Chapter 16 Health and Fitness Equipment Considerations

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Chapter 16Health and Fitness Equipment
Considerations
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(No Transcript)
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SGMA

• 45 million Americans over age 6
• trained w/ free weights
• Has risen 101
• Total adult part. in free weight use - risen
  119 since 1987
• Hand wts most popular up 16
• over 27 million part.

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SGMA

• Women comprised 45 of all people who exercised
  with free weights.
• Spectacular rise of weight training among women
  (up 203 from 1987)
• One of the most dramatic fitness trends of the
  late 20th Century.

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SGMA

• Under age 25 - 36
• Ages 25- 44 - 39
• Ages 45 and up - 25

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SGMA

• But did you know?
• Biggest boom - free weight users
• 55 and up
• 1987 just over 750,000 participants
• 2001 6 million participants
• 700

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Whats Popular?
Equipment of clubs offering
Free Weights 97
Treadmills 95
Upright Bikes 94
Recumbent Bikes 93
Climbers/Steppers 93
Elliptical Machines 92
Plate-Loaded Equipment 87
Selectorized Equipment 81
Group Exercise Studio 78
Rowers 77
Source IHRSA 2002 Member Census
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SGMA

• Completed 1-3 yrs of college
• of weight training population - 50
• North central region US
• 11 million participants -
• 114 jump since 1987

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FACILITY EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS

• Function
• Versatility
• Space
• Safety
• Durability/Maintenance
• Cost
• Staffing

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Equipment Function

• Consider your clubs mission
• What type of equipment would serve your target
  market the most effectively?
• Consider SES, Age, Families, Gender
• gt Free weights Lower SES, more men
• Place each piece of equipment into a category
• Cardiovascular/strength/abdominal/group ex.
• Ask yourself 4 questions
• What kind of image do I want to project?
• Who will be using the equipment?
• What is the basic purpose of the equipment?
• Will there be an emphasis on strength or
  endurance equipment?

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FUNCTION

• What kind of image do you want to project?
• Who will be using the equipment?
• What is the basic purpose of the equipment?
• Will there be an emphasis on strength or
  endurance equipment?

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Free Weights vs. Machines

• Free weights can be intimidating
• Machines help people feel comfortable
• If your mission is multipurpose, you want a
  higher of machines
• Older population women will be more likely to
  join
• Free weights are still important
• Dont skimp on quality or buy used free weights
• Get rubberized DB plates rather than iron
• Upholstery should match selectorized machines

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User Appeal

• Convenience and Comfort
• Soft padding
• Easy adjustments
• Small incremental weight adjustments
• Smooth resistance patterns
• Go to the vendor factory and try out machines
• Brand Names
• Instant credibility and appeal

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VERSATILITY

• Is it multi-functional?
• Can the novice operate it and can the experienced
  benefit from it?
• Can it accommodate a variety of populations?
  (aging, obese, youth)

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Versatility

• Should be reasonably portable
• Design changes over time
• Maintenance issues
• Consider placement and potential removal
• Adjustments
• Can various sized people fit on the machine?
• Are the adjustments easy for the average person?
• How many adjustments does one have to make?
• Multipurpose
• Can the piece serve more than 1 function?
• If so, how likely is it that people will use the
  1 function?

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SPACE

• Determine how many pieces you need and how many
  can fit in the available space.
• Each station - 46-50 sq. ft of space

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Space Allocation

• Each station needs 46 sq./ft. of floor space
• Take total sq./ft and divide by 46
• Dont forget to add in circulation space
• Use manufacturer to help design if possible
• Optimize space utilization
• Plan for as many exercise patterns as possible
• Indoor track around selectorized area
• Free weights adjacent to selectorized machines
• Abdominal mats near strength training areas
• Wow Effect
• When possible, place your newest, best equipment
  near the entrance or on the outside of the
  fitness area
• Will help the perceived image of the club

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SPACE

• Example
• 7,500 sq ft exercise space/50 SF per station
• feature 150 stations
• breakdown 50 cardio pieces
• and 90 strength training pieces
• 10 core pieces
• 321 (1/2) tread/ellip/bike/stair

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SPACE

• ACSM recommends
• Allow 20-40 sq ft for ea. pc. Equipment
• Some experts recommend 46 SF/pc.
• And 20-25 sq ft for ea. User
• ADA guidelines

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SPACE

• Short on space?
• Jungle Gyms
• Dumbbells
• Stability Balls/Medicine Balls
• Tubing and Bands
• Home Depot is your best buddy
• when you are poor

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SPACE

• Tip Can you get it in the front door?
• Make sure you can get it in the door
• Takes to take door frame apart, not to mention
  time

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Durability

• Usage patterns will cycle
• Functional pieces get lots of use today
• Pulley systems or Freemotion Fitness Equipment
• http//www.freemotionfitness.com
• Consider vendor warranties
• Very important part of the sales package
• Serves as a rough indicator of its life
  expectancy
• Structural frame should be lifetime, upholstery
  only 6 months
• Check out how its made
• Joint, chassis, padding, bearings, chains
  belts, electronics

