Bodystat

www.vacumed.com

Bodytuner

www.bodytuner.com.au

DietMaster Pro

www.dietmastersoftware.com

eFitnessTracker

www.eFitnessTracker.com

Exercise Explorer

www.getshape.net

The Fitness Profit Center

www.promaxima.com

TrainerForce

www.silfitness.com

Trainerspace.com

www.sportsartamerica.com

www.thefitnessprofitcenter.com www.trainerforce.com

www.ezfacility.com

Fit Web Solutions

www.fitwebsolutions.com

FitSync

www.fitsync.com

Hitech Trainer

www.HitechTrainer.com

InnovaTech Software

www.innovatechsoftware.com

SIL Fitness

SportsArt Fitness

www.myvolo.com

Strength & Circuit Equipment Body Bar

www.BodyBar.com

Motionsoft

www.motionsoft.net

myFitnessStore.com www.myfitnessstore.com

www.startrac.com www.strivefit.com

T-Grip Barbell

www.t-gripbarbell.com

SIL Fitness

www.silfitness.com

SportSmith

www.SportSmith.net

Technogym

www.technogym.com

SPRI Products www.spri.com

www.freemotionfitness.com

YogaFit

www.yogafit.com

The Abs Company

Impulse Training Systems www.impulsepower.com

Lebert Fitness

www.lebertfitness.com

Life Fitness

www.lifefitness.com

LifelineUSA

www.LifelineUSA.com

Motus USA

Paramount Fitness

www.paramountfitness.com

www.theabscompany.com

The Work Horse Fitness Trainer www.MyWorkHorse.com

Torque Fitness

www.torquefitness.com

Total Gym

www.totalgym.com

TRX

www.trxtraining.com

TuffStuff Fitness Equipment www.tuffstuff.net

Vectra Fitness

www.vectrafitness.com

Polar USA

Aeromat Fitness Products

www.polarusa.com

Power Systems

www.power-systems.com

PrivateLabelFitness.com

www.exertools.com

Fit Interactive

www.fitinteractive.com

KIDSFIT

www.kidsfit.com

Makoto USA

www.makoto-usa.com

PACE Fitness & Nutrition www.pacegroupexercise.com

Power Systems

www.power-systems.com

Railyard Fitness

www.railyardfitness.com

www.aeromats.com

Ball Dynamics International www.fitball.com

Exertools

www.privatelabelfitness.com

Exertools

www.vortexfitness.com

www.physigraphe.com

www.performbetter.com

Youth Fitness Equipment

Vortex Fitness Equipment

Yoga Equipment & Supplies

healthclubs.prontomarketing.com

www.power-systems.com

FreeMotion Fitness

Perform Better

Pronto Marketing

Power Systems

Strive Fit

www.fitinteractive.com

www.pacegroupexercise.com

Physigraphe

www.optp.com

Star Trac

Fit Interactive

PACE Fitness & Nutrition

www.npionline.org

www.matsana.net

www.exertools.com

www.motususa.com

National Posture Institute

Matsana

www.spri.com

Exertools

www.kidsfit.com

www.microfit.com

www.lebertfitness.com

SPRI Products

Volo Innovations

KIDSFIT MicroFit

Lebert Fitness

OPTP

www.vitabot.com

www.gopherperformance.com www.intelametrix.com

www.gopherperformance.com

Vitabot

Gopher Performance IntelaMetrix

www.fitter1.com

www.trainerspace.com

www.exercise-explorer.com

EZFacility

www.precor.com

SPRI Products www.spri.com

www.exertools.com

PowerBlock

www.powerblock.com

Fitness First

www.fitness1st.com www.fit-pro.com | spring 2013 |

29

BE BETTER Phil Kaplan | www.philkaplan.com

Research has proven the miracle is here!

I’m shocked, stunned and ready to scream from rooftops. Science has stumbled upon “the fix” and inevitably the media frenzy will rush through society like a rampant wave.

A research study conducted at University of Pretoria in South Africa identified that a tiny fat-based messenger found in the sex gland of an African insect restores human metabolic function and drives continuous movement toward homeostasis. According to the lead researcher, “It’s the ‘reboot’ for the human metabolic system.”

Bee urethra lactate lipids offer the cure-all our neighbors have been searching for. In doses of 40,000 mg daily, it’s demonstrated an amazing capacity for breaking down adipose tissue, restoring balance of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands and optimizing testosterone/ estrogen balance in men and women alike.

