It had been 15 years since I had successfully used any piece of fitness equipment. It was a special day.

Ellen Corindia, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2001, details how a brief meeting and a goodwill gesture gave her the chance to use a piece of fitness equipment for the first time in 15 years.

I was introduced to SCIFIT in a miraculous way this past March. My caregiver and I made the trip from New Hampshire to Orlando to attend the BASH for Augie’s Quest. The BASH is an amazing event that raises money for ALS research (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). It is the big party of the week during the IHRSA convention—one of the largest shows held for the fitness industry each year. I have had ALS since 2001 and find the fitness industry’s efforts to raise money for research incredibly hopeful. We were there to support that cause and attend the BASH.

We were at the reception to honor major sponsors the night before the BASH and my talking computer crashed, which I need because I cannot speak clearly. By spelling out words and a few charades, I got across to my caregiver that I wanted to thank Chris Clawson, the president of Life Fitness, for supporting ALS research.

After some pleasant exchanges with Chris, we asked about recumbent cross-trainers. He immediately pronounced, “We have something you have to try. Come see me at the trade show tomorrow.”

The following morning we wove our way through all the spotlights featuring new equipment and made it to the Life Fitness area. We spoke briefly with a young man and explained that we were sent here by Chris Clawson to try some accessible equipment. Keep in mind, there were approximately three wheelchair users in the entire convention center. One was me in a power wheelchair. Another was my buddy, Augie Nieto, who also has ALS in a power wheelchair. The third person was a super buff guy that looked like he could walk upside down in a handstand.

We were guided to the SCIFIT area and introduced to Corey Disler. Within ten seconds he had the seat off of a StepOne and was instructing me to pull up to the machine. I was shocked that we didn’t have to transfer me out of my wheelchair and onto the equipment. My caregiver flipped my wheelchair armrests up and positioned my feet on the pedals.

My leg muscles are quite strong, I just don’t have any balance. My arms are very weak, but I have enough grip to hang on to the handlebars. It felt amazing to feel my legs moving and pulling my arms along in sync.

It was simply spectacular to find a piece of fitness equipment and actually be able to use it despite having a serious neuromuscular disease. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. My successful exercise experience quickly became a curiosity among trade show attendees in the area. They were nodding their heads, likely thinking how much sense it makes to allow for exercise directly from a wheelchair. It had been 15 years since I had successfully used any piece of fitness equipment. It was a special day.

I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing.

I wrote an email to thank Chris for introducing me to SCIFIT and to inquire about who I should talk to about getting one. He immediately he wrote back saying Life Fitness and SCIFIT would like to donate a StepOne to keep me moving! It has been very helpful to keep my joints moving and to buoy my spirits. I can see Mount Monadnock out the window, so I have been keeping track of the vertical feet each time I work out to see when I have stepped enough to have climbed the mountain.

SCIFIT is now a verb in our house. We don’t say, “I’m going to work out.” We say, “I am gonna SCIFIT for a while.” That just sounds more fun. So far, the StepOne has been an incredible tool to keep me moving and preserve the function I have. It has also been fun to help my friends with spinal cord injuries use the StepOne. Because of our great experiences, we are working together to convince fitness centers in our area to purchase SCIFIT accessible equipment.

Thank you SCIFIT and Life Fitness!

When you are expected to get the best results for your patients in the least amount of time, all of your decisions must be carefully planned. We compiled this guide to help you make the best decisions for your patients and your facility when it comes to selecting exercise equipment.

1. Accessibility

Are all of your products easily accessible to your patients? If the equipment requires the patient to stand (such as a treadmill), ensure that there are steps and handrails to help them along. If the product has a seat, check to see if it is removable for wheelchair access. For easy patient transfers, the seat should feature a swivel as well as vertical height adjustment. Choose equipment with adequate body weight and height capacity for various users.

2. Space

Determine how much space is available, and ensure the product you are considering fits in that space. If not, see “Double-Duty” below.

3. Double-Duty

Can the product be used for more than one exercise or more than one purpose? The more versatile the product, the more valuable it will be to your exercisers.

