Accelerated Fitness Training using Fluid Loaded Resistance Machines

The fact that physical fitness provides numerous health benefits and enhances our quality of life is well known by the fitness and medical communities and the general public. Strength training is prescribed by many major health organizations for improving health and fitness, but many programs fail to achieve their goals. There are three main reasons cited by those stop working out: (1) lack of time (2) the inability to achieve desired results (3) boredom.

The Strength of Automation:

The fundamental scientific principles of strength training have been adapted into new technology by Afterburner® Fitness Inc. in order to produce automated machines and exciting new methods that provide superior results and allow people to spend less time in the gym and get fit faster.

Get Fit -Faster!

Automated controls provide unrivalled work out efficiency at an affordable price. to learn more link to:

 Afterburner® Virtual Personal Trainer

1.0   Fitness Training Goals and Objectives

Best results are achieved when a training program targets specific and attainable goals and objectives:

-         Weight Management, Body Shaping and Muscle Toning

-         Physical Strength and Endurance

-         Power and Athletic Performance

-         Physio Therapy and Physical Rehabilitation

-         Mobility and Balance

1.1  Other Benefits

There is a long list of medical and even psychological benefits associated with strength training which include:

-         Increased metabolism and energy

-         Release of natural Youth Growth Hormone

-         Reduced body fat

-         Reduced risk factors against coronary heart disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes and colon cancer.

-         Increased bone mineral density to fight osteoporosis

-         Reduced resting blood pressure

-         Improved dynamic stability and functional capacity.

-         Fosters psychological well-being

 

2.0   Key Elements of Accelerated Strength Training Programs for Healthy Men and Women

The following fundamentals of an accelerated program are consistent with those of most well conceived exercise routines recommended by various sport and medical communities, and as such, should be viewed in context of the user's target goals, physical capacity and training experience:

2.1   Duration

Intermediate or advanced users will require less than 20 minutes for full body workout.   A novice may require up to 30 minutes for the initial exercise sessions.  For those who have reached their fitness goals, 1 session weekly for maintenance will suffice.  Two sessions per week is sufficient to produce significant gains and progress. three or more sessions per week are generally not recommended except for special athletic training or those who require a modified program.

2.2   Progression and Overload

Progressive overload is the gradual increase of stress placed upon the body over the course of an exercise program.  In order to achieve results, muscles need to be challenged at or near their maximum capacity (100% Intensity).  This stimulates the natural processes of the body to regenerate the muscles to become more firm, toned, fit, or stronger and faster than before.

2.3   Periodization and Variation

In the context of fitness training, this is the schedule of provisions for adequate recovery time in between sessions, variety over the course of the long term program, and motivation — avoiding monotony by repeating identical exercise routines.  Variation promotes optimal training stimulus, and can be applied to intensity, volume, muscle action, rep velocity and rest periods,

2.4   Exercise Selection

Arms, Legs, Back, Shoulders, Chest and Torso make up the 6 major muscle groups.  Training sessions should plan for large muscle groups before small, and multiple-joint before single-joint exercises. 

2.5   Specificity

Specificity is the practice of applying particular elements of an exercise program in order to achieve the targeted goals.  For example, exercise specificity to target mobility and balance for the physically frail will require special considerations for movement patterns, range of motion, rep force-velocity and intensity that would be much different than those of a professional athlete targeting strength and power.

2.6   Intensity

Strength gains are best developed at higher muscle intensity. In most programs, intensity increases over the course of several repetitions up to a point where another repetition cannot be performed unless the load is decreased or sufficient rest time allows for recovery of the muscle to perform one more repetition. 100 % intensity is the value of maximal muscular capacity at any given time during exercise. 

2.7   Load Reduction

Load Reduction technology is exclusively available under license by Afterburner® Fitness Inc. Once the desired intensity is achieved, load reduction will automatically adjust for muscular fatigue and the decrease in available strength of the user during the course of the exercise. Along with the interaction and input from the user, the intensity can be controlled in order to maximize the efficiency of the workout in the minimum amount of time.

