SELECTION OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT
There are several key features to look for when choosing fitness equipment for the senior market. Most features are simple ergonomic design improvements based on fitting the human body.
• Step-through access: Step-through design has become increasingly popular as it allows for easy and safe entry for all users. Getting on and off the equipment is quick and easy with no need to lift a leg up and over a center console. Market surveys have shown that seniors do not like to straddle products. What might seem like the effortless motion of getting on and off a typical recumbent bike by lifting a leg up and over is nearly impossible for those with limited flexibility.
• Comfortable seating: Too many companies design their products for the youthful fitness member. While the overall esthetics of these products can be very pleasing, the market they fit is relatively narrow. Soft and comfortable seats, with ample size to accommodate users of all sizes, makes for a more versatile and senior-friendly product. A low center of gravity assures users with balance challenges that they will be safe and comfortable. Whenever possible, combine comfortable seating with easy access to maximize your market coverage.
• Low starting resistance: Equipment for seniors should have no minimum RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) required to start exercising and be able to maintain computer function at extremely low work levels. The resistance should be adjustable in one-tenth increments which means even the slightest progress can be recognized and recorded. Industry consultants have noted that many brands of commercial exercise equipment have excessive starting resistances; therefore limiting many users from enjoying their benefits.
• Minimal starting speeds on treadmills: Slow starting speeds combined with powerful drive systems allow seniors to start while standing on the walking surface. This is much preferred to straddling the belt, which is required by most treadmills. Straddling is difficult and uncomfortable for most seniors. A starting speed of one-tenth to three-tenths MPH (Miles Per Hour) is desirable for the senior market as well as speed change increments of one-tenth MPH to insure safe ramp-up and safe ramp-down of speeds. Sturdy handrails and low beltto- floor measurements are also desirable features of a senior-friendly treadmill.
• User-friendly control panel: The control panel should be easy to read, easy to understand and not intimidating. Control panels should feature easy to understand prompting and large, welllabeled buttons. Asymmetrical placement of the buttons makes them easier to find. The controls should be as intuitive as possible, for example: the color red for “Stop,” the color green for “Go,” an “Up Arrow” to increase resistance, a “Down Arrow” to decrease, etc. One-button entry for a quick start is a must as this reduces confusion caused by complicated programs. It is also helpful if all of the equipment has the same control panel. That way, when members learn how to use one, then they can use them all.
• Bi-directional resistance: Bidirectional resistance allows the user to exercise reciprocal muscle groups, creating a muscle balance ratio, which increases performance while reducing the risk of injury. Bi-directional resistance is also ideal for combating fatigue and for adding variety and balance to a workout program. Some people, especially seniors and de-conditioned users, start to fatigue before they are finished with their workout, or desired duration, on a piece of equipment. Bi-directional resistance allows exercisers to change directions, and to give one muscle group a rest while working another muscle group, all without interrupting their workout. A longer workout with reduced muscle fatigue results in increased calorie expenditure and improved cardiovascular conditioning.
PLACEMENT OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT
The senior market can be broken into two segments. The first group is the “Not Yet Fit” or “deconditioned.” The second group is seniors who are regular exercisers. The latter group looks at exercise as recreational. The “Not Yet Fit” segment looks at exercise as a necessity. They tend to look for and find barriers that prevent them from exercising. Several placement issues can help this group avoid some of these common barriers.
• Private and inviting groupings: Avoid putting all of the cardio equipment in one daunting area. Seniors like to socialize during exercise and smaller, private settings work well.
• Less prominent locations: Seniors, especially those who are “Not Yet Fit,” do not want to stand out. Smaller, less prominent areas of exercise are ideal. Make the exercise area accessible without having to walk through more intimidating parts of the facility.
• Away from loud music: The senior market typically does not like loud music.
• Don’t line it up: Avoid lining up equipment like rows of corn. It is boring and intimidating.
• Providing a variety of equipment: Do not rely on one or two types of equipment. Seniors love circuit training because of the variety. Incorporate upper, lower and all-body exercise. Keep in mind that this senior population does not like to climb, or straddle.
In most cases, selecting and placing cardio equipment that offers essential features for seniors will also benefiexercisers of all ages and abilities.
Corey Disler is the National Sales Manager for SCIFIT Systems, Inc. He can be contacted at 800.278.3933, or by email at cdisler@scifit.com, or visit www.scifit.com.
