Club Management - September/October 2007 - (Page 24) Sports & Recreation Management Fitness Fusion By Kevin Brockway In today’s busy world, less workout time = emphasis on targeting problem areas and expecting quick results ver try to complete a triathlon indoors? Or circle your hips to the rhythm of Latin music? Or get yelled at by a drill instructor? Fitness has evolved beyond the traditional workout at a dusty, dark gym with stacks of steel bars and iron weights. With that in mind, club fitness directors are providing different programs that combine sweating with forms of meditation and entertainment. Wayne Milner, vice president of fitness for the Seattle-based Washington Athletic Club, said his facility offers close to 90 different exercise programs. “The equipment-based Pilates programs, mat classes, yoga, show no signs of slowing down,” Milner said. “We’re in the Pacific Northwest, so group cycling is very popular here. Our membership counts on us to be very proactive when it comes to providing new programs and new ideas.” Tim Kelley, fitness director of the Missouri Athletic Club West (St. Louis), said Zumba classes have been popular among his mostly female clientele. Zumba is a fitness routine that mixes Latin and international dance themes into an aerobic work24 • CLUB MANAGEMENT E out that burns fat and sculpts the body. It’s salsa without the chips, with a little merengue and calypso added for good measure. “Our group-based activities, on a whole, have been popular,” Kelley said. “What we’ve found is offering variety in training within sessions, combining a spin session with strength training, is effective because it keeps the workouts fresh and interesting.” The concept, known as fitness fusion, is gaining popularity because it combines cardiovascular and strength-training benefits. With more Americans pressed for time, more are looking to target the different muscle groups as quickly as possible. Some endurance events still remain popular. The New York Athletic Club started an indoor triathlon 15 years ago. Participation has grown steadily each year. About 30 competed on a Photos ©iStockphoto.com
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