4. Data Collection and Tracking

Use data collection and tracking equipment to provide your exercisers with more informed results and a better progression history.

5. Accessories

Do you have patients who require grip assistance or leg supports while using exercise equipment? Do you want an accessory for rehabilitating shoulders on an upper-body exerciser? Decide what type of accessories you need and make them available to your exercisers.

6. Programs

Opt for equipment that gives you the programs your exercisers desire. These programs might include an isokinetic resistance program for safe, accommodating strength or constant workload based on a fixed-watts setting. Most exercise machines give basic feedback such as time and calories, but additional feedback such as RPMs, Watts and METs may be necessary for your exercisers.

7. Maintenance, Service and Support

Find out ahead of time if the equipment company you are considering has a certified service provider in your area. Choose products that require little preventive maintenance and a company that provides helpful live support staff.

8. Ease of Use

Choose a control panel that’s easy to read and use, has a simple menu and a clutter-free feedback screen. A screen with high contrast display and the option to hear audible beeps will benefit individuals with visual and hearing impairments.

9. Features

Make a list of the features you need and rank how important each is in your decision-making process. Don’t forget to include necessary features for physical therapy, such as bi-directional resistance, low starting resistance, a reclining seat and proper biomechanics.

10. Adjustability and Range of Motion

Take into consideration the range of motion and adjustability requirements of your patients (e.g., adjustable cranks, adjustable axis of rotation and adjustable seat height). Identify products that meet these needs to ensure proper body placement and biomechanics.

11. Durability

You’re a professional. You, your facility and your patients deserve professional tools. Don’t cut corners with your products. Instead, go for high quality and lasting durability. The right product will last for years and will require very little maintenance. If the lower cost, lower quality product is all you think you can afford, don’t settle. Check out your financing options. Leasing plans are readily available and the rates are generally favorable.

12. Trusted Brand

Choose a trusted brand with experience in medical exercise therapy. A well-established brand will typically come with a knowledgeable staff that will be there to support you for years to come.

You’re on the right track. Wheelchairs are a big part of it, but exercise equipment accessibility encompasses much more.

Accessible equipment must address people with all types of limitations and abilities and help promote independence in these individuals. Sometimes these features are obvious, other times they are so integrated into the equipment, they are inconspicuous. To help you identify these, we’ve put together 7 key characteristics that define accessible equipment.

1. Removable Seat

Our seats roll off for direct wheelchair access — no tools required. The integrated handle on the back of the seat helps with easy removal.

BONUS: SCIFIT wheelchair accessible products are ADA compliant.

2. Open Architecture with True Step-Through Design

The step-through design allows those with limited mobility or flexibility to safely and easily enter and exit our products. Some seats on other brands adjust on a sloped monorail, making it difficult for weaker users to make seat adjustments. Our zero-slope seat adjustment means the seat moves back and forth on a flat monorail, giving the user complete control.

3. Swivel Seat

Our premium seat rotates 360° with locking points every 90° and has seat adjustment levers on both sides, allowing a clinician to assist the user from either side of the product.

The swivel seat makes it easy for individuals to enter and exit the products and also helps with users who wish to transfer from a wheelchair to the equipment.

4. Multiple Adjustments

Accessible equipment typically has 3 major points of adjustment to help accommodate users of all sizes and help control range of motion.

• Height adjustable seat with recline
• Adjustable handles and cranks
• Therapist assist pedals for assistance in adjusting the seat

5. Special Console Features

Our console tilts to accommodate users of all heights. To aid users who are visually impaired, the SCIFIT console has:

• A high-contrast, non-reflective display that’s easy to read
• Tactile markings and tactile buttons
• Audible beeps to confirm selections

6. Low Starting Resistance

SCIFIT’s starting resistance is 6 watts. This means it takes only about a quarter-turn of the cranks to light the console. This provides low functioning or very weak individuals an opportunity to exercise.

7. Adaptive Accessories

Accessories help adapt exercise equipment and allow users with limited mobility or other physical limitations to exercise safely and effectively. Our Inclusive Fitness products include many of these accessories. You can also get these accessories for many of our other products.

