Equipment of the Month: All New Matrix Selectorized Equipment!

This month we celebrate the nine new pieces of weight equipment just installed in the Selectorized equipment area of the fitness center. We're waiting for three more pieces to arrive to complete the line. 

The fitness center staff is always available to assist you with the new machines. Just ask!

The new chest press replaces the incline chest and chest press machines. This machine strengthens the muscles in the upper chest area including the front shoulder area.

The seated fly replaces the seated pec/dec  . This machine strengthens the muscles in the upper chest area.

The converging shoulder press replaces the shoulder press. Work the front and top of your shoulders to increase strength and range of motion in the shoulder area.

Matrix back extension replaces the back extension machine. This machine strengthens the lower back and lightly works the abdominal area.

The Matrix abdominal curl replaces the abdominal trunk curl and the seated abdominal machines. Strengthen and tone stomach muscles, part of the core from where all movement originates.

The old leg press has been replaced with the Matrix leg press. Strengthen leg muscles including the muscles of the lower leg and the upper gluteals (your buttocks).

The Matrix leg curl replaces the leg curl machine. Target the hamstring muscles found below the gluteals at the back of the legs.

The Matrix hip abduction machine replaces the hip abduction/adduction machine. Work outer thigh muscles for stronger legs.

Work those inner thigh muscles with the new Matrix hip adduction machine that replaces the hip abduction/adduction machine.

Junior Fit Certification Scheduled

Equipment of the Month: Helix Trainer

This awesome little machine not only tones and strengthens legs, thighs, and butt, it also does it with low impact to the knees. In fact, it actually protects knees by strengthening key supportive muscles. The unique side-to-side motion of the Helix Trainer gives your lower body a 360 degree workout, not just the front and back of your legs. Ask any member of the fitness staff to demonstrate how to use the Helix Trainer safely and effectively. 

Equipment of the Month: AbCoaster

The idea is simple: kneel on the seat, grab the arms and curl your knees up to your chest. Slow down to ensure you're not relying on momentum to do the work. The AbCoaster is designed to limit strain to the neck and back, putting all the work firmly in your core muscles. There is a weight plate that can add up to an additional 20 pounds of resistance for advanced fitness levels. 

 

The Pearce AbCoaster can be found in the weight room on the first floor. 

Personal Trainer Gavin Sullivan Uses AbCoaster

Whirlpool Update

Hooray! The whirlpool is now up and running!

Mastering Gym Etiquette 101

Even at a health club, a place where tank tops and extreme sweating are acceptable, good manners are a must! You may be in your exercise zone when you are running, stepping or pumping iron, but don’t forget to be considerate when you’re working out around others. Be sure to keep in mind these basic rules of common courtesy:

Your hygiene. Don’t load up on heavy perfumes or colognes! Some scents can be distracting to others and can cause problems with asthma or allergies.

Learn to share! Gym equipment is considered communal property, so don’t sit on a machine while you rest between sets. NEVER sit on a machine and talk on your cell phone or read a magazine. Instead, stand up and let fellow gym member work in (alternating sets) with you. The same rule applies to dumbbells. When you complete a set, always place the weights on the floor so someone else can sneak in a set while you rest. But don't forget to put them away when you are finished!

Unload your weight bar and put away your equipment. After you are finish using a bar, leave it completely empty. Never assume that everyone can lift the same amount of weight you can. Remove all weights and put them back where they go. Don’t assume that the next person who comes along has the ability to clean up after you. Also, when you’ve finished using equipment such as dumbbells, stability balls and mats, put them back where they belong so that others can easily find them.

Keep your sweat to yourself. Use the provided towels and disinfectants to wipe off any bench or machine you use. Nothing is as gross as picking up a slippery weight or lying down in a stranger’s pool of sweat.

Leave your cell phone at home. People go to the gym to relieve stress and relax not to listen to your phone conversation. Keep your phone on silent and packed away. Save the phone conversations until you’re out the door!

Be quiet. People like to focus on their workouts, which is difficult to do when the person next to you has their music on high or is carrying on a conversation. Keep your voice and music low and try not to disturb anyone.

If you witness an obvious etiquette problem, don’t be afraid to inform a staff member. Manners are important everywhere- including the gym!