Innovative Results was incredibly fortunate to attain two new pieces of equipment this month.  As you know, we are not very fond of most machines, but these babies caught our attention and line up with our belief system.  Here is a little information about the benefits of the Versaclimber and why we prefer these machines over other conventional cardio machines.

The Versaclimber has been around for several years but treadmills, bicycles, elliptical machines, steppers and rowers have been more widely accepted.  Here are a few reasons why we do not use the mentioned machines above and have chosen to bring Versaclimbers into our facility.

1.  Treadmills. Walking and running are a fundamental movement pattern that every human being uses.  Unfortunately, most people lack the mobility and strength in their feet, ankles, knees and hips to run properly.  When I have asked several local doctors who their ideal client is, they have all mentioned runners.  Now, I don’t believe that running is bad, I just believe that most people approach running without much of a plan and eventually get injured.  The good side about treadmills, is that they are easily used by a wide population and offer an indoor option for people during foul weather.

Plus:  Easily scalable and allows natural gait pattern.

Minus:  High impact on ankles, knees and hips for most users.

2.  Elliptical trainers. Every person moves differently and are obviously different sizes and shapes.  I personally, have never used an elliptical machine and felt comfortable.  It doesn’t feel natural at all.  The good point about these machines, is that you are on your feet and some utilize upper and lower body movement.

Plus:  Reduced impact on joints, standing and some upper body recruitment.

Minus: Unnatural movement patterns.  Not scalable for increased intensity.

3.  Stationary bicycles. Lots of people use stationary and recumbent bicycles if they have back or knee pain.  Granted it offers a no impact solution, but unfortunately you have to sit.  If people are sitting all day long, the last thing I want them to do at the gym is to sit some more.  Now if this is the only option you have or you are a competitive cyclist, then by all means, get after it!  But, if you have the option, I prefer to have people on their own two feet, learning to move their body from head to toe.

Plus:  Reduced impact on ankles and knees.

Minus:  You are sitting.

5 Reasons Why Innovative Results Uses VersaClimbers

1.  You are on your feet – The car, computer and the couch have left 80%+ of people with tight hips, upper backs and more.   Why would you go to the gym and sit some more?  We were designed to move on our feet.  The Versaclimber teaches people to stand on their own two feet and move.

2.  Your opposite arms and legs work together – grooving their neurological pathways to function properly.  Our upper and lower extremities work together.  Without proper communication between upper and lower extremities, movements become incredibly awkward.  For example, when you throw a ball with your right hand, you should step with your left leg first, right?  Try stepping with your right foot and throw with your right hand.  Crazy, right?  Well, as movements become more complex or if a client hasn’t developed these natural movement patterns, then learning to use opposites arms and legs together is vital to efficient movement and function.  This is important for everyone.

3.  No impact – most people are tight, immobile and may have old injuries that impair their gate.  The Versaclimber allows a high level of muscle recruitment (upper and lower body) without any unneeded stress on the ankles, knees, hips, back or shoulders.

4.  You can’t screw it up. Just get on and go.  This is a very powerful point.  Running correctly and efficiently requires specific coaching, practice, trial and error.  Rowing requires a certain level of flexibility and postural integrity.  The Versaclimber requires almost zero coaching.  People may start slow, but the movement is easily adopted. This is important for new exercisers, as well as elite athletes that need conditioning work, without the added impact on their systems.

5.  Easily scalable. Walking is pretty easy for most of us, but sprinting will injure most new comers.  The Versaclimber can easily be used for new people that want to move slowly and develop their cardiovascular system, but it can also easily be used for intense anaerobic intervals, that will challenge the most elite athletes.  This versatility is incredibly valuable when your gym has a variety of clients coming through each week.

Bottom line, there are a lot of options out there.  Innovative Results has chosen to use Versaclimbers because they offer the best solution for our clientele.  They are incredibly efficient, effective and simple to use.

Another incredible addition to the Innovative Results Gym!