In the News! UFC Gym “Trains Different” with Total Gym

UFC Gym Corona is hardly just a “Fight Club.” Read how UFC  is “training different” and attracting all member populations with Total Gym PlyoRebounder in this month’s Club Solutions Magazine!

Breaking Out of the Norm

When people see UFC GYM a million thoughts run through their mind – amazing fitness club may not be the first. Adam Sedlack, the SVP of UFC GYM, understands this and has found ways to overcome discrepancies.

“Every new business faces challenges, especially in competitive markets like the fitness industry,” Sedlack explained. “Our specific challenges are driven by the fact that the traditional fitness customer perceives UFC GYM as a ‘Fight Club.’ However, we are a full-service facility offering an array of programming for the entire family and every fitness level. We have close to a 50 percent male to female ratio and the average club houses 450 youth members under the age of 12.”

UFC GYM has the advantage of being aligned with one of the fastest growing sports in the world. The concept was developed by Mark Mastrov, the founder of 24 Hour Fitness, his partner Jim Rowley, brothers Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta and their partner Dana White – the Fertitta’s and White comprise the executive staff for UFC. “As UFC continued to grow, Mark and Jim saw the demand and the potential to offer the innovative training techniques of these athletes to the traditional fitness consumer. Not only does mixed martial arts have incredible physical benefits, it also adds and intense, empowering, yet fun aspect to working out.”

Sedlack has used marketing to make consumers perceive UFC GYM as a family fitness club. “Our current marketing campaign illustrates exactly what sets UFC GYM apart from any other fitness facility. We offer an alternative to the traditional workout with a multitude of ways for the entire family to sweat different, move different and burn different. We are seeing people get in the best shape of their lives while their self-confidence improves, positive mental attitude changes and overall outlook on life gets better as a result of what they are learning within our four walls.”

To focus on the family aspect of the club, Sedlack had to incorporate more youth programming and ancillary sales such as retail or merchandise. “These are areas we’ve seen the most expansion. After opening our first location we realized the demand to diversify our offerings to target not just the typical UFC fan, but women and youth as well.”

It’s easy for Sedlack to understand the importance of youth programming. “Growing up, fitness and athletics were always part of my lifestyle, and as a result, I always saw myself in some sort of competitive or health related field. While I was in college, my major was psychology and I began to appreciate how people prioritized life decisions, and the motivations that led them to that end result. For the most part, people are creatures of habit and we all have a circle of influence that develops our characteristics when it comes to integrity, honesty, nutrition and overall well-being.

“For me, fitness allows all people in all circles of life to improve and empower their lifestyle. If their brain is programmed to be negative, fitness and nutrition can cure that. If an individual is competitive and focused, fitness and nutrition will help you get better. This industry is where science meets psychology and allows anyone the opportunity to live better. My passion was introduced to a great opportunity through industry experts Mark Mastrov and Jim Rowley who molded me to look at my professional position not as a job, but as a lifestyle.”

Perceiving his role in fitness as a lifestyle pushed Sedlack to dig for new and innovative ideas. “From state-of-the-art cardio and conditioning equipment like Total Gym GTS®, Total Gym PlyoRebounder® and PlyoBalls® to youth programming to Pilates and cycling, we offer something for any fitness type.” Of course, UFC GYM also provides members with the opportunity to practice MMA programming, such as Muay Thai, kickboxing, jiu jitsu and women’s self-defense and team-oriented daily ultimate training.

People may continue to view UFC GYM as a “Fight Club” style gym, but with people like Sedlack working on branding the company as a full-service club for families, more and more people will find themselves getting in fighting shape, looking and feeling better. -CS

By Tyler Montgomery

http://www.clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2011/12/breaking-out-of-the-norm/

Total Gym User Testimonials – Thanksgiving Edition

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Our email inboxes continue to fill with inspiring Total Gym user stories, most recently this note from a customer in Utah:

“Just bought the Total Gym XLS…I will be using it to help in my rehab from getting hit by a car riding my bicycle. They turned left into me. I need to get ready to teach skiing here in Utah and need to get the old legs back in shape. Have started riding my new seven bike and will be using the Total Gym for the rest of my workout. ~ LS Bike, Utah.

We wish you a speedy recovery “LS Bike.”

Here’s another story from Total Gym user Keith in Tennessee:

“Thank you for making a product I truly believe in! Great product! Been using [Total Gym] for 8 years. Absolutely makes you stronger! Wonderful and easy to use. Way to go! A+ rating for your product.” ~ Keith, Oak Ridge, TN.

I look forward to reading more of our customer’s stories in the future. Please send your stories to TotalGymBlog@totalgym.com. We want to hear from you.

Cheers!

