dimond_fitness_equipment

Recumbent Bikes: Ideal Equipment for Older Members

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 22:37:55 GMT

Recumbent bikes are an excellent tool to have on hand. Here's what to look for.

It’s no secret that we are in the midst of a significant increase in the elderly fitness population. According to the Administration on Aging’s “2017 Profile of Older Americans,” 15.2% of the American population is age 65 or over—about 49.2 million people. It’s likely that you’ll be working with an elderly client at your gym, or at least have members that fall in this age range.

Generally speaking, common training needs that need to be addressed include balance, mobility, and joint pain. Exercise equipment needs to cover a wide range of training needs: weight loss, cardiovascular endurance, and rehab. It should also be low impact and relatively easy to use. Luckily, a recumbent bike can cover all of these requirements.

There are a few key elements to look for in a recumbent bike. Make sure the seat is adjustable and has plenty of cushioning, which will help alleviate any low back stress that an upright bike may cause. Next, make sure that the bike has the ability to accommodate a step-through motion to get seated. In the picture above, you can see that you can step directly through to the other side of the bike when getting seated, rather than having to swing a leg over any pedals. Finally, make sure there are adjustable straps on the pedals to prevent any foot slippage. As always, confirm that the bike is commercial grade rather than residential grade for durability.

If you have any questions, be sure to comment below! If you prefer, you can also send an email to info@dimondfitnessequipment.com .

Source

Administration on Aging, and Administration for Community Living. “Profile of Older Americans.” Home Page | ACL Administration for Community Living , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 30 Apr. 2018, acl.gov/aging-and-disability-in-america/data-and-research/profile-older-americans.

Pros and Cons of Plastic Shrouding

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 16:53:12 GMT

Why it's important to consider the plastic shrouding on your machines

This article aims to highlight the pros and cons of having plastic shrouding on selectorized strength machines and cardio machines. This is a feature that is rarely examined or talked about; however, being thoughtful about purchasing machines with plastic can save you hundreds of dollars in the future.

Selectorized strength and cardio machines tend to have a plastic shrouding somewhere on their frame. You can see examples in the picture above, or on our website ( https://www.dimondfitnessequipment.com/equipment-for-sale/Selectorized-c30705043 ). The plastic typically goes around the weight stack, and often has the logo or name of the manufacturer on it. There are usually instructions pasted or printed on the plastic—these instructions are very beneficial to new exercises or elderly members who don’t know how to use a machine. Another advantage to the plastic shrouding is that it helps unite multiple machines together for a certain “look”—your gym can have a more professional feel if you get multiple machines from the same manufacturer and line.

However, plastic shrouding can bring on unexpected headaches for gym owners and facility managers. The plastic can be broken during moving and installation if it’s not handled with extra care. Once it’s in the gym, try to keep these machines away from any areas where there are stacks of weight plates, dumbbells, or dynamic movements, as those all increase the risk of the plastic being broken. If it does break, the plastic shrouding will either be a tedious process that’s expensive, or a frustratingly simple one if the manufacturer doesn’t offer plastic replacement.

Even though it’s a small detail, we recommend adding plastic parts and shrouding to your mental checklist when searching for equipment. It can add to your facility’s overall theme, but a big investment may set you up for unexpected issues later.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

· What are the pros and cons of selectorized vs plate loaded machines for your facility and your specific clientele?

· Does the manufacturer of the machine you’re considering offer replacement plastic parts and/or shrouding?

If you have any questions or comments, let us know below or email us directly at info@dimondfitnessequipment.com . Thanks for reading!

Drywall and Damage

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 20:26:52 GMT

A permanent solution to constant drywall upkeep.

Drywall is an extremely common part of most—if not all—gym facilities. There are plenty of upsides: it’s easy to paint, you can add wall storage, and it insulates well. However, when it comes to hardiness and durability, drywall can struggle. Since studs run typically vertically every 16-32 inches, it can force you to mount things in less than ideal places. Concrete or block walls are always ideal, but this article aims to address common issues with drywall: scuff marks, dents, and holes.

Let’s take the common combination of a plate loaded machine next to a wall. These machines are always surrounded by several pairs of 45 and, on occasion, 100 pound weight plates. These plates are set against the wall when not in use. Regardless of whether these plates are iron or rubber coated, having them lean against drywall is a recipe for disaster. It creates smudges, dents, and worst of all, holes in the wall. For prospective members, it makes for a gym that looks worn out and not well maintained. Repairing drywall on your own is certainly possible, but can get complicated and labor intensive quickly.

One permanent solution to this problem is getting aluminum or thick poly plastic diamond plating for the bottom border of your walls. Think of the kick plates on high traffic doors. This extra layer of protection will guard against weight plates and machines being inadvertently banged or moved against the wall. It is important to place the diamond plating high enough up the wall that it will be taller than any plate diameter. Aluminum plating is a better protector over time, although it does have a higher up front cost.

Overlooking seemingly insignificant details such as scuff marks or holes in the wall can be easy when you’re juggling the many headaches a gym owner has to deal with. However, a clean, organized facility will help set you apart as an established professional. You only get to make a first impression once! In addition, doing this repair once will set you up for minimal maintenance down the road. The plating can be washed with a cleaning spray and cloth towel—save the putty knife and paint bucket for another day.

Some questions to consider:

What repairs have you seen in the facility you train at that stood out to you?

In the past, what elements of different gyms blew you away?

What other common issues do you see that could be addressed?

Let us know your thoughts and/or questions in the comment section, or contact us directly at info@dimondfitnessequipment.com .