What can a club owner do to rise above the rest of the pack and provide for an unmet need in the industry? Be eccentric! There is a new piece of equipment that is designed to fill the eccentric void. A machine which started as a solution for downhill ski conditioning, has extended its focus to all types and levels of fitness. This has been viewed by some as cutting-edge in the fitness industry.
While using the machine, “eccentric” training focuses on the quad and some of its surrounding muscles in the lower-half of the body. The muscles are conditioned to absorb energy as they lengthen – which is how they operate in activities, such as: the landing from a jump, hiking downhill or skiing moguls. Concentric activities, which provide opposite use of the same muscles, would be: pushing off from a jump or hiking uphill while the muscle provides energy as it shortens – which most conditioning systems are biased towards. When using this machine, the rider simply bends their legs to absorb the energy from the moving platform as it rises, and then extends back to normal, as it descends.
This looks and sounds easy, but “eccentric conditioning” conditions and fatigues quickly. A typical first ride is very satisfying after a minute! Professional or extreme athletes, such as Navy SEALS, NFL, NBA and Olympic athletes can exercise up to 20 minutes or more. And, normal people, elderly and physical therapy patients can use lower intensity levels and benefit immensely from the noimpact workout.
Some benefits of this type of conditioning system include:
• Its short-duration workout is costeffective for the club patron’s time as well as the club owner’s pocketbook. A few machines can satisfy a great deal of people.
• It provides dynamic eccentric training, which is difficult to find.
• It crosses over all facets of workout needs, and is dynamite for lower-body conditioning, from skiing to hiking, football to running – and, even the elderly love it, and can benefit from it.
This truly can be a cost-effective and profitable way to make your club stand out!
Terry Jacobs is the President & CEO of Cascade Fitness Technologies, Inc. He can be contacted 425.361.5102, or by email at info@quadmill.com , or visit www.quadmill.com .