According to the post-study thesis by Dr. Fulohotair, professor of Graduate Studies in the Department of Cellular Biochemistry, the amino acid structure of the biochemical that drives contractile action of the insect urethra acts as an adapotogenic endocrine substitute. Bee urethra lactate lipids have an uncanny ability to mimic DHEA, testosterone, insulin, and TSH. After purchasing the rights to a concentrated prescription-based product, Glaxo-Smith-Harmon announced plans for an OTC version by 2015.

Why am I sharing this with you, and why now? Let’s call it good news and bad news. We have a new solution to the nagging health challenges those around us face. That’s exciting. But, when these powerful lipids hit the mass market, we may no longer be looked to for exercise solutions, especially for the de-conditioned. It’s time to redirect our focus so we’re not left without a client market. Maybe we all move toward athletic performance, or maybe we start to aim at the senior and special needs market.

Or maybe, just maybe, not a word of this is true.

“How could it be in print if it isn’t true?” you ask.

Ah, there it is. The absurdly rhetorical question that prompts people to invest real money in fake science and bogus “cures.”

For 30 years I’ve watched infomercial product hawkers, drug companies and supplement manufacturers deceive and capitalize; it appears it’s easier to defraud the consumer marketplace now more than ever. A few hundred dollars invested into Google and Facebook ads could generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in bee excrement before anyone realized they’d been hoodwinked.

This is not an article about supplemental miracles. It’s about the power that’s tapped into when recognition of true science meets desperate need. It’s about being careful, about being ethical. Sensibility isn’t as sexy as endocrine magic, nor is scientific truth as momentarily compelling as scientific fairy tale, but when it comes to an actual miracle, truth and sensibility win.

If you want to go in the other direction, if you want to fill your pockets by defrauding the desperate and wanting consumer marketplace, it’s relatively simple. Make up or skew research, create hype without

scientific validation, or lie and make false claims.

Here’s the sad reality about “research.” It’s easily misreported and trimmed down to key points that provide far less than a complete picture in media clips and sound bytes. It’s funded by private entities with deep pockets and a one-sided agenda. It’s more often than not an insight disguised as evidence.

Does anyone examine research? Not really. “I researched it” in 2013 usually means “I Googled it.” The FTC and other protective organizations are burdened by political lobbying and lack of funds and only the rare few violators are punished. Worse yet, for many of the heavy hitters, fines are simply the cost of doing business.

To demonstrate how compelling scientific jargon mixed with hype and simple language can be; could I make up anything more absurd than bee urethra lactate lipids? Probably, but not with the same acronym.

Sometimes you just have to look a bit more carefully to realize you’re being duped.

Pomegranate juice does not treat heart disease, acai berries do not burn fat, and no drug has ever proven to be a fat loss solution.

Here’s what we know, based upon decades of university level peer-reviewed highly credible well-replicated research. Exercise not only prevents disease, it reverses disease trending, but only if one vitally important rule is respected as an absolute: Exercise stress must prompt adaptation, but “stress load must not exceed recovery capacity.” Metabolic energy is finite, and emotional stress, physical stress and environmental stress widen the energy drain.

Any contribution to “stress load” increases the need for recovery, and too many trainers miss this truth.

Stay the course, study actual research and master truth.

30

| www.fit-pro.com | spring 2013

Why won’t CNN and FOX jump to expose the truth that the health miracle is a balance between stress and recovery? Because Big Pharma and the Kings of the Supplement World haven’t the slightest bit of interest in adopting the PR campaign that might cost them their fortunes. People still believe in magic, and in a society where messages are spread at light speed, the only controls we have are education and a careful clinging to that which we witness, practice, and prove, not in laboratories, but in our worlds, our studios, our gyms, and our training arenas. Stay the course, study actual research and master truth. It’s far more miraculous in the long run than any amazing discovery that grabs the public’s ear for a minute or two. The day a bee comes along and saves mankind is the day I’ll retire from personal training. Until then, we have a lot of work to do!

Phil Kaplan has trained a growing number of personal trainers to integrate strategies for restoring the unwell to health with his ASPIRE program.

If you have interest, email him directly at phil@philkaplan.com or visit www.bebetteracademy.com.