 

3.0  Controlling Muscle Intensity with Load Reduction

Controlling muscle intensity is the foundation and basis of all Afterburner® Accelerated Fitness Training Programs.  Intensity is considered to be the most important principle of any successful exercise program, and yet the control of intensity has remained the most elusive key to achieving accelerated results.  The reason for this is the inability of most exercise home and commercial gym equipment to compensate for the user�s decrease in available strength during the course of several repetitions of an exercise. To control muscle intensity, resistance (otherwise known as the load or the weight being lifted) must be variable in proportion to available strength.

 

3.1   Patented Fitness Technology

Afterburner® Fitness Inc. has patented the design and control of fluid loaded resistance machines and exercise techniques that reduce the load (resistance) in proportion to available strength � allowing the user to control the intensity during the entire course of the workout.  This unique approach allows the user to maintain higher muscle intensity during the exercise which is essential for efficiency.  The elevation and control of muscle intensity also increases the demands on the cardio vascular system to improve aerobic endurance. These combined factors result in a highly efficient workout that has no rival. 

3.2   Accelerated Strength Training Programs

Strength Training programs offer a number of significant benefits for young and old, men and women, fit or not so fit.  Whether for a novice, intermediate, or advanced, Accelerated Fitness Training is a safe and effective means of building strength and aerobic endurance much more efficiently than with conventional methods.

 

4.0   Key Elements of Accelerated Fitness Training

4.1   Exercise Equipment

Weight machines are safer and easier to use as compared to free weights and help stabilize the body and promote proper form. They also provide the ability to perform exercises more safely at higher intensity and to target muscles that are sometimes impossible with free weights.  Fluid-loaded resistance machines developed by Afterburner® Fitness Inc. allow for uninterrupted exercise while the load can be adjusted to control the desired muscle intensity �a vital component of any accelerated fitness training program. For more information about fluid loaded fitness equipment for home, clubs, clinics or studio visit Afterburner® Commercial and Home Gyms

4.2   Proper Form

Helps prevents injury, promotes full range of motion, ensures correct muscle targeting, helps maintain proper breathing and enables you to lift more weight.

4.3   Exercise Intensity

Higher intensity is required for optimal results in minimum amount of time. Afterburner® patented fitness technology allows the user to adjust and maintain their desired intensity during the exercise routine.  There are several methods to gauge intensity including monitoring Heart Rate and the talk test (if you can carry on a conversation during exercise, you are not working hard enough).

4.4   Cardiovascular Endurance

Heart rate rises proportionally to exercise intensity as greater demands are put on the cardiovascular system in order to increase the blood flow and provide greater oxygenation to your body. Intensity, breathing practice, rep velocity and rest pauses are controlling factors of heart rate during exercise making measured heart rate an excellent method of gauging exercise intensity.

4.5   Breathing during Exercise:

Proper breathing helps maintain blood pressure during exercise, holding your breath can elevate blood pressure to dangerous levels. The correct breathing cycle is normally in tempo with the exercise repetition. � Breath out through your mouth when lifting the weight, breath in through your nose when lowering the weight.

4.6  Muscle Action

Variable emphases on concentric (lifting) or eccentric (lowering) motions provide for variety over the course of the long term program and are beneficial in promoting gains in strength and balance. Muscle action is one of the elements of Periodization. 

4.7   Rep Velocity

The recommended rep velocity is a 4 - 8 second cycle when operating under higher intensity.  Higher rep velocity is frequently helpful near the end of the set (i.e. 20% of the starting weight) if intensity drops off � i.e. increased reps velocity can build intensity back up to the desired target - but care should be taken to avoid excessively high heart rate.  Variation using slow, medium and high velocity is one of the elements of Periodization.

4.8   Rest Pauses

If a rep is too difficult to perform and muscles are truly overloaded, pause for an entire repetition cycle while breathing continues at the same pace. The need for 1-3 rest pauses per set indicate that you exercising at your highest desirable intensity.

