Well, after noting 5 unique trends that I personally observed at the 2011 IDEA Fitness Expo, I want to end this blog series with the products/concepts that I know will make a big splash in the coming months (unless they already are).
These, to me, have solid underlying principles that support their product/program design, and for that reason, I’m confident that their success is a matter of “when” and not “if”.
ViPR, to me, deserves the #1 spot in this part of the blog series.
It’s no secret that from my tweets and Facebook posts, I’m a big fan of ViPR. With the initials representing Vitality, Performance, and Reconditioning, the power in this modality isn’t just in shape of the rubber tube, it’s in the programming concepts applied by inventor Michol Dalcourt.
As a movement specialist, Michol’s principles treat the body’s movement as an integrated whole, such that his program design concepts can actually be applied to any resistance tool. My thought is that he created ViPR in response to the need for something that had it’s shape/size/features that no product in the market could deliver today.
Here's what may be considered an "easier" ViPR exercise, it's one you can do with a BodyBar or medicine ball, really.
ViPR is as easy or as hard as you make it. The Vitality and Reconditioning aspects of the program address movement improvement, thus requiring great awareness of your body’s mechanics. The truth is: Your body’s motion/action is only as strong as its weakest link, so reconditioning your movement toward proper muscle firing patters is key to great technique aka “good form”.
With my “niche” kind of audience/clientele, however, it’s the Performance aspect with more dynamic/athletic moves that have people wanting more. ViPR is able to deliver this next step, and those who’ve grown to love the feel of managing a kettlebell‘s momentum have shown the same love for manipulating the ViPR. And just as some moves can only be done with a kettlebell, some moves can only be done with a ViPR.
There’s so much substance to the program possibilities with ViPR, I highly encourage all my fitness friends to learn all the program design behind it has to offer.
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Now, THE STICK, to me, represents any and all products and training courses that will address MYOFASCIAL LINES
I posted THE MYO-STICK specifically because it’s a product I’ve personally used and recommended for addressing muscle tension/imbalances, and it’s a proven way to add circulation and blood/nutrient flow to soft tissue.
This isn’t the only tool, by any means. In Part 5, we talked about Trigger Point Therapy, which by the way, I’ve been using the last couple of days. Suffice it to say that I’ve been in “myofascial release heaven”. Let me put up a photo of the kit I got.
So, so worth the $$!
The concept of addressing myofascial lines; any training or recovery methods is, for sure, the near-future of our industry In fact, in one of the seminars I attended, my “aha” moment was: “So here we are, training and talking muscles all these years, and we’re now just discovering the importance of this “fuzz” or fascia that paints an even bigger picture of how well we move.”
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I'm sure you're thinking this is "just another instability" tool à la BOSU. Well, it is and it isn't. Each one has their pro's and con's. I think Step360 looked at what they thought the BOSU was missing and added features to give the product a different function and overall appeal.
I’ll be completely honest, the Step360, I was initially leery about. As someone who has been a total BOSU enthusiast for many years, my first thoughts were:
- Oh, it’s a more stable BOSU (flat on both surfaces, but then, what’s the point?)
- Oh, it has attachments for using resistance bands (clever, very clever)
- BOSU is blue, Step360 is red, hmm (but the point is to differentiate, since the products can appear similar)
Well, after trying a couple of classes, reading the website, and toying around with it at Equinox in Woodland Hills, I can confidently say Step360 offers compelling differences, making it a different tool/toy to use for a population that needs those differences. Here’s what I mean, exactly:
- Many people don’t like the instability of BOSU’s round surface.
- As beneficial as the shape is toward improving balance, there’s no point if the client won’t exercise on it.
- The Step360 addresses that through its flat workout surface.
- Plus, having 2 adjustable air chambers allow one to vary the height of the device, giving beginners more options.
- The six (6) attachment points for the resistance cables allow for a ton of exercise possibilities, and not just in standing positions. This is a plus point, although in my mind, if you’re using a resistance band and standing on the Step360, the instability aspect is no longer, since you’re basically anchored in and your base of support has expanded to the attachment points of the cables.
- The true benefit of the cable attachments is really in the way it expands the exercise possibilities.
here's a close-up! Smile, STEP360!
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So there you have it, my final take on what’s trending, based on the 2011 IDEA Fit Expo. I thought the next video would make it to the list, but let’s just say it has more of a niche appeal. It’s actually been in the industry for a long time, but has only flourished toward certain populations, you’ll see why.
Either way, it’s a festive way to end this 6-part series. Enjoy!!!
