It is well understood that lifestyle choices have a significant impact, for better or worse, on an individual’s health. Fitness professionals, as well as most individuals, are well aware that the one way to lose weight is to burn more calories than are being consumed. This simple, scientific fact applies to all weight-loss products and programs. However, it is often clouded by misleading solutions that would have people believe that a pill, supplement, or novelty diet will make a lasting difference. Individuals may see short-term results, but have difficulty maintaining their success in the long term.
Historically, there has been a lack of easy-to-use tools to assist in the accurate measurement of total energy expenditure and physical activity durations outside of a laboratory setting. Information, such as quantified levels of activity, total energy expenditure and daily caloric intake, can be very beneficial to individuals attempting a weight-loss program. With this information, they could begin to make informed decisions about implementing proper changes to their daily routines necessary to increase activity levels and manage caloric intake.
The biggest obstacle for fitness professionals has been: How do we teach individuals about their metabolism? How many calories are their bodies burning each day, in comparison to how many calories they are consuming each day?
Now, we can answer those questions. The bodybugg® Calorie Management System is a clinically validated, multi-sensor device that is being used to accurately and reliably measure various physiological signals and states – including: physical activity, steps, energy expenditure, and the wearer’s activities (e.g. running, walking, etc.). This system has significant potential in helping people to make lifestyle changes to improve health. Ideally suited for health club members focused on weight management, the bodybugg® display shows up-to-the minute health metrics from the bodybugg® armband, such as calories burned, duration of physical activity and steps. The bodybugg® display® can be worn as a watch or clipped to clothing, making this valuable health data constantly accessible.
Xcel Fitness has three locations throughout the Salt Lake City, Utah area and has been using the bodybugg® program for over two years. The clubs have had tremendous success. Before integrating bodybugg®, Xcel faced many issues that smaller health clubs face, such as lack of a proven program that can differentiate them from the larger health clubs. Many health clubs, large or small, are constantly looking for a simple, effective weight-loss and nutrition program for their members. Pedometers have been around for a long time, but many owners and trainers find these unreliable and inaccurate. Finding an effective nutrition program is even more difficult. Xcel has always believed 100% that reaching weight-loss goals requires the combination of a good nutrition and exercise program.
“The bodybugg® calorie management program takes our counseling and training programs to the next level,” said Nate Brown, Director of Training and Nutrition at Xcel Fitness. “The bodybugg® system, and now the new display device, gives our club members the ability to always compare their “burn” with their calorie intake, no matter where they are – which is extremely motivational for increasing daily and longterm weight-loss success.”
The true power of the bodybugg® system lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Individuals can eat what they want and do what they want. It’s all about learning how their bodies work to sustain a calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. For some, it may be increasing their physical activity; for others it may be reducing their caloric intake. The bodybugg® system enables individuals and fitness instructors to work together to set targets based on individual goals. Fitness professionals love that it provides the best tool for them to track the progress of their members, and they can continue to monitor and adjust targets to help them reach their goals.
This is how it works:
1. A qualified fitness professional works with the individual to determine their weight goals. A basic program can be part of membership dues with the option to add additional sessions.
2. The fitness professional (fit pro) sets calorie intake and physical activity targets for the individual, and then sends them home with the bodybugg® armband and display. The bodybugg® armband will collect physiological data which is uploaded by the individual to a computer.
3. The bodybugg® display is worn by the individual – clipped onto their clothing or as a watch.
4. The display provides up-to-the-minute feedback on caloric burn, steps, and physical activity duration. This information allows the individual to know how they are doing compared to the targets set for them.
5. When the individual uploads their armband to their computer, the data is stored on a secure website that is accessible to the individual and fit pro. The individual also enters their daily calorie consumption on the website.
6. The fit pro will then review the data with the individual in an easy-to-read report. The report shows calorie consumption and total energy expenditure, on a daily basis.
7. This system provides a means for individuals to visualize energy balance in a real-world environment. It is well-recognized that regular and accurate self-monitoring in the free-living environment can provide important feedback that increases self-awareness. Selfawareness is the prerequisite for healthy decision-making and longterm lifestyle change!
The bodybugg® calorie management system can revitalize health clubs and give new life to member programs. For club members, it’s a simple and effective way to manage their weight. For club owners, it’s a cost-effective way to increase member compliance and results, as well as a new revenue stream from current and new members. For personal trainers and nutritionists, it is a proven method to educate through professional guidance.
Xcel Fitness has seen a tremendous impact on their bottom line since integrating the system. Over 1,500 members have gone through the program with over 80% either reaching their weight-loss goals, or on their way to reaching their goals.
“The reaction from our members has been very positive because the bodybugg® cuts through the hype of other diets and programs on the market – the simple science behind the technology is extremely empowering to our members,” says Nate. “Our services are way up in leasing and selling the program. In fact, Xcel is now selling over 20 armbands each month.”
“We were afraid to bring in an outside product and customer support. But; the bodybugg® support team has been nothing but extremely professional and helpful. We can ask for their assistance on various marketing programs and promotions, and they will tell us what has worked in the past and what has not. It’s great to work with an experienced group that can answer all of our questions,” added Nate, about the bodybugg® program customer support network.
Currently, 75% of health club members enroll in health clubs because of weight-management needs. Having a system that accurately and continuously measures total energy expenditure is a critical component of fitness professionals’ ability to keep members motivated to reach their weight-loss goals. The bodybugg® Calorie Management System is a proven and effective solution for weight loss that will change your members’ lifestyles, while increasing your health club’s community awareness as an expert in providing effective weight-loss programs.
Donna Wolf, Ph.D is the Manager of Clinical Trials of BodyMedia Inc. She can be contacted at 412.288.9901, or by email at dwolf@bodymedia.com, or visit www.bodymedia.com. Nate Brown is Director of Training and Nutrition at Xcel Fitness. He can be contacted at 801.990.4618, or by email at nate@xcelfitness.com.