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Safety

• Should be 1 priority
• Inadequate equipment can be grounds for
  negligence
• Safe place statutes
• Entitle users to safe environments
• Place an additional burden of care on fitness
  centers
• Shrouds, bolts, welds, anchored to floor
• Any weight stack should have a protective shroud
  to minimize risk of injury
• Cardiovascular Equipment
• Keep electrical plugs grounded with fault
  interrupters
• Lots of preventative maintenance required
• Staff Supervision
• No equipment is safe enough to take the place of
  staff
• Ensure someone is supervising weight floor at all
  times

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MAINTENANCE

• In house or out?
• Will it cost you more to maintain a cheaper piece
  of equipment?
• Parts, warranty, availability of vendor

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MAINTENANCE

• Tips
• Got space? Get 2
• Chains turn equipment religiously
• Cardio after 3yrs
• Strength after 6yrs
• Narrow choices to 2 or 3 of the best
  manufacturers

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WHAT KIND TO GET?

• Cardiovascular Equipment
• Commercial grade
• Residential grade
• Strength Training Equipment
• Free weights
• Selectorized
• Plate loaded
• Functional Accessories
• Whats New and Hot (or just out there)

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CARDIOVASCULAR

• Are you going to have a cardio theater?
  (individual monitors)
• Televisions? Radio hookup?
• Television monitoring kids room?
• Electronic Surveillance?

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CARDIOVASCULAR

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Cardiovascular Equipment

• What are we talking about?
• Treadmills
• Ellipticals
• Stationary Bikes
• Etc

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Treadmill

• Lifefitness 9500 HR Precor C966

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Exercise Bikes

• Precor C846-U Precor C846-R

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StairClimbers

• SC 9500HR Stairmaster StepMill 7000 PT

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Elliptical Machines

• Precor EFX 546 Life Fitness CT 8500

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Specialty Machines

• Cybex ArcTrainer 5000

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Specialty Machines

• Tunturi R780 Rower
• Versa Climber

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Specialty Machines

• Nu Step
• Scifit Ergometer

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Specialty Machines

• Brewers Ledge
• Climbing Walls

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CARDIO EQUIPMENT

• Basic Package 3-4 pieces
• 1-2 Treadmills
• 1 Exercise Bike
• 1 StairClimber or
• 1 Elliptical Machine
• 9,000-18,000
• Moderate Package 5-9 pieces
• 2-3 Treadmills
• 1-2 Exercise Bikes
• 1-2 StairClimbers
• 1-2 Elliptical Machines
• 18,000-35,000

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CARDIO EQUIPMENT

• Comprehensive Package 10-20 pieces
• 4-6 Treadmills
• 3-6 Elliptical Machines
• 2-5 Exercise Bikes
• 2-3 StairClimbers
• 1-2 Specialty Machines
• 35,000

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Free Weights
• BB, DB, Olympic plates
• Selectorized Machines
• Pin adjustment, weight stack
• Plate-loaded Machines
• Uni-lateral, Iso-lateral

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Free Weights
• Dumbbells, barbells, weight plates
• Three planes
• Benchs, racks, and trees
• More economical
• Proper training and supervision

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT
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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT
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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT
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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Selectorized Machines
• Single-stations or Multi jungle gym
• One or two planes of motion
• Cables, belts, pulleys, chains
• Novice
• Size matters
• Less stabilization required
• Spotter/Babysitter - Staffing

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Nautilus Nitro
• Cybex VR2

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Nautilus Jungle Gym Nautilus Gravitron

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Free Motion

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Plate-loaded Machines
• Unilateral
• Iso-lateral (i.e. Hammer Strength)
• Everyones putting out plate loaded
• Better safety than free weights
• Heavier weight workouts

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT
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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Hammer Strength Plate Loaded
• Body Master

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Platforms
• Power Lift

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Elastic Bands and Tubing
• Three planes
• ROM
• Group Exercise Classes
• Inexpensive
• Portable

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT
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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT
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Purchasing the Equipment

• Take inventory
• What do you have? What do you need?
• Review the market
• Get a clear picture of industry trends and proven
  manufacturers
• You may want to hire a consultant for this
  process
• Some vendors represent a number of product lines
  equipment brokers
• Identify staff members who may research the
  equipment for you
• Writing specifications
• For each piece Brand X, Model B, or equivalent
• Be flexibly to allow for more competitive bids

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Purchasing the Equipment

• Initiation
• Request made to manager
• Request Review
• Manager approves or rejects the request
• Budget Review
• Manager assigns a code number to the item in the
  budget category identified
• Specifications Prepared
• Prepare the specs and provide to bidders
• Bid Evaluation
• Evaluate bids on both equipment quality and price
• Purchase Order
• Send it to the vendor complete list
• Payment
• Cut check and mail in on delivery
• Payment Schedule
• 50 down, and 50 on receipt of the equipment
• Withhold 10 for 30 days to encourage prompt
  installation