Tom C

Total Gym Users Share Their Inspiring Health Stories

We regularly receive testimonials from Total Gym customers young and old, long time users and those new to Total Gym. We hear stories about how Total Gym has helped you lose weight, shape up for a sport or event, or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes we receive inspiring stories from customers who are overcoming health obstacles with the help of their Total Gym. Here are actual letters from Total Gym users Alan and Jeremy:

I have used the Total Gym for 30 years. During that time, I have recovered from several major surgeries and a severe car accident. Recently, I was diagnosed as having severe disc compression causing terrible back pain. The Total Gym has allowed me to recover from these medical issues and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can use the machine when you cannot walk and, when recovered, train for The Iron Man event. It is the only exercise machine that can do this.

Sincerely,
Alan

GRAVITY Evolved! Former Teacher Follows Her Passion to Open Training Studio

Working as a high school science teacher for nine years, Heather Warren knew she needed a career change. She felt compelled to follow her passion, which involved learning more about physical fitness, staying healthy, being fit and helping others do the same. In early 2007, at the age of 33, Heather was diagnosed with late on-set juvenile (type-1) diabetes. As an endurance athlete she then realized how important it was for EVERYONE to maintain balance and a healthy lifestyle, no matter what obstacles come your way.

In 2009, Heather took a risk and left her high school teaching position, sold her home and started to look into opening her own training studio in San Diego.

Heather wanted her studio to be unique and she was familiar with the GRAVITYSystem from taking sessions for years at LAVA Sport and Fitness in Carlsbad and Point Loma, Calif. While working out at LAVA, Heather realized that a majority of the members were there to take fitness classes. She also took spinning classes for 20 years and was a big fan of the workout. With this in mind, Heather decided that when she opened her own training studio, she would offer GRAVITY, Spinning and GRAVITY/Spin Fusion classes, providing both cardio and resistance training for everyone.

In June 2010, Heather’s dreams came true when she opened the doors to Evolve Heath and Fitness in the San Diego neighborhood of Mission Hills. Heather became certified in GravityPersonal Training and GravityPilates and purchased eight Total Gym GTS machines to begin her GRAVITY program. She liked GRAVITY for the different types of exercises that could be performed on one piece of equipment, allowing her to put clientele at any fitness level on the machine.

Evolve offers GRAVITY and Spin sessions seven days a week. Heather’s clientele ranges from those who work out a couple of times a week, to people recovering from injuries, to the 60+ crowd and ambitious tri-athletes—all of whom can accomplish total-body functional training on the GTS.  Heather also implemented a popular “End of Month Friday Free Day” promotion where new members can try out GRAVITY for free.

Evolve’s Yelp page is flowing with rave reviews about the studio:

“I love everything about Evolve! It’s been a while since something has sparked my interest in the fitness field and kept me coming back. Not only do I love the Mission Hills area, but Evolve has a great energy, is clean, not intimidating, and everyone is so genuinely nice and ready to help with your fitness goals! I was able to bring my mom to a GRAVITY class today (End of Month Friday Free Day) and she signed up for a monthly package and just loved [the] workout! Give it a shot if you are in the area ~ Sarah M, San Diego.

With the small group training environment, Heather’s staff is able to give the personal attention needed during GRAVITY sessions. Plus, the safety element is there to ensure everyone has correct form. To read more about Heather’s story and Evolve Health and Fitness, please visit evolvehealthfitness.com.

Fitness Wisdom Wednesday: Total Gym Training for Ballroom Dancers

Here’s a guest post from GRAVITY certified personal trainer, Lee Stover. Lee is also an amateur ballroom dancing competitor. With the popularity of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and the growing interest in ballroom dancing for fitness, Lee shares his story and tips for aspiring dancers to enhance their flexibility and strength on Total Gym.

I began my athletic career in grade school playing football and baseball. I competed in both sports through high school. After earning a football scholarship to Oklahoma State University, I dislocated my shoulder and tore an ACL in my second year. I successfully rehabilitated both injuries and played for two more years. In 1976, I started competing as an amateur ballroom dancer but I wasn’t seeing the shape and definition that I wanted.

I didn’t begin using Total Gym until years later. I was getting sedentary and fat. I also added a partially torn rotator cuff to my injury list. I needed help.

That’s when my son convinced me to buy a Total Gym. This was one of the best decisions I ever made.

The Total Gym didn’t aggravate any of my prior injuries. Instead, it helped me gain strength and flexibility; plus, I lost 30 pounds. In 2003, I started ballroom dancing again and have been using Total Gym to gain more strength and flexibility on the dance floor.

