What is the difference between hydraulics and the generic gym? Basically, hydraulic equipment focuses more on the cardio workout and toning muscles instead of excessive muscle building. Does everyone need to work on their cardio? Absolutely! One of the biggest health problems that people have is high blood pressure. Everyone is susceptible to this and it can go undetected for many years. Why do people like the hydraulics? Because it is simple, there are no adjustments and everyone can do it safely, including children, adults and seniors. People feel like they can workout even though they do not have any fitness knowledge. A high percentage of the clientele are people who have never trained in their lives. Their goal is either to feel better, lower their body weight, or just to firm their muscles up.
Hydraulic equipment has dual resistance, this means when you are working your biceps, you will also work your triceps because you have resistance while going up and resistance while going down. The concept of changing stations every 30 seconds might sound silly to many, but it is extremely powerful when combined with proper hydraulics and proper programs. Each muscle group is targeted during a full 30-minute workout. During the 30 minutes, groups alternate between the upper body, the core, and the lower body. Within two weeks of training on a proper hydraulic circuit, clientele will see a big difference in their energy level.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
When adding hydraulics to your fitness center or when opening your 30-minute center, it is important to have the right personnel. You need staff who are able to develop programs for your clients and who are able to motivate the members to do their workouts. Your club can offer specialized hydraulic fitness programs designed for kids, adults and seniors:
• Kids: Kids’ programs need to be versatile, entertaining and always changing because children need a lot of variety in order to stay interested. The attention span is not there and this must not feel like a workout, it must feel like a game. Programs can easily be integrated between every hydraulic station.
• Adults: Adults need to feel wellsurrounded with people of knowledge. They need motivation and goals. Measuring them should be integrated into a follow-up program. Aerobic programs developed with hydraulics scheduled at certain times are a must and are a definite demand.
• Seniors: Since high quality hydraulic equipment has very smooth motion, programs can easily be developed for seniors. By adjusting the cylinders at a lower setting and giving them a certified trainer, the hydraulics offer seniors a perfect training. Schedule programs in which music can be lowered and a dedicated trainer is available.
BUYER BEWARE
Avoid outdated hydraulic exercise machines! Many companies promote equipment that was designed 15 years ago and the equipment has not been improved at all. There is also a lot of used hydraulic equipment out there, be careful not to inherit someone else’s failed attempt. Look for companies that are continually improving their equipment and designing new pieces so that you will always have the opportunity to add more to your fitness center.
The quality of the equipment is extremely important when you are in business. Take the time to check references or to see the equipment in action. When shopping for hydraulic equipment, here are a few important elements to note:
• Cylinders: The type of cylinders make a big difference on how smooth the equipment feels. For example, there has to be no hesitation or air bubbles to keep a constant fluent motion. There should be a minimum warranty of three years on the cylinders.
• Hardware: In order to avoid breakdowns and service fees, bearings are used instead of bushings. This allows proper fluent motion of the equipment and ensures durability.
• Cushions: The best cushions have two inches of foam; high quality vinyl, double-stitching for durability, and nice wide seats for aesthetics and comfort.
• Space Considerations: People want a variety of quality equipment and enough elbow room to be comfortable when training. You must keep your overhead to a minimum, but you must also keep in mind that your clientele must want to renew with you – if the space is too small, they will get bored and they will become uncomfortable.
Your club’s equipment is key to the success of your business, and knowing your equipment is vital to your survival. What does the client see first…the marketing plan? No, they see your equipment. Buy the best technology to capture a wiser end-user and then retain their membership. But remember, you must stay in business longer than your payments. Always seek out good, reputable companies that offer the best quality and design.
Jed Smith is the President and CEO of Edge Fitness Hydra-Fit Mfg. Inc. He can be contacted at 866.882.EDGE (3343), or by email at jed@edgefitnessmfg.com, or visit www.edgefitnessmfg.com.