4.9   Afterburner® Boost:

If the reps are becoming too easy and intensity is dropping off, the user may initiate an Afterburner® Boost which will increase in load 10% over the course of a repetition.  This allows the user to make adjustments in intensity or simply provides for greater variation during the course of the workout.

4.10  Rest Periods

The amount of time in between sets is a factor in maintaining heart rate throughout the session.  Longer rest periods allow for a reduction in heart rate, and greater muscle recovery in advance of multiple sets of the same exercise.

4.11  Next Set

This refers a repeat set of the same exercise. For advanced users, a second set, (and rarely a third set) may be desired in order to achieve maximum muscular overload. 

 

5.0  Customizing an Accelerated Fitness Plan

As is commonly recommended, a qualified medical professional should perform a medical evaluation and review the program before a person enters into any physical fitness program.

5.1   Evaluating current fitness levels:

a.       Advanced:

-         can perform at 95-100% capacity for duration of each set

-         applies proper breathing techniques and good form

-         has no injury or medical condition

-         has 3-6 months experience and is currently following in a fitness program

b.      Intermediate:

-         perform at 80-95% capacity

-         can follow instructions in proper breathing techniques and good form

-         average or above average health

-         with some experience with strength training

c.       Novice:

-         can perform at 60-80% capacity

-         require coaching to maintain breathing techniques and good form

-         average or above average health

-         with little or no experience with strength training

d.      Seniors:

-         required input from other health care professionals

-         have mild health problems associated with natural aging

-         can perform at 60%-75%capacity, with selected exercises

-         special attention should be paid to heart rate and mobility issues

-         intermediate or advanced training techniques can be applied based on experience and physical development

-         due diligence must be applied for medical evaluation as required

e.       Rehab / Therapy:

-         required input from other health care professionals

-         special considerations for capacity limitations due to the injury

-         can perform extended number of repetitions to prepare supporting musculature

-         special considerations for load reduction rate of change and base loading

5.2   Calculate and record target heart rate:

-         100% Heart rate   =  220 - years of age

-         Athletes can perform at average of 100% target rate over the course of the work out session

-         Most people can perform at 70%-85% target rate over the course of the work out session

-         Some medical conditions and will require special consideration and limitations.

-         Determine a maximum target heart rate for this subject.

5.3   Proper Form and Breathing techniques

-         Proper form in preparation and execution of each of the major muscle groups will be emphasized.

-         Breathing techniques and rest pauses will assist in control of heart rate and intensity

-         Exhale during exertion of the lift, inhale during the return

-         Higher velocity during the lift

-         Slow and controlled return to the starting position 

5.4   Perform a 1RM maximum capacity test

-         Perform this test on each of the major muscle groups

-         Adjust the equipment for the given exercise

-         Check form and full range of motion.

-         A test set of 5-10 repetitions will be performed.

-         The weight will be sufficient to induce muscle overload (maximum intensity) before the end of the set.

-         Calculate Single lift capacity    1RM  =  ((0.03*C1)+1)*C2

-         Where C1: number of repetitions & C2: total weight.

-         The capacity will be recorded on the clients' data sheet.

-         The completion of the capacity tests will be considered as a warm up. 

5.5   Warning Signs:

If any of the following symptoms are experienced, stop the exercise and seek medical help as required.

-         Extreme breathlessness

-         Breathing problems such as wheezing or coughing

-         Headache

-         Chest pain or pressure

-         Dizziness, fainting

-         Severe muscle pain or cramps

-         Nausea

-         Severe pain in any muscle or joints

-         Extreme or long lasting fatigue after exercising

5.6   Exercise using Load Reduction

-         Perform a Load Reduction set for of the major muscle groups

-         The starting weight of the initial set will based on the fitness evaluation % and desired intensity of 60%-100%

-         Start Weight = 1 RM capacity multiplied by desired intensity %

-         Proper form and breathing techniques, as well as rest pauses will be used as required.

-         15- 30 reps are performed, interspersed with 1- 5 rest pauses as required.