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Purchasing the Equipment

• Getting Bids
• Establish a list of responsible bidders (3)
• History, delivery, service, dependability, size
  of inventory, financial stability, promptness
• Formal approach
• A bid sheet is provided to each bidder on the
  list
• Informally communicate with bidders after
  receiving them to ensure you get the lowest
  possible price
• Profit margin
• Winning bidder will ultimately cut this to win
• Will help the overwhelming service calls if they
  win
• Stay with a single product line if possible
• All things being equal, keep as much of your
  equipment from the same manufacturer as possible

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Equipment Cost

• Can break the bank
• Point of diminishing returns on gadgets
• Elaborate treadmills w/fans, electronic
  selectorized pieces
• Stick with a proven name brand
• Name recognition and function attracts members
• Cybex, Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Precor,
  Ivanko
• Should not represent gt 3 to 5 of start-up cost
• Refurbished Equipment
• Can save you 30, may be an option
• Trade in value is 0.35 to 0.65 on the dollar
• Consider the vendor agreement
• Some will take trade-in value at a later date
• Some provide maintenance agreements and free
  design and setup

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STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

• Accessories Add Up -
• Budget it in
• Dont forget rubber mats
• Storage Bins, shelves, and hooks
• Take things up to save space

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Dollars Sense

• Leasing
• Purchasing
• New vs. Used
• Borrowing
• Stealing (just kidding)

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Dollars Sense

• Why Lease?
• You can lease almost any kind of equipment
• You choose the equipment you want
• You get a longer term, smaller payments
• You enjoy virtually 100 financing
• You gain possible tax advantages
• You can build your available credit
• You can project costs more accurately
• You keep both cash and machines generating
  profits
• You can deal with budget restrictions
• You can get a hedge against obsolescence

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Dollars Sense

• Leasing Options
• A fixed, predetermined end-of-lease cash buyout
  price.
• A fixed, predetermined end-of-lease percentage
  buyout price.
• End-of-lease refinancing of your equipment for a
  new lease term.
• Turning your existing equipment over to the lease
  company at the end of the lease term, acquiring
  new equipment and a new lease.

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WHEN BUYING

• Shop around
• Test Drive
• Check out competition
• When on vacation
• Distributor Demo

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Used Equipment

• Used equipment and brokers
• Warranty and return-policy
• Internet Photos
• Trade it in
• Add quality pieces over time

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Used Equipment

• Donate Old Equipment
• Operation Fit Kids

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Maintenance

• Internal
• Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
• 1 reason people leave a club
• Develop a maintenance checklist for part
  replacement
• External
• Dont buy anything you cant get repaired
• Can be useful, assuming you have major brands
• Consider the amount of equipment you have
• Choose service provider with adequate resources
• Average club has 31 cardio, 81 free-weight
  stations, and 27 resistance stations (1994)
  (higher today due to larger club size)

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Maintenance Contracts

• Plan to spend 100 to 500/month for external
  contracts
• Consider using in-house personnel
• Equipment is fixed faster and less expensive over
  time
• Investigate manufacturer parts availability
• Dont buy obscure equipment
• Preventative maintenance
• Can be worth thousands in parts and service if
  done regularly

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Recommendations

• Variety is Key
• Offers variety to workouts and
• encourages results
• (member-see progressretention)
• Essential to both exerciser motivation and
  member/client retention

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Resources

• IHRSA.org
• SGMA.com
• First Fitness

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Other Equipment

• Laundry
• Towel service?
• If so, buy a washer-extractor
• Can handle up to 125 pounds
• Have been proven to be cost effective based on
  lack of breakdowns and efficiency
• 150 to 300 sq/ft for laundry room
• Office Equipment
• Telephones, desks, computers, postage meters,
  faxes, printers, furniture, copiers, file
  cabinets
• Factor in this equipment!
• Locker-Room Equipment
• 15 to 25 sq./ft. per person expected to be in
  locker area at any one time
• No more than 15 of membership will be occupying
  locker room at once
• Permanent lockers should be available to
  accommodate 75 of users
• Daily use lockers should comprise the remaining
• Locker rooms typically allocate 25 to 35 of
  total facility sq/ft
• Showers should be available for up to 1 of
  membership (20 showers for 2000 members)

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Other Equipment

• Fitness Testing
• 120-180 sq/ft
• Bike ergometer, skinfold calipers, anthropometric
  tapes, sit and reach box, BP equipment, weight
  scales, desk chair, office supplies, file
  cabinet
• Counseling Room (PT)
• 90-120 sq/ft
• Lounge equipment/fitness charts
• Seminar room
• A/V Equipment 20 sq/ft. per person
• Tables chairs
• Gymnasium (50 x 84 feet) 5 feet around court for
  overrun
• Basketball goals, volleyball standards,
  scoreboards
• Ceiling height must be at lease 22 feet
• 3 square feet per spectator for bench seating