There are so many different options available to utilize while exercising. There are even shoes on the market that now assist you to lose weight without breaking a sweat. With all of these options how are you to know what to buy, what is effective, and what should just be left on the shelf? One idea would be to research. Read reviews and ratings, try out the product if possible, and ask questions. Recently I had the opportunity to speak with a fitness educator and fitness equipment guru about what are some trends now for you to look out for.
Q: Daryl, how long have you been in the fitness industry?
I’ve been in the industry for almost 29 years in some capacity.
Q: What is your current position?
I am the Education Coordinator at Power Systems, Inc.
Q: What does that entail?
I assist in writing instructions, video content and catalog photo shoots for products we offer. Power Systems has our own educational conferences called Total Training Seminars that we conduct all over the country. Michelle Able and I manage and coordinate these events; travel, speakers, topics, etc.
Q: What are some fitness trends that you have seen come and go?
Two products that come to mind are Step and Stability ball training. They have suddenly made resurgence in the last few years and seem to be here to stay.
Q: What are some fitness trends that have remained steady?
Functional Training seems to be getting better and better. As time passes the “functional” has taken on new meaning. Initially “functional” meant out of the ordinary or uncommon activities. But now it truly is becoming movements that are needed on a daily basis and should be incorporated into everyone’s workout regime.
Q: I notice there are always various fitness tools coming out. What are some of the latest tools that have come out?
The TRX has clearly made an impact on the industry as well as similar product such as Jungle Gym and Slastix Bodyweight Gym. The all have the same function but TRX has the name and quite honestly they’ve done a great job creating education.
Q: I specifically love using the TRX® Suspension Trainer. Have you used this? If so, what did you like about it? Dislike?
Yes, I love this type of training. I think all exercises can be varied to accommodate most users. Unfortunately some of the exercises shown in ads or on youtube may be outside the ability level of some beginning users. As I mentioned in last question response, there other types that actually work better in some situations.
Q: Are there any fitness tools or solutions that we can keep an eye out for in the near future?
Definitely, we’ve got some things that we are working on that is going to help the boot camp industry and group personal training EXPLODE! You’ll just have to wait and see!
Thank you for taking time to share with us Daryl! I look forward to learning more about the new trends and equipment coming out soon.
To find out more about Power Systems, Inc. you may visit their website at www.power-systems.com.
More about Daryl:
B. Daryl Shute, M.Sc., CSCS*D, CPS, MBG-CNT
Daryl has worked in the fitness industry for over 25 years in many areas including club management, equipment sales and education. Daryl holds BS and MS degrees in exercise physiology, and is a CSCS*D with the NSCA and various other certifications. Daryl is a national presenter at Fitness and Sports Performance conferences around the country. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for fitness with others at the conference level as well as while personal training or teaching. Daryl is currently the Education Coordinator at Power Systems, Inc.