-         A maximum target heart rate will be pre-determined, and

-         The second set will begin based on 5%-15% of the original weight capacity.

-         Heart rate will be recorded before and after each major muscle group.

-         Heart rate will be recorded 1 minute after completion of the exercise.  A drop of 20 bpm is typical for a healthy person.

 

6.0   Techniques for Accelerated Fitness Training

The following information is supplied to assist in the understanding of the importance of the various techniques that are essential in developing and evaluating a clients' progress in any muscle-conditioning program.  The special considerations required for exercises relating specifically for rehabilitation issues or limitations due to other medical conditions (i.e. skeletal or cardio vascular limitations) is not within the scope of this document.  As is commonly recommended, a qualified medical professional should perform a medical evaluation and review the program before any person enters into a physical fitness program.

6.1   Pre and Post Exercise Stretching

Any comprehensive fitness training program will incorporate resistance training, aerobic endurance, and flexibility exercises.  Stretching, and in particular post exercise stretching is highly recommended for all forms of muscle conditioning as it may assist in the reduction of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and is also believed to help prevent injury to tendons ligaments and muscles by improving muscular elasticity. 

6.2   The Importance of Proper Form

By far, the most important principle in avoiding injury in any muscular conditioning or strength training exercise is the application of proper form.   This is a learned skill that comes with experience.  The novice must look to an experienced trainer for guidance on this issue.  For the purposes of this document, it should be pointed out that in general, proper form incorporates:

-         A balanced effort across the body throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise,

-         Using proper posture, i.e. square movements, legs, hips, back, shoulders, neck and head aligned correctly.

-         Using smooth and controlled movements during each repetition

-         Avoiding locking the joints at the extended position

-         Avoiding abrupt or sudden motions. 

Proper form should be checked before the beginning of a load reduction set by doing some repetitions prior to the moving onto higher muscular loads.  In all circumstances, the exercise should stop immediately upon any severe discomfort or pain.

6.3   Estimating Available Strength

The ability of an individual to control and apply all of their available strength in a given exercise requires some experience.  The novice simply does not have the physical awareness of their ability and cannot direct their strength in the way that a more experienced person can.  This does not limit the benefits of load reduction exercises for those less experienced in the gym.  In fact, the opposite is true, provided that the client is applying the techniques of proper form and breathing techniques, tremendous gains in measurable strength will be observed.

6.4   One Repetition Maximum (1RM)

This term identifies the amount of weight a subject can lift for one repetition only, and being unable to lift the same amount a weight consecutively a second time as a result subsequent muscle fatigue after the exertion of maximum effort and 100% available strength.

6.5   Available Strength vs. Intensity

1 RM (1Repetition Maximum) is the amount of weight that can be lifted one time, as the muscle fatigue The application of 100% of the available strength is been commonly described as 100% muscle intensity.  This, it can be said that Intensity is the reciprocal of Available Strength.  Intensity is often used as a unit of measurement describing the effort used in various studies of muscular conditioning and strength training programs.   For example, the target intensity for a given subject at the start of a muscular conditioning program is suggested as follows:

-         70% intensity for Seniors

-         80% intensity for Novice

-         90% intensity for Intermediate

-         100% intensity for Athletes

It should be noted that all users will develop strength gains which will permit heavier muscular loads and intensity, provided that proper form and cardio vascular functions are duly considered.  Load Reduction rates may need to be reduced for lower intensities or limitations due to cardio vascular limits.  With proper supervision, normal healthy seniors will develop to a point where they can apply 100% intensity in a load reduction exercise.

6.6   Cardio and Proper Breathing Techniques

Heart Rate and the cardio vascular benefit is a significant part of the Load Reduction exercises.  Depending on the Cardio Vascular fitness of the individual, load reduction exercises can be suited to all to provide a range of cardio vascular benefit.  Proper breathing techniques assist in the control of heart rate by influencing the nervous system (the vagus nerve) and by allowing for the proper exchange of oxygen throughout the course of the exercise.  Typically, the following guidelines should be applied:

-                     Understand and practice full breath exchanges, inhale through the nose, and exhale through the mouth and avoid holding your breath.

