Focus: the ability to concentrate on a single task and take it to ultimate success is very important in all aspects of life. This is true of cardio programming for the health club industry as well. Since 86 percent of IHRSA clubs (IHRSA Profiles of Success, IHRSA, Boston, MA USA) offer cardio equipment why not maximize it?
There are those that attempt to combine cardio with strength in a variety of ways. The peer reviewed clinical studies prove that this is a compromise on both. The literature is clear and shows with reasonable significance that trying to combine the two compromises both. If the goal is strength, train strength; if the goal is cardio fitness/improvement, then train with the science relative to increasing speed, endurance and cardio efficiency. There is also the little touted decrease in vessel disease, lowered cholesterol and stability of blood sugar as well.
In order to establish a prudent cardio program consideration should be given to the following:
1. Establish a baseline for all members. This requires investment in testing/ assessment equipment in order to determine the metabolic profile of the members, set reasonable goals and provide safety to the program. This will also assist in the marketing and outcome of the program. By providing an initial profile on the members the allure of excitement, competition and comparison will be created. The more objective the baseline the greater the success of the program. Don’t fall victim to anecdotal formulas or equipment that guesses at specific measures relative to safe, effective cardio training. A metabolic assessment for anaerobic threshold will allow appropriate heart rates to be defined. For optimal results of the program (weight management, general fitness or sport specific training) accurate heart rates must be adhered to. Typical touted formulas are off by as much as 20 beats. For some this can be catastrophic. Using equipment that measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide will give the best results related to resting metabolic rate, anaerobic threshold and maximal oxygen utilization. Anything less – why bother?
Acquisition of metabolic testing equipment will also add to the credibility of the facility (leverage the medical community) and generate additional revenues for the initial test, re-test and heart rate monitor sales.
2. An addition or alternate route to metabolic testing is to use other assessment systems that compare chronological age to “active age” or “body age.” This method compares various biometric markers to differentiate chronological age from fitness age. This is fairly accurate as objective measures are used. Regardless of the method the establishment of accurate heart rates is critical. Training by heart rate is analegous to the fuel gauge or tachometer on a combustion engine. Without it there is a very real likelihood that the engine (heart) will seize.
3. With the baseline established use events like the Tour De France, local marathon/triathlon, etc., to create fun venues for the membership. Give rewards for the overall winners as well as special (primes) awards for mile-stones along the way. Reward for consistency (cardio like weight loss must be consistent for long-term success and health benefits).
4. Objective testing will allow the personal training department to generate additional revenues. The data must be interpreted and presented to the members. This creates a wonderful venue for magic moments of education. “If I treat you, I help you today; if I teach you, I help you for a lifetime.” Create magic moments for members, and they will be loyal followers of your methods and attrition will decrease. Heart rate monitors can be ominous to members. Trainers with appropriate knowledge and expertise can assist members in the selection of the appropriate monitor for their goals and teach the member how to use the monitor in the facility and how to optimize their fitness program while out of the facility on vacation or business travel.
Testing and the delivery of the results can assist members in the selection of an appropriate cardio equipment. This takes the mundane out of cardio training and allows the member to make sense out of the cardio display panel (most have the heart rate receiver chip built in). There is now a method to the madness. Doing Pikes Peak has new meaning with appropriate heart rate limits.
5. Define the finish line and provide post-testing for objective measure of overall improvements in cardio fitness. Pre-established objective measures are important for program efficacy as well as profitability of the program. This will perpetuate the program in the future.
Group cardio provides both a challenge and an opportunity and challenges are opportunities in disguise. However, if the instructor has appropriate training and knowledge in the science of metabolism and heart rate training additional opportunities exist for the members. After all, isn’t group training all about intervals? Brush up on the science of intervals and unbelievable results will be realized by the members. By specifically identifying the energy system to be trained the instructor can utilize the heart rate monitor to address the specific metabolic pathway and provide an appropriate rest interval and heart rate as well as the intensity interval specifics.
The use of metabolic testing and heart rate training will increase the meaningful contact between the instructor and the member. Small group exercise with intimate contact between instructor and member is the wave of the future, so listen up and glean the success that has already been realized.
Be creative in your programming and think out of the box relative to cardio programming. The legends of the future are the legends of the mind. Utilization of science mixed with intuition, creativity and passion will bring excitement and prosperity beyond one’s wildest dreams.
Stephen A. Black is the CEO of RockyMountain Human Performance Center, Inc. He can be contacted at 860.668.1213, or by email at steve@clubcoach.net, or visit www.clubcoach.net.
