HQH Fitness unveils Total Gym’s new Jump Trainer

Auckland-based HQH Fitness is to distribute Total Gym’s newest addition to its Elevate Line – the Total Gym® Jump Trainer™

Introducing the new trainer, HQH Fitness Chief Executive Greg Doherty (pictured) explains “whether it’s to jump higher or look better from behind, the new Total Gym Jump Trainer allows what no other strength training machine in the fitness market has before – the ability to safely jump.

“Jumping recruits all the major muscles of the lower body, from the intrinsic muscles of the foot to the glutes - and everything in between – (and) it’s fun!”

As a leader in functional bodyweight training equipment for over 40 years, Total Gym has taken one of the best functional exercises, the squat jump, and made it possible for anyone, at any level of fitness to begin training and progress to whatever their individual goal may be.

This incorporates a full spectrum of users, from novice exercisers to professional athletes. There’s plenty of room to progress from basic squats using only a fraction of a person’s own bodyweight as resistance to complex plyometric movements that challenge a user’s proprioception while using maximal force and resistance.

Part of the Total Gym Elevate Line – now a five piece strength circuit which includes the popular Total Gym Core Trainer™, the Total Gym Leg Trainer™, the Total Gym® Pull-up Trainer™and the Total Gym® Press Trainer™ – the Jump Trainer employs the same principles that have become synonymous with all Total Gym equipment – incline linear bodyweight resistance.

By placing users on an incline, and essentially, ‘unloading’ their weight, users can perform squats and squat jumps without the full force of gravity working against them. Seven incline levels allow users to adjust the resistance so they can workout using between 50 to 80% of their own bodyweight when assembled in the fitness installation setting. (The Jump Trainer has a physical therapy installation setting as well which allows users to use between 30 to 65% of their own bodyweight).

Doherty adds “for the first time, Total Gym has incorporated optional variable band resistance into the Jump Trainer. Four resistance bands offer an additional 5 to 45 kilograms of resistance in 10 pound (5 kilo) increments, allowing for a maximum resistance of up to 150% of a user’s bodyweight when all four bands are engaged.

“Leveraging band resistance allows users the unique opportunity to train the eccentric contraction of a squat or squat jump.

“Not only do the bands intensify the force needed to accelerate upwards, they also provide accelerated eccentric force that requires users to control the down phase – therefore training muscle deceleration which helps strengthen and protect ligaments and joints while developing fast-twitch muscles fibres and explosive power for improved athleticism.

“The benefits of jumping extend beyond sports performance. While basketball players and volleyball players may be interested in increasing their vertical leap, adding plyometrics to workouts has proven to develop strength; accelerate muscle tone and definition; boost cardiovascular endurance; build bone density and burn calories that traditional strength training alone can’t do.”

Providing a safe environment to perform squats and squat jumps, the Jump Trainer features a large, ergonomic glideboard that fully supports the spine during movements so that users can comfortably control the descending and ascending phases while exercising.

Designed to ensure proper alignment throughout movements, a specially designed, curved squat stand follows the anatomic curve of the hip to foot ratio and pneumatic brake adds an additional 15 pounds of resistance as users accelerate upwards, allowing users of any height to reach maximum elevation without taking up additional space.

Personal Trainers can also track client’s progress or power using a built in Jump-ometer that measures a users’ jump height with distinct color blocks, each indication a 2 inch increase.

And as with all strength-training units in the Elevate Line, the Jump Trainer includes an instructional placard illustrating basic exercise options and a QR code that takes users to the Total Gym website where they can find video demonstrations of more advanced, athletic moves.

HQH Fitness is the distributor for Total Gym® products in Australia and New Zealand.

Click here to contact HQH Fitness through their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

5th April 2013 - HQH FITNESS TO OFFER NEW TOTAL GYM