-                     Inhale prior to exerting the effort. Exhale through the mouth during the concentric (lift) portion of the exercise, and after a brief pause, inhale through the nose during the eccentric (lowering) portion of the exercise.

-                     Forceful exhalation should be avoided so as not to add to your increase in blood pressure. 

6.7   Concentric / Eccentric Motion

Concentric contraction occurs when a muscle shortens in length, i.e. lifting the weight stack. Eccentric contraction is developed when the muscle lengthens, i.e. lowering  the weight stack.

 

6.8  he 4 Phases of a Repetition

In a typical load reducing set, the cadence of one single repetition is ~ 4 seconds, although higher or lower velocities are sometimes used. The chart below illustrates the suggested timing and execution for each of the 4 phases of a repetition, from lift to return.  Durations in excess of 8 secs are not normally recommended for Accelerated Training Programs.

 

(1) Starting with a deep breath, and exhaling in a controlled way while the concentric muscular force is exerted to lift the load and proceed thorough to the top of the range of motion. The upper range should be limited to avoid locking of the joints, thereby maintaining the load on the muscles, and not the joints.

(2) A brief pause should be performed at the outer limit of the range of motion, along with the final moments of exhalation.

(3) Inhaling through the nose at the start of the eccentric phase, the rate of speed when of lowering the weight should be significantly slower, i.e. double the time to move through to the lower limit of the range of motion.

(4) A second brief pause follows at the end of the rep.  It should be noted that in most cases, it is desirable to ensure that the lower range of motion is limited to allow the load of the weight to continue on the muscles, and not "unload" the musculature prior to the start of the next rep.

6.9   Breathing Cycle, Repetitions and Rest Pause

As above, it is important that the breathing cycle follows in the same cadence as the 4 phases of a repetition.  After performing several continuous higher intensity repetitions during the course of an exercise, a "Rest Pause", interspaced within the series of reps can be used to reduce intensity and heart rate.

 

Rest Pause is normally used when there may not be sufficient available strength for another repetition in proper form, or if the heart rate is above the target rate.  A Rest Pause allows a controlled recovery in strength and reduction in heart rate.  After this brief pause, the user will resume normal cadence of repetitions. 

 

From the chart below, it is a Rest Pause (yellow) is shown to follow the completion of Rep16 and Rep 17 (green).  After Rep 17, the repetitions cease for an interval equal to the cycle of a normal repetition (purple), and the cadence of the breathing cycle (blue) remains unchanged.  It is good practice to keep the duration of the Rest Pause limited to 1 Breathing Cycle, but occasionally 2 or more may be required before resuming the next repetition.

 

 

In the example above, Rest Pause is executed at the end of a repetition and at the bottom of the range of motion. Note the chart below illustrates how a rest Pause can be used in between a repetition:

 

 

 

Unlike working out on conventional fitness equipment, the position of the rest pause affects the rate of load reduction during an accelerated workout.  Rest Pause at the end of a concentric (lifting) motion will reduce the load slightly faster than a rest pause at the end of the eccentric (lowering) motion. This is one technique is used by the subject to control and maintain desired intensity during the course of the work out.

 

7.0  Sequence of an Accelerated Training Session

This section will describe the application of Load Control in a sequence of 25 repetitions of an Accelerated Training Session prescribed for a healthy adult.

7.1  Load Control effects on muscle intensity

The chart below illustrates how muscle intensity will initially increase with an increase in load while available strength decreases and remain constant while the load reduces over the course of the set.

 

 Warm Up: For exercises not limited by injury, 1 - 5 warm up repetitions allows the user to gradually adjust and check proper form as the load and intensity increase. The control system can be adjusted for slower or faster loading.

 

 Fixed Load: Fixed load is predominantly used for physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.  For an athlete, a properly executed set results in only a single repetition being performed at maximum capacity.  The control system provides for a �hold mode� so that more reps can be performed to further increase intensity before load reduction begins.

