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Fitness

Equipment Spotlight – Hammer Strength Iso-Lateral Plate Load

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Located in our upstairs Fitness Area is our 5-piece plate loaded upper body Hammer Strength Circuit. Shoulder Press, Chest Press, DY Row, Row and Pulldown. What’s unique about these pieces are that they what Hammer Strength calls their “Iso-Lateral” pieces.

What that means is the movement arms are independent of each other forcing you to work both arms equally. Each piece’s movement arms can be used in tandem or one at a time giving you a variety of different workout options.

Each piece is plate loaded so you select the amount of weight you wish to lift and slide the plates on each post of the movement arms. Make sure to load both sides equally.

The seats on all the units are adjustable to fit the size of the user. If you have any questions on any of the Hammer Strength pieces, please ask one of the BAC Personal Training Staff. They would be happy to assist you!

Equipment Spotlight – Nautilus Gravitron Pull-up Dip

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Pull-ups and Dips have been Strength Training exercise staples for generations. Unfortunately for those of us that do not possess the requisite upper body strength to lift our body weight up it’s a near impossible task. Our Nautilus Gravitron Pull-up Dip machine is different than a standard pull-up or dip station in that its resistance plates provide the user with assistance rather than resistance.

As you move the pin down the stack and increase the weight you systematically reduce the amount of body weight you need to lift to complete a pull-up or dip. The weight stack offsets your body weight and provides you with as much assistance as you need, not resistance. This allows you to build up your upper body strength gradually with the end goal at some point to be able to lift your own body weight.

To use the Gravitron simply set the desired assistance weight you need, climb the steps to the top steps, grasp the dip handles or the pull-up handles, place one knee on the knee pad followed by the 2nd knee.  Your body weight will slowly lower the pad allowing you to do either do a dip or pull-up. The dip handles are tapered from wide opening down to a narrow opening to accommodate your shoulder width whereas the pull-up handle offer a variety of hand placements and widths you can use.

On completion of your set of pull-ups or dips slowly bring the knee platform down so that you can step down with one foot onto one of the steps then slowly begin lowering the weight stack down until it rests back on the weight stack then remove your other knee from the knee pad. Hold on to the dip handles and descend down the steps back to the ground.

A feature for those users that wish to perform the exercise with their body weight without assistance you can do that by removing the weight pin then pushing the knee pad down toward the floor and then inserting the weight pin into the hole on the bottom of the frame. This will hold the platform down out of the way so that the user can do body weight pull-ups and/or dips.

The Gravitron can be a nice addition to your normal workout routine. Give it a try and see what you think. If you like more information on how to operate the Gravitron please feel free to talk to one of the BAC Personal Training staff, they would be happy to assist you.

Equipment Spotlight – Matrix Rotary Hip Machine

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If you are looking for a way to strengthen your hips through multiple ranges of motion the Matrix Rotary Hip Machine is your one-stop option! From the standing position, the Rotary Hip Machine allows users to strengthen each hip in Abduction (outer thigh/hip), Adduction (inner thigh), Flexion (frontal hip (hip flexors), and Extension (posterior hip (glute) and posterior thigh (hamstrings).  

The Rotary Hip is adjustable to fit people of different heights and leg lengths. Users are able to adjust the movement carriage up and down so that the red axis aligns with the axis point of your hip joint, the movement pad can be adjusted up and down to fit the users lower leg length, and the movement arm may be rotated to the appropriate range of motion for each movement (Abduction, Adduction, Flexion, and Extension). The yellow-colored handles let users know where the adjustments can be made. The weight stack ranges from 10 lbs. to 295 lbs. in 15 lb. increments. 

For basic instruction the user can view diagrams of how to perform the four movements. These diagrams are located on either side of the weight stack. For more specific information on how to utilize the Rotary hip, use your mobile phone to scan the QR code located on the right side of the machine. It will direct you to an instructional video on how to utilize the machine safely and effectively.  

If you have more questions regarding the Rotary Hip Machine, feel free to contact one of BAC’s Personal Training Staff. We would be happy to assist you.

Equipment Spotlight – Matrix Leg Press

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One of our newest pieces the Matrix Leg Press is one of BAC’s most versatile pieces of equipment.

