a) Treadmills (8 are available in the Fitness Center) are designed to stimulate heart rate and enhance blood supply to the heart. Its primary use is to maintain good cardiac health.

Treadmills are also very effective in stimulating regrowth of heart blood vessels in persons recovering from heart attacks, or in those where poor cardiac reserve has been identified prior to an actual attack.

In these latter instances, the person's physician will specify the limits and intensity of the exercise best suited for achieving optimum results.

Cardiac Monitoring during exercise: Two of the treadmills have a hand contact bar which monitor and display cardiac rate during the exercise to make certain correct heart rate parameters are being observed. Charts are available on the wall of the Center reinforcing the guidelines of maximum and target heart rate based on age or condition.

b) Ellipticals increase both hip and quadriceps strength as well as mobility. It has one advantage over a treadmill in that it poses no shock to the knees while exercising. For those with knee problems, this can be a great advantage, allowing full cardio-fitness exercise with minimal knee strain.

The manufacturer notes that the apparatus has:

• 16 levels of resistance
• 5 different pre-programmed hill profiles (Random, Fatburner, Strength, Endurance, and Interval)
• 21" stride length
• Ultra-quiet, smooth glide drive train

d) Recumbent Bicycles — there are 2 available in the Fitness Center.

One is the TRUE ES9.0 (left) is equipped with a contact heart rate monitoring system and a Polar® compatible wireless system to assist you in maintaining your optimal heart rate to maximize your workouts. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or increase cardio endurance, heart rate training is a crucial element in achieving your goals because weight loss requires you to maintain a lower heart rate than a cardio endurance regimen. TRUE HRC Cruise Control allows you to “lock in” on your targeted heart rate. Once your target is entered, TRUE HRC Cruise Control will adjust speed and incline automatically throughout the duration of your workout to maintain your targeted heart rate (operates just like the Cruise Control in your car).

There are five pieces of equipment in the center for the purpose of strengthening specific muscle groups.

The diagram to the right shows the muscle groups that a full round of exercise on these machines can enhance. The primary groups are in red, while secondary muscle groups are in blue.

It is important to realize that strength exercises are not solely for the purpose of body building — "...so I can look like Schwartzenegger!" They are also there to tone muscles in a gentle way; to strengthen unused groups; or as therapy for certain joint or muscular problems. For instance, a spinal problem might contraindicate the use of hand weights because of downward strain on the vertebrae. This equipment changes the orientation of the spine to gravity while working the different muscle groups.

Finally, many just prefer to use this type of equipment.

Stabilizes and tones muscle groups used in sitting up and rising from a lying or sitting position. Its purpose is more useful in developing tone, than it is in muscle building. Those with back injuries will need special instruction.

Muscle Groups used:

• Back: gluteal group, erector spinae
• Abdomen: rectus abdominus and Ilio-psoas.

Helpful in pushing up from the floor.

Muscle Groups used:

• Primary: pectoralis major
• Secondary: anterior deltoid and triceps

Tones and strengthens the calf muscles and upper leg muscles (as shown) assisting in balance and stair climbing.

Muscle Groups used:

• Primary: the Hamstrings
• Secondary: the calf (gastrocenemius)

Muscle groups useful in activities such as stair climbing.

Muscle Groups used:

• Primary: quadriceps

This exercise strengthens both back muscles and biceps. Promotes good posture.

Muscle Groups used:

• Primary: latissimus dorsi , teres major
• Secondary: biceps, brachioradialis and lower trapezius

Features:

• A total fitness device for building strength, functional power muscular endurance or just toning
• Six of the most called for exercises from one exercise station
• For the beginning to the elite fitness participant
• Total accommodating resistance for the most efficient way to load muscles yet the safest way
• The complete fitness center for all adults in just a 3’ x 6” area
• Perfect for unsupervised or monitored exercise facilities
• Express functional workouts for upper and lower body

Generally, using a rower is useful as:

1. a Cardiovascular exercise when used in a slow consistent motion.
2. an exercise to strengthen both the upper and lower body with a smooth, rhythmic motion.
3. an impact free exercise which — when done vigorously, exercises the biceps, the lateral and lower muscles of the back.
4. a way to use a wide range of motion to promote flexibility in muscles and joints.
5. a way to allow exercise at any level by using adjustable variable resistance as desired.