Maximizing Workouts in Minimal Space

Today, the U.S. has approximately 29,000 health clubs – up six percent from January 2005 to July 2005 – and 41 million health club members. And, the number of health club members stands to increase with the proliferation of even more fitness facilities, combined with aging Baby Boomers, and continually increasing awareness about the benefits of exercise in disease prevention and quality of life. That’s welcome news for club owners. However, while the numbers of clubs and members rise, the size of most fitness facilities remains relatively constant. While some larger chains can afford to floor more than 100 pieces of cardiovascular equipment, the reality is that most clubs are somewhat small and constantly pressed for space.

Owners and managers of successful fitness centers face the age-old problem of where and how to squeeze in more equipment to accommodate a greater number of members. Arguably, while this can be considered a good problem, the fact is, without significant expansion and capital expenditure, a challenge looms large.

Fortunately, total-body vertical trainers enable facilities to boost their equipment offerings in minimal space while delivering true total-body, highly efficient and effective cardio workouts to members.

Today’s Club Environment 
In the ultra-competitive club industry, member expectations and facility standards have created mounting pressure on owners and managers. As the industry has evolved and exercise opportunities have exploded, clubs are expected to grow their offerings just to keep pace. Plus, the majority of today’s exercisers are time-pressured like never before and proficient at multi-tasking. They demand variety and efficiency in fitness equipment – in addition to effectiveness, ease of operation and cleanliness. An extensive collection of cardiovascular and strength training machines is a necessity to survive.

Treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and stair steppers are standard fare in clubs today; some even offer rowers, cross country skiers and upper-body ergometers. Laying out equipment is challenging: power requirements must be met, adequate safety standards have to be adhered to, entertainment options such as televisions need to be accessible, and an appealing, uncluttered atmosphere is expected.

Total-Body Vertical Trainers to the Rescue 
It’s no surprise that most cardio machines are space hogs – except for total-body vertical trainers. In fact, these vertical trainers are ultra space-efficient – just 43 inches by 46 inches, which is about half of the space required for larger treadmills and ellipticals. So in the space of one treadmill, two total-body vertical trainers can be utilized. In fact, in the floor space of two treadmills, three total-body vertical trainers can be configured into a training station. And, the space of three treadmills can be replaced with five vertical trainers in a training station.

Unlike any other cardio equipment, vertical trainers function as two machines in one – a climber and a stepper – for more variety and different preferences. Plus, vertical trainers also deliver total-body exercise – distinctive from most machines that leave the upper-body going along for the ride. Total-body vertical training engages more muscles and burns more calories for incredible efficiency and better results. Vertical training for just 20 minutes can offer the highest caloric and fat expenditure over machines like treadmills, ellipticals and stairclimbers.

Furthermore, vertical trainers are significantly less expensive than many of the premium treadmills, ellipticals and stairclimbers. They are virtually maintenance-free with minimal upkeep – clearly a valuable advantage over other cardiovascular machines.

Finally, the best total-body vertical trainers are built in the U.S. and can last eight to 12 years. How’s that for return on investment?

Smart Solution 
Total-body vertical trainers are the answer to tight quarters in fitness facilities. All in a minimal footprint; they offer lowimpact, total-body exercise; valuable variety; effective and efficient cardio sessions; and the option of a total-body climber or a stepper. Every exercise level is accommodated, more members can be served in less space with shorter workouts (eliminating sign-up sheets and waiting lines), and individuals can experience improved motivation and more satisfying results.

Cost-effective and able to withstand many years of rigorous usage, the totalbody vertical trainer is simply as good as it gets when it comes to outfitting health clubs of any size.

Brett Collins is the Sales and Marketing Manager of VersaClimber. He can be contacted at 800.237.2271, or by email at bcollins@heartrateinc.com.