Coed Circuit Training Clubs

It is no secret that women only circuit training clubs have swept the country in the last few years; almost to the point of over saturating some markets. This concept caught on for two important reasons: #1. The concept works. #2. It addressed a need. The PACE circuit training concept of combining cardiovascular and strength workouts in 30 minutes has proven to be a very effective method of exercise. The non-intimidating nature of hydraulic resistance and the time efficiency of this program combined to address the two major objections of women for not joining health clubs “Intimidation” and “No Time”.

But let’s face it, there are just as many out of shape men out there as there are women. An out of shape man, especially a senior, can be just as intimidated as a woman when faced with the prospect of working out alongside hardcore exercisers. The fitness goals of a 50-60 year old man are probably very different than those of a 20 year old with much less emphasis on muscle size and more emphasis on weight loss, cardiovascular and cardio respiratory conditioning. At 20, we are indestructible; at 50, our doctors are telling us to lower our blood pressure, reduce our cholesterol and lose fat.

In today’s fast paced society, lack of time may be more of a factor for men getting into a health club rather than intimidation. A busy executive may remember being in good shape when he was 25 and could spare an hour and a half to two hours a day to workout; but now, 25 years later, he cannot spare that much time. The US Government recently released its recommendation of 60-90 minutes a day for an overweight individual. Who has this much time? There is a solution- a 30 minute PACE workout has proven to burn more calories than 90 minutes of conventional cardiovascular exercise.

America is getting older- and fatter. With the aging baby boomers, more people are turning 50 everyday than are being born everyday and over 60 percent of America’s population is overweight. Studies show that less than 20% of the population is a member of a conventional health club. Why not offer a program that addresses the needs of the majority of the population? PACE meets these needs for both men and women.

It is true that the majority of women join a women only club because there are no men around. However, there are many women who would love to bring in their husbands- and many husbands who need it (there is a reason why Weight Watchers is coed). Since PACE is not a franchise, our customers are free to format their clubs anyway they like. Many customers (especially in smaller markets) are offering a combination of women only hours during the day, then coed hours in the evening. In smaller towns, it makes sense to appeal to as much of the population as possible. PACE equipment is both safe enough for women’s clubs and durable enough for even the strongest of men.

Implementing a Senior’s Circuit Training Program in Your Club

America is getting older. With the Baby boomers reaching middle age, more people are turning 50 everyday than are being born everyday. It is estimated that over 100 million Americans are over the age of 45 (US Census Bureau). Although there has been a significant increase in senior memberships in health clubs in the last few years (IHRSA estimates 6.9 million people over the age 55 belonged to health clubs in 2002 vs. 1.5 million in 1987), the vast majority of today’s seniors are shying away from clubs. These seniors are perhaps those in the most need to exercise regularly. Their doctors are telling them to exercise to lower their cholesterol, lower their blood pressure, help offset osteoporosis, etc. The question must be asked “What is keeping them from joining?”

Intimidation of conventional exercise equipment and programs is undoubtedly a major factor. Fear of intimidating weight stack machines and lack of coordination to perform aerobic movements are often sited as reasons for not joining large coed clubs. Yet the fitness industry has seen a huge growth of women’s circuit training clubs featuring hydraulic resistance equipment in the last five years with the majority of members over 40 years old. These types of clubs have proven to be popular with older people for three important reasons, lack of intimidation, time efficiency and camaraderie.

Seniors do not want to compete with younger, hardcore members for the use of equipment, nor do them want to display how weak or uncoordinated they are. Seniors do not want to be sore for two or three days after a workout. Seniors enjoy working out with those in their own age group and fitness level.

Many YMCA’s and larger clubs with pools have tried to address these issues and offer senior aquatic programs. These programs are very safe and effective since there is no fixed load as with weight stack equipment which can cause injury and muscle soreness. However, there still exists the intimidation factor of many seniors not wanting to be seen in swimsuits. Hydraulic circuit training programs can be the answer. Hydraulic circuit training is very much like aquatics since the user is pushing against fluid which accommodates to the individual’s fitness level and there is very little if any muscle soreness. Hydraulic circuit training is very time efficient since it combines both strength and cardiovascular workouts in 30 minutes.

Some progressive large clubs are offering senior hydraulic circuit training classes with instructors to provide motivation and inspiration. These classes often serve as a non-intimidating way to get seniors into the front door of club, to produce results for them quickly and to help introduce them into the general population of the club. The following are guidelines in the successful implementation of such a program:

Location. A separate designated area outside of the weight area is important. An empty racquetball court is an ideal location and size for this type of program; a 24 station circuit fits nicely into 800 square feet. A multi-purpose room or aerobic studio also works well since hydraulic machines are lightweight and easily moved to the outside perimeter of the room during down times.

Equipment. Adjustable hydraulic equipment is suggested to accommodate a broad range of fitness levels when conducting coed classes. The adjustments on the equipment should be easily accessible by both the member and instructor.

Staffing. This type of program typically falls under the aerobic program umbrella since these instructors are familiar with running classes with large groups. However, this program can also be very successful when led by personal trainers under the format of “Group Personal Training”.

Class Schedule. Seniors have flexible schedules, so early afternoon classes can work well. Conducting classes during this normally slower time of day will also decrease the intimidation factor and help ease the burden during peak times. Half hour to 45 minute classes are suggested.

Class Format. It is suggested to begin classes with a low intensity 5 minute warmup, 20-30 minutes of target heart rate work and 5-10 minutes of cool-down & stretching. The standard hydraulic circuit training workout alternates 30-45 second intervals on the hydraulic exercise machines and aerobic recovery stations in a work/rest format. Variations such as repeating stations, changing directions, increasing resistance and bringing props such as exercise balls, stretch bands, etc. can be introduced anytime to keep the program fresh.

Pricing. These senior circuit training programs can be priced very low ($19.00- $29.00 per month) to be used as an introductory membership or can be used as part of tiered membership to be included at no charge with “Platinum” membership.

Senior hydraulic circuit training programs will produce results for members and will increase the club’s bottom line by increasing new memberships and member retention.

For more details on senior fitness or our PACE hydraulic circuit training, please visit www.pacegroupexercise.com or call 888-604-2244.