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HFSQ and A - Workout World fitness consultant Steve To
Choosing quality fitness equipment that you enjoy using makes a world of difference to your workout, helping you achieve your fitness goals, says Workout World Camperdown store manager and fitness consultant, Steve To.
Q. What industry know-how do you need to be a fitness equipment specialist?
I am qualified as a personal trainer. I’ve obtained a Certificate IV in Fitness, which means Workout World customers can enjoy the valuable insights I’ve learnt about exercise science principles in fitness training.
For example, I can undertake basic postural appraisals to evaluate a client’s posture, functional range of movement and muscle strength and weakness in preparation for the development of a customer’s exercise program. I can demonstrate a broad range of fitness equipment to customers such as exercise bikes, elliptical cross trainers, home gyms and much more – and help them use it and assist customers with their exercise planning.
If a customer is looking to lose weight, for example, they must understand the basic premise that if your energy expenditure is not higher than what you consume, you’re not going to lose weight. Maintaining a healthy diet in conjunction with an exercise program and getting good rest is also important.
Q. What are some of the most commonly asked questions from customers?
Many customers who visit Workout World tend to have a desire to increase their fitness levels, lose weight or improve their personal wellbeing for the benefit of themselves and their families.
One recent customer, who was overweight and wanting to get healthy to get the energy to maintain her hectic lifestyle and look after her children, was very confused about how to safely and gradually lose weight. She had read a lot about fad diets. I’m not a true believer of dieting – I think having a balanced diet, 30 minutes of exercise each day and plenty of rest are some of the important ingredients for a healthy lifestyle.
That customer, who bought a treadmill from us, has become a very happy customer who has lost several kilos! She explained that the reason she’s had a successful weight loss strategy is that she enjoys using the treadmill. If you use it you generally will lose it! By buying equipment you like to use you will be much more likely to stay committed to your health and fitness goals!
I generally tell customers to take small steps towards their health and fitness goals. For example, if they buy a treadmill and they haven’t previously done a lot of exercise, I’d suggest they start with 20 minutes on the treadmill – even a brisk walking pace would be helpful - and do this two or three times a week. They can then increase the intensity of their workout by increasing the incline of the ramp and setting it to higher speeds to experience a more high intensity workout.
It is also helpful to set yourself a realistic goal within the first week of using the fitness equipment, such as losing half a kilogram during that week or fortnight. Setting realistic goals is very important!
Q. You have recently added a son to your family. What’s your vision for your family’s health and fitness?
The health and wellbeing of my family is vitally important to me. Regular exercise, maintaining a good diet (where fruit and vegetables are every day foods and junk food is a sometimes food) and getting plenty of rest I think are some of the most important elements of maintaining a happy, healthy family.
Q. How important is buying quality fitness equipment?
Quality is extremely important! You need to be comfortable with what you are using. If you are serious about your training, don’t sacrifice performing the correct body movements by buying cheap, low quality equipment which can go against your body’s natural movement. Quality fitness equipment should allow you to perform very natural movements.
Keep in mind if you buy something worthwhile that will be still perform strongly in three, five or even 10 years’ time, you are far more likely to achieve your long term fitness goals.
Q. How do you determine the most suitable equipment for your customer's needs?
Determining a customer’s health and fitness goals is critical to helping them choose the most suitable fitness equipment. It is important to find out how many people will be using the equipment (e.g. other family members) finding out what equipment they like to use as well as making customers aware of the importance of regular exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle.
In order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and all-round good health, the Heart Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most (preferably all days) of the week. This is regardless of an individual's body weight and shape. People whose work entails sitting for more than 4.5 hours per day may need to further increase their levels of physical activity or limit their energy intake to prevent weight gain. Similarly, for people who are overweight or gaining weight and wish to lose weight, it is recommended that they increase physical activity, reduce time spent sitting, and reduce energy intake.
Q. What are the key benefits of fitness equipment?
There are many benefits of home fitness equipment. Exercising at home is very convenient – there’s no time wasted travelling to and from the gym, for example. Home fitness is great for people with busy schedules and allows people to spend more time with their families and friends. You look great, feel great, have improved muscle tone, lower your body fat levels and improve your cardiovascular health. Of course, always talk to your physician before starting a workout regime.