 

 Reducing Load: This the most important portion of the exercise where the maximum benefits are gained in the minimum amount of time. eps should continue throughout the entire period of load reduction, interspersed with rest pauses as required to help maintain the energy required for good form and with a cadence in proportion to the desired heart rate.

 

Cool Down: At this point, the load is at 5%-10% of the original starting weight, the load reduction ceases, either to a very low or a fixed load.  final few repetitions can be performed as a form of post exercise stretch.

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7.2   Programs designed for Strength Training:

This chart represents a series of 25 repetitions (purple) superimposed on the load curve for this exercise.  The bottom curve (yellow) represents 0-100% load (Max Load = 53.4 lbs in this example). The upper curve (blue) represents the 100% position range of motion.  rep by rep commentary is provided below in order to help better illustrate a typical sequence of an Accelerated Training Session.

 

Reps 0-4 Warm Up to Max Load: The load increased from 0.0 � 53.4 lbs (the 1RM for this subject). This warm-up period allows a gradual increase in weight and the time for checking good form, and establishing the Breathing Cycle in tandem with the cadence of the repetition.  From this point forward, all available strength is applied and 100% Muscle Intensity is achieved for each repetition over the duration of the set.

 

Reps 4-10 Max Load Reduces: The load decreased from 53.4 - 26.7 lbs during these repetitions.  his reflects the amount of fatigue in the muscle that has occurred, as a result of starting from the 1 RM (Maximum Lifting Capacity).  Each Rep is using all available strength at 100% Intensity. Reps 4-8 are complete through the 100% range of motion. t Rep 9 Rep, there is insufficient strength for a complete rep.  This indicates that a Rest Pause is required.

 

Rep 10  Rest Pause: This rep is replaced by a Rest Pause. The load decreased from 26.7 - 24.8 lbs during this period.  The Rest Pause is for the same duration of time equivalent to 1 Repetition / Full Breathing Cycle. This time period allows some recovery of strength. n this case, the load is at the bottom of the range of motion and the muscles are unloaded. After this pause, sufficient strength recovery was achieved to allow for normal repetitions to resume beginning on Rep 11.

 

Reps 11-14 Resume Repetitions: The load decreased from 26.7 - 17.4 lbs during these repetitions. Again, each rep is using all available strength at 100% Intensity. Reps 11-14 are complete through the 100% range of motion.  At Rep 14 Rep, the user has anticipated the need for a rest pause and holds the load at the top of the range of motion, for the period of a full breathing cycle.

 

Rep 15:  Rest Pause: The load decreased from 17.4 - 15.6 lbs during this period. n this case, the load is at the top of the range of motion and the muscles remain loaded After this pause, sufficient strength recovery was achieved to allow for normal repetitions to resume.

 

Reps 16-25: b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Concluding Reps The load decreased from 15.6 - 3.2 lbs during these repetitions. gain, each rep is at 100% Intensity. Reps 17-18 are not quite complete in range of motion, indicating that all available strength is being used. he remaining repetitions are throughout the entire range of motion throughout the remainder of the set. here were no cool down reps performed during this set.

 

7.3   The 'Next Set' of repetitions:

A single set of load reduction exercises is typically sufficient for the novice or intermediate.  Advanced users may choose to perform a second set.  For the "Next Set", the starting weight must be reduced in order to match the loss of available strength from the previous set of the exercise. his is to maintain consistent intensity over the course of multiple sets.

 

On average, the most significant factor in the estimation of available strength for the Next Set will be the amount of rest period between sets of repetitions.  On average we have found that for mid-to-high intensity workouts, the rest period should be ~ 25% - 50% of the duration of the previous set. Under these conditions, the new starting weight should be ~ 80% of the previous starting weight.

 

8.0  Special Considerations for injured, unfit or older adults

 

Complex injuries often require multiple interventions from many different areas of medicine. Doctors, athletic trainers and physical therapists are skilled in the use of functional assessments and rehabilitation management in order to determine the use of therapeutic exercises, strength training and other physical modalities (e.g. the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation) in the rehabilitation of the injured. 