Here are my 5 training tips for aspiring ballroom dancers:

1. Get Quality Instruction – As a guideline, if you enjoy watching an instructor’s style and technique when they dance, take a private lesson with them.
2. Have Fun – Ballroom dance lessons can cost $50 to $100 for a private session. Although pricey, you’ll get the value of private instruction and a great workout. Have fun!
3. Use Visualization – I work with Dr. Ann Taylor, a sports psychologist. Dr. Taylor showed me research confirming that during visualization, the brain sends small impulses to the appropriate muscles. Imagine the practice you can log with no errors and no fatigue!
4. Practice – Enough said.
5. Increase Your Strength and Flexibility – Every Total Gym exercise stretches and tones your body. I now use a Total Gym GTS and recommend any Total Gym model for dancers and even athletes. USE IT!

Here are 4 Total Gym exercises that I use to strengthen and stretch my hamstrings for ballroom dancing.

Respectfully,

Lee Stover

Lee is a Personal Trainer for Performance Enhancement Institute, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is certified to instruct GRAVITYPersonal Training and GRAVITYPilates on Total Gym. Additionally, Lee has competed as an amateur ballroom dancer since 1976.

Tom’s Log – October 1, 2010

Tom here from Sorrento in southern Italy.  My wife, Joy, and I arrived here yesterday. We’re enjoying some downtime before our annual Total Gym International Summit in Paestum for our distributors and GRAVITY Master Trainers at the end of October.

Speaking of international, with the success of Total Gym in rehab and consumer fitness for the past 36 years, many of our consumer customers don’t know that we have launched our GRAVITY Training on Total Gym program in over 23 countries!

GRAVITY Training on Total Gym is a multi faceted program for fitness professionals. 30 to 45 minute GRAVITY Small Group, Pilates and Personal Training routines are offered in a Club or Studio environment. These same workouts are available to our consumer fitness customers through GRAVITY CLUBHOUSE!! It’s free to join and keep your eyes open for all the newest GRAVITY DVD releases.

Back at Total Gym, I wanted to recognize marketing specialist Bonnie Lee, who just donated 14 inches of her hair to Locks of Love. We’re proud of Total Gym employees who selflessly help others. Thanks Bonnie!

I want to end with a Total Gym customer testimonial from Patricia in PA. Thanks for writing us Patricia!

I love my Total Gym! In less than 2 months, I have dropped 2 jean sizes! I am 53 and knew I needed to do more weight training but the gym I belonged to was just not cutting it. So I dumped my gym membership and I am rocking it now! I bought my Total Gym in the strangest place…a yard sale! I was lucky enough to pick it up for $20.00…I swear! I wanted one forever but I am a single mom, unemployed at the moment and I have 2 daughters in college….so I have to pay for books, LSATS etc. This was a blessing and I am looking quite good! I am getting abs!!!!! I am a former Mrs. Pennyslvania and I look better now than when I competed in 2002! I LOVE MY TOTAL GYM!

Yours in good health,

Tom Campanaro

Tom's Log – October 1, 2010

Tom here from Sorrento in southern Italy.  My wife, Joy, and I arrived here yesterday. We’re enjoying some downtime before our annual Total Gym International Summit in Paestum for our distributors and GRAVITY Master Trainers at the end of October.

Speaking of international, with the success of Total Gym in rehab and consumer fitness for the past 36 years, many of our consumer customers don’t know that we have launched our GRAVITY Training on Total Gym program in over 23 countries!

GRAVITY Training on Total Gym is a multi faceted program for fitness professionals. 30 to 45 minute GRAVITY Small Group, Pilates and Personal Training routines are offered in a Club or Studio environment. These same workouts are available to our consumer fitness customers through GRAVITY CLUBHOUSE!! It’s free to join and keep your eyes open for all the newest GRAVITY DVD releases.

Back at Total Gym, I wanted to recognize marketing specialist Bonnie Lee, who just donated 14 inches of her hair to Locks of Love. We’re proud of Total Gym employees who selflessly help others. Thanks Bonnie!

I want to end with a Total Gym customer testimonial from Patricia in PA. Thanks for writing us Patricia!

I love my Total Gym! In less than 2 months, I have dropped 2 jean sizes! I am 53 and knew I needed to do more weight training but the gym I belonged to was just not cutting it. So I dumped my gym membership and I am rocking it now! I bought my Total Gym in the strangest place…a yard sale! I was lucky enough to pick it up for $20.00…I swear! I wanted one forever but I am a single mom, unemployed at the moment and I have 2 daughters in college….so I have to pay for books, LSATS etc. This was a blessing and I am looking quite good! I am getting abs!!!!! I am a former Mrs. Pennyslvania and I look better now than when I competed in 2002! I LOVE MY TOTAL GYM!

Yours in good health,

Tom Campanaro