Free weights offer a wider variety of uses than
resistance machines. They allow movement in
three dimensions and use more than one muscle
group at a time.
Group exercise bikes - a group of stationary
upright bikes arranged around a central focus
point. Exercise groups follow instructions from
an instructor. Spin bikes have fixed hubs
requiring constant effort without coasting.
American cyclist Johnny ‘G’ Goldberg created
Spinning, in the late 1980’s. He used it as a
convenient and quick way to train for races. The
first centre was opened in 1989.
Health and Fitness Suite - provides a range of
activities aimed at promoting and improving
health and fitness through aerobic and body
toning exercise. A health and fitness suite may
include a fitness gym, studios, and
complementary services.
Health and fitness suites are a modern day
response to the sedentary lifestyle that our
technological age has created. In the past
Governments have required certain levels of
physical education within schools, but beyond
school age it becomes the individual’s
responsibility to maintain fitness & health. Health
and fitness suites provide the alternative to team
sport, in an indoor environment.
Pilates – A set of precise controlled stretch and
balance exercises designed in the late 20th
century by Joseph Pilates, to strengthen the
core muscles and support the spine. Pilates can
be used for fitness and strength, or for
rehabilitation. Top ballet dancers, Rugby
players and other sportsmen use Pilates as a
physical conditioning tool.
Pilates teaches awareness of breathing and
alignment of the spine. The exercises can be
mat based, or use specialist equipment.
Resistance - exercise of specific muscle groups
through the use of specialised equipment
allowing controlled movement of part of the body
against a resistance provided by hydraulics,
counter-weights, springs/bungee bands or
friction. The equipment may be bulky and heavy,
but offers a safer and more controlled alternative
to the free weights. The first resistance work out
machine was available in 1970, after many years
of experimentation by the entrepreneur Arthur
Jones.
Strength and Conditioning - Strength and
conditioning is utilised by athletes and
sportsmen to improve their physical and
psychological performance. Athletes are
measured and tested and a program devised to
improve specific sports fitness demands. All
aspects of the fitness program is designed to
build strength, conditioning, anaerobic
endurance and size of skeletal muscles.
Stretch Area - used before and after exercise to
allow muscular warm up and warm down
stretching helping to reduce the risk of injury.
Specific exercises may be advised for each part
of the body, and include balance and floor work
on padded mats.
Studio Spaces - Studios accommodate a range
of uses, allowing users to participate in a range
of disciplines. Studios can accommodate:
• Exercise
• Dance & movement e.g. aerobics
• Sport training e.g. martial arts
• Arts
• Social activities