Frequently Asked Questions What is GET FIT! Athletic Training? Is it like having a personal trainer? But what is "Athletic Training"? Do professional athletes do this workout? What are these machines? Why are they different? How do they work without weights? Will this help me lose weight? Is this appropriate for a cardiac patient? I have a weak back and a bad knee; is this exercise OK? How do I get started? What is GET FIT! Athletic Training? It's not a gym, (no mirrors or fashion code) and it's not a Physical Therapy clinic, (no hot packs or traction). It is a health/fitness, exercise and activity center directed by Certified Athletic Trainers and Registered Physical Therapists. Appropriate exercise programs are designed for any age, any condition and any shape, but only for those who want to be physically active and functionally fit. Is it like having a personal trainer? Yes, but better. You come to the center by appointment and are supervised through a circuit of exercises that concentrate on muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, posture and agility skills. All the exercises are vigorous enough to challenge any individual's capabilities and increase their level of fitness. The exercises are functional in nature and are designed to promote practical fitness or athletic performance goals. But what is "Athletic Training"? It's the way you do the exercises, more like an athlete, not like a weight lifter. The exercises are rapid and dynamic, (like real life), so the muscles learn to move with coordination and quickness. Virtual video contests teach the muscles and nerves to move efficiently and with agility. The workout is entertaining and vigorous at the same time. Preventive or prescribed, this fitness program produces "Gains without pains." Do professional athletes do this workout? YES! Ask Oscar de la Hoya or Shaquille O'Neal what they use as a part of their training. They will tell you VERT, (Velocity Enhanced Resistance Training), the same machines that are exclusive to GET FIT! Athletic Training. You can also ask the dozens of other professional athletes that have used these special machines to increase their speed and power. The list is available at the center. What are these machines? Why are they different? The VERT machines were originally designed for the NASA space station. On earth, professional and Olympic athletes use these machines in athletic training rooms and sports medicine clinics. This computer controlled exercise system uses no weights and the exercises are performed at accelerated movement speeds, like those necessary to train muscles to move fast and with coordination. They are adaptable to anyone's level of fitness, they are safe and they are highly effective. How do they work without weights? A custom computer and a hydraulic valve control the machine. The computer directs the hydraulics so as to give the optimal resistance to the muscles at every moment throughout the entire range of motion. Since there is no mass or inertia from weights, these machines can move fast without causing injury. This method of exercise, (isokinetics), is used on professional athletes just weeks after surgery to speed their recovery. It is safe and effective. Will this help me lose weight? Absolutely. The circuit builds muscle strength, burns maximum calories and raises the resting metabolism to burn even more. One hour at GET FIT! can equal almost 4 hours of exercise at a traditional gym. The bottom line is that you burn more calories in less exercise time. Combine this exercise program with healthy, balanced eating and it's only a matter of time before your goals are reached. Is this appropriate for a cardiac patient? The exercise circuit is appropriate and adaptable for any medically stable individual who want to increase their health/fitness and physical activity levels. All exercises are monitored by heart rate. Recent cardiac patients would need to be cleared by their Doctor to exercise. In cardiac rehab terms, "Phase III and IV" patients, who want to get better, would do well in this environment. I have a weak back and a bad knee; is this exercise OK? We accept private insurance for any covered physical injury or chronic condition that necessitates Physical Therapy. Your rehab/fitness program will be personally designed and supervised by a Registered Physical Therapist. If you want to "GET FIT!" and return to your preferred level of physically activity after an injury, this is the place to do it. How do I get started? Call for an appointment. Your first two workouts are complimentary so you get a good chance to see how the program works. After that, you buy a series of workouts and start coming to appointments that fit into your schedule.