It provides a variety of adjustments with which each user can use to accommodate their size as well as the type of workout they wish to perform.

All the adjustments are highlighted in yellow and there is a menu of all the available adjustments listed above the weight stack.

The Matrix Leg Press features a large foot platform with marked quadrants so that the user may align their feet. It’s seat is adjustable from 180 degrees (flat) to 80 degrees (upright) with adjustable shoulder pads.

To adjust the platform use the yellow handle and knob to the right of the platform. It allows the user to adjust the platform closer or further away depending on the users leg length.

The weight stack resistance ranges from 15 to 305 lbs in 10 lb increments. For smaller increments the 2 lb steel add-on weights maybe be inserted above the weight stack. There are 4 (2 lb) add-on weights located to the left of the weight stack.

The Matrix Leg Press offers a variety of advanced options as well. If you would like to learn more about them or if you would like more instruction on how to use it properly please contact one of BAC’s Training Staff. We would be happy to assist you.

Equipment Spotlight – Hammer Strength Smith Machine

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Smith Machine features:

  • 35-lb. rotating Olympic bar.
  • Bar travels on angled guide rods (see figure 3)
  • Bar has rotating safety hooks on each side of the bar that rotate into evenly spaced hooks the entire height of the machine on both sides. (Figure 4 and 5)
  • Uprights spaced evenly a part to allow a bench to be rolled into place for a variety of exercises.

Smith Machine usage:

  • Enter the Smith Machine from the back (Figure 2) so that upright hooks are facing you. This allows you to see the hooks and safely rotate the bar out of
    them and safely rotate them back in securely.
  • Keeping the safety hooks in front of you also allows you to follow the angle of the machine, which is the most efficient for your body.
  • If you have questions, please ask. We would be happy to help.

Equipment Spotlight: Matrix Selectorized Low Row Machine

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This Fall, BAC added to its Matrix Line of Selectorized Resistance Training Equipment by adding the Matrix Low Row.  It now gives a very nice additional option to our pulling movement equipment.  The Low Row offers a number of options. First,  it provides a wide-angled plate for stable foot placement. Second, a long-angled seat allowing the legs to drop out of the way so that the arms have an unrestricted range of motion when pulling, Third, the option to use a number of different handles, and Fourth a weight stack that ranges from a starting weight of 12 lbs. to a maximum weight of 312 lbs. in 12 lb. increments. We have been very pleased to add this to our resistance training equipment menu. Our hope is that you will as well! Please consider giving it a test drive. If you have any questions regarding how to operate the Low Row please let us know.

Matrix Selectorized Low Row Machine

New Downstairs Dumbbell Area!

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One of the features of BAC’s new Downstairs Weight Training Space is a new Dumbbell Area!

There you will find two Matrix Adjustable Dumbbell benches that will adjust from a flat to an upright position along with Urethane covered Hex Dumbbells in 2.5 lb increments from 5-35 lbs. Giving you smaller weight increments for steady progress for a variety of exercises. Take a peek on your next visit!

Equipment Spotlight: Matrix Back Extension

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Located in our new strength training area downstairs you will see our new Matrix Back Extension selectorized weight machine. What makes this piece unique is that it is very adjustable, so it can fit a multitude of users. The foot plate adjusts to fit leg length, the movement pad adjusts for your torso length, and the movement arm can be adjusted for different ranges of motion. Give it a try and see how well it works for you.

Matrix Back Extension

Advice on Starting Back at BAC

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by Mike Locke, Fitness Director

We are excited that in the very near future we will be allowed to open our doors to you as Phase 2 is initiated. Your patience and support have been overwhelming and very much appreciated. As we move to being able to utilize the clubs for activity and exercise again, we should keep some things in mind regarding exercise routines.

If you have not been exercising on a regular basis during “stay at home”, when the clubs do reopen please try to curb your enthusiasm just a bit and work back into your regular routine gradually. The last thing we would want anyone to do is hurt themselves and then be out again for an extended amount of time.

