Do you want to add more cardio classes to your schedule? Do you have clients looking for weight loss? Are you looking for a way to stand out from the competition with unique class offerings they can’t find anywhere else? The IM=X® Cycle Tower class is the perfect addition to your studio schedule. Combining the benefits of sustained cardiovascular work along with the strength training and the proprietary stabilization techniques present in all IM=X® programming, you have the formula for a unforgettable workout experience delivering exceptional results.
As trainers, we know that one of the biggest motivators for participating in exercise is weight loss. It’s no secret that when it comes to weight loss, “continuous movement at a reasonably demanding intensity and volume will outperform intermittent exercise.” That’s where cardio comes in. Anywhere from 30-60 minutes of moderate to high level energy expenditure, with very limited amounts of rest in between, will maintain an elevated heart rate for an extended period of time. This will increase both energy and caloric expenditure.Cycling is a good choice for adding cardio because it can improve overall function in your lower body and will also strengthen your quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves without overstressing your joints. Even though running uses more muscle groups, when you factor in intensity and duration, it burns the same amount of calories as cycling with much more wear and tear on the joints.
Other health benefits of cycling include reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and improving overall blood circulation. Proper blood circulation is important for maintaining optimal health. It provides continuous blood and oxygen flow through the body, supporting organ function, wound healing, brain and heart health, and it even gives your complexion a natural flush and healthy glow.
While cardio is an efficient way to burn calories, strength training will help increase your metabolic rate. Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) or Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the number of calories required to keep your body functioning at rest and how efficiently those calories are burned. Building more muscle mass is one thing that can increase a person’s metabolic rate. Estimates suggest that every pound of muscle burns roughly six calories/ day at rest compared with 2 calories/ day per pound of fat.
Based on research studies at Tufts University and the University of Maryland, standard programs of progressive resistance exercise can increase lean muscle weight by 3- 3.5 pounds and resting metabolic rate by 6.8- 7.7 % after three to four months of regular training. Since muscle tissue burns more calories, the more muscle mass is built, the more calories are burned even at rest. A targeted full body strength training program like the IM=X® Xercizer or IM=X® Tower / Tower Barre can not only prevent muscle loss, but actually increase your muscle mass and metabolism.
After a strength training session, your metabolism stays elevated through a process called excess postexercise oxygen consumption or EPOC. This is more commonly referred to as the afterburn effect. It refers to all of the oxygen and calories that your body takes in and uses after exercise to help repair your muscles and recover. Research shows this effect can last anywhere from 12 hours to several days post exercise.
The IM=X® Cycle Tower Program is a unique blend of indoor cycling techniques with upper body resistance and stabilization not found anywhere outside of IM=X® studios. Combining strength training with the IM=X® Tower and cardiovascular endurance with an indoor cycling bike will help you burn more calories and increase muscle mass, while focusing on posture, balance, proper breathing techniques, build upper body strength and core muscular endurance for an incredible workout experience that will provide benefits long after the class is over. You’ll be positively glowing.