 

Unlike professional athletes, most patients are not in good condition prior to their injury or illness.  This lack of physical fitness often leads to a slower pace of recovery, a greater frequency of recurrent problems and the likelihood of future injuries. 

 

Strength and fitness training programs are quickly becoming of special importance to the physically challenged or those afflicted with serious illness.  The American College of Sports Medicine has several recommendations for those who have suffered strokes, cancer, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries (both mental of physical limitations), multiple sclerosis, diabetics and even blindness and deafness.

 

For the elderly, several research studies including a recent study conducted by Yale University have shown that strength training can defer and even reverse the need for institutional care for a great number of people.  Maintaining strength leads to improved balance and physical control, and thereby reduces the risk of injury from a fall.  Studies have shown that strength training can even prevent and possibly reverse osteoporosis and increase bone density mass. 

 

For an ever increasing portion of the population, strength training is of greatest importance for overall health, mobility, weight control, managing the functional decline associated with age, and delay or prevention of physical frailty amoung the elderly.

 

Not surprisingly, appropriately supervised strength restoration, augmentation and rehabilitative programs provide an important service to a surprisingly large segment of our population who need muscular conditioning.

 

8.1  Load Reduction for Rehabilitation and Strength

 

The following guidelines are intended to assist fitness and rehabilitation professionals in applying various techniques and considerations when using load reduction for rehabilitative training / muscle conditioning as well as strength training.  A qualified medical professional should only perform functional Assessments of rehabilitative exercises related to injury.

In many instances, patients with an injury are able to perform strength training on the otherwise healthy muscle groups. Muscle conditioning in the area of the injury has been known to assist in protecting from recurrent problems or future injuries. Fitness trainers and therapists working with other medical professional often supervise strength restoration, augmentation and rehabilitative programs.

 

 

 

8.2  Load Control for Rehabilitative Exercise

The physical limitations due to injury prevent the ability for the user to exercise at or near their normal muscular capacity.�� The chart below illustrates how muscle intensity will slowly increase even when the resistance remains low.� Ultimately, load reduction can be used once the maximum desired intensity is achieved.  This aids in promoting the natural healing forces of the body to accelerate recovery from injury.

 

 

 b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Warm Up:�� In rehabilitation and physical therapy programs, the number of warm up repetitions is often higher than usual, to allow the client to gradually accept the muscle loading, and make adjustments for proper form.

 

 b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Fixed Load: This is a very significant phase in a rehabilitative exercise.  high number of reps may be necessary depending on the load limitations determined by the functional assessment. The load should be as heavy as possible to promote fatigue in the muscles but below the threshold of physical discomfort or pain to promote functionality and avoid further damage.

 

 b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Reducing Load: This phase promotes the benefits associated with muscle conditioning and strength gains.  The number of reps is determined by the initial starting weight and the muscle being conditioned, 15 -25 reps are typical to fatigue the muscle.� It is sometimes desirable to perform many more.

 

Cool Down: Once the muscle loading has been reduced to the lower limits, a number of final repetitions are completed for a partial reduction in muscle intensity.

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9.0   Conclusions

The combination of the machines and methods patented by Afterburner® Fitness Inc. provide a powerful tool to the fitness and medical communities to promote strength training and physical fitness and help people of all ages live longer, more full and active lives.

Our Goal is to continue to provide the tools, knowledge and equipment so that we can help

-   Men and Women improve their health and well being,

-   Assist in the rehabilitation of the injured,

-   Assist the frail increase mobility and to minimize disability.

-   Allow Seniors to lead longer, more active lives,

-   Allow our athletes to build more strength and to minimize injury.

 

Afterburner® Fitness Inc. is committed to continue our work with Doctors, Therapists, and the Fitness Industry in order to develop the world's best fitness system with our patented technologies to benefit the health and wellness of people everywhere.