In preparation for coming back to the club, you may want to try one of our online group exercise classesonline group exercise classes. You can participate live or when it’s convenient for your schedule. If you would like something that is a little more personalized our training staff is still available to help and would be happy to make some suggestions for you to get you ready.

Hopefully, all of you have continued to be active by going for walks, runs, hikes, or doing your own exercise in your home. It’s one of the most beneficial things you can do to cope and maintain your health. We look forward to seeing you all very soon! Stay safe!!

Mobility & Flexibility

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Our Fitness Director, Mike Locke, demonstrates how to do mobility and flexibility exercises at home.

Stability Ball Back Bend

Sit down on a stability ball with your feet about hip-width apart. Roll forward so until your lower and upper back is supported on the ball. Begin by bringing your arms above your head and reaching back over the ball as you extend both legs. Conform your body around the top of the ball opening up your abdominals and hips. Hold for the prescribed amount of time and then repeat.

Stability Ball Side Bend

Kneel down into a 1/2 kneel position with a stability ball next to the down knee hip. Drop that hip into the stability while extending the outside leg straight out to the side. Begin the bending motion by reaching over your head laterally with the outside arm bending your torso over the top of the ball. For more stretch use the outside leg to advance your hip up the ball and reach farther down toward the floor. Use your opposite had on the ball for support. Hold for the prescribed amount of time and repeat on the opposite side.

Stability Ball Kneel Forward Bend

Assume a tall kneel position on the floor with a stability ball directly in front of you. Place both palms on the top of the ball. While dropping the hips back toward your heels roll the ball forward and away from you. Hold, while pressing the armpits to the floor and pushing the hands forward. Hold for the prescribed amount of time and repeat.

Stability Ball Quad Stretch

Assume a 1/2 Kneel position with one knee up and one knee down. Place the top of the down knees foot on the stability ball and rise up into a 1/2 kneel position with your body tall. This should give you a stretch through the quad of the down knee. For more stretch move the down knee closer to the ball. For less stretch move the knee further away from the ball. Hold for the prescribed amount of time and repeat on the opposite side.

Stability Ball Hip Flexor Stretch

Assume a 1/2 Kneel position with one knee up and one knee down. Place the top of the down knees foot on the stability ball then place both hands on the floor inside the up knee foot. Extend the down knee leg backward so that the body is parallel to the floor. Press the up leg hip into the floor. You should feel a stretch in the front of the hip. Hold for the prescribed amount of time then repeat on the opposite side.

Stability Ball Hamstring Stretch

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and with a stability ball about a legs length out in front of your body. Lift your left leg and place the heel on top of the ball with your toe flexed. Square your hips to the ball with your upper body tall. Hinge forward at the hips keeping the down foot facing straight ahead. Only hinge forward as far as your flexibility will allow. Hold for the prescribed amount of time and repeat on the opposite side. You may use a wall, countertop, or pole to give you more stability and balance.

Stability Ball Back Extensions

Assume a tall kneel position behind a stability ball. Roll the ball forward and drop your hips and abdomen on to the stability ball. Place both hands behind the head and conform your upper body around the top of the ball. Begin by lifting the chest off the ball until the head and shoulders are aligned with the hips. Then lower back down conforming again to the ball. Repeat for the prescribed number of reps.

Stability Ball Supermans

Assume a tall kneel position behind a stability ball. Roll the ball forward and drop your hips, abdomen, and chest on to the stability ball. Extend both legs back and place both palms on the floor. This should look like a push-up position laying on a ball. Begin by lifting the left arm and right leg up to parallel with the floor. Keep the knee and elbows extended while maintaining alignment. You may remain just on that one side or you may alternate back and forth left arm/right leg and right arm/left leg for the prescribed number of receptions.

Stability Ball Airplanes

Assume a tall kneel position behind a stability ball. Roll the ball forward and drop your hips, abdomen, and chest on to the stability ball. Extend both legs back with the upper body slightly rounded around the top of the ball and the arms 45 degrees out to the side with the palms down. Begin the motion by lifting the chest up off the ball while rotating the thumbs back toward the glutes. Pause and then return to the start rotating the thumbs back to a palms-down position with the upper body slightly bent over the ball. Repeat for the prescribed number of reps.