• Assist gloves – help with grip
• Low Support Boots (and large foot beds) – help secure foot placement
• Leg Stabilizers – support the legs during exercise
• Wheelchair Ramps and Platforms – provide increased stability
• Bariatric Seat – this seat is 5 inches wider than our premium and standard seats and supports users up to 600 lbs.

We hope we have expanded your knowledge when it comes to accessible products. These 7 keys to accessibility allow individuals to be independent and have direct access to exercise. At SCIFIT, we are committed to making exercise equipment accessible for all ages and abilities. For more information, download our accessibility brochure.

• It must be comfortable and supportive.
• It must not get in the way of the exercise.
• It must be accessible and have all the right adjustments.

Across the Board (all 3 seats)

1. Removable Seat
An integrated handle on the seat back makes seat removal a breeze on products with direct wheelchair access.

2. Therapist Assist Pedals
360 degree Therapist Assist Pedals let the user or therapist adjust forward and backward from any point around the equipment.

3. Durable Non-Slip Upholstery
Premium, non-slip upholstery gives the seat a modern look and adds durability. In high-use settings, durability is everything.

4. Zero-Sloping Movement
Zero-sloping forward and back motion lets users to adjust forward and backward on our level monorail for optimum control and easy adjustments.

5. Easy Maintenance
2-piece seat pad design makes it easy to replace pads.

Premium Seat

6. It’s The Best
The premium seat is our best and most adjustable seat. If accessibility and adjustability are important to you, this is your seat.

7. Reduced Hamstring Interference
Our custom seat shape helps reduce hamstring interference.

8. Same Width as Previous Seat
Although the shape is different, the new premium seat is the same width as our former bucket seat.

9. Recline
Recline to any point within a 23 degree range. Ideal for fitting different sizes and shapes, increasing comfort and controlling hip angle.

10. 360 Degree Swivel
The user can turn the seat in any direction with 360 degree swivel that locks at each 90 degree angle for safety. Makes for easy entry and exit or transfer from wheelchair.

11. Height Adjustment
We’ve added 4.5” to the height range, so you can now adjust anywhere from 18.5” to 23″.

12. Optional Seat Belt
Our optional seat belt gives users added security and stability.

13. Adjustments on Both Sides of the Product
Reach all adjustment levers from both sides for easy access. Therapist or clinician can adjust from either side of the seat.

14. 450 lb. User Weight Capacity
We’ve beefed up the bases to provide a solid foundation for a wide range of users.

Standard Seat

15. Adjust Forward and Back
The same great look and design as the premium seat with forward and back adjustability only.

16. Fitness Friendly
Ideal for fitness environments where minimal supervision is required

17. 500 lb. User Weight Capacity
Tough and durable.

Bariatric Seat

18. Five Inches Wider
Our oversized bariatric seat is 5 Inches wider than the premium and standard seats, making larger users feel safe and comfortable.

19. Side Handles
Includes side handles for added support.

20. Forward and Back Adjustment
Adjusts forward and backward only.

21. 600 lb. User Weight Capacity
Ideal for bariatric use or anywhere large user capacity is needed.

We know getting as much information as possible is always a good thing. That’s why we’ve launched a 360° View feature for a majority of our products. Just head to the product page and click “360° View on the right-hand side. And viola.

Our team thinks it’s a welcomed addition that brings you one step closer to getting the whole picture of one of our products.

Body Weight Training
Body Weight Training will be a popular choice for many athletes for several reasons, but mainly because it’s easy to perform anywhere, anytime. Not to mention it doesn’t cost a dime. Now, you’ve probably already maxed out on push-ups and sit-ups in your head and thinking body weight movements are going nowhere fast due to lack of variety, but this is where you’re wrong. Throw in pull-ups, planks, and burpees, not to mention endless varieties on all of these, and you’ve got yourself a serious workout.

Functional Fitness
Just as its name suggests, functional fitness is all about the combination of strength training and other movements to improve balance, coordination, and endurance. You’ve managed to maintain a moderate pace on the elliptical for 60 minutes, but can you lift those boxes into the cabinet without hurting your shoulder? Functional fitness aims to train your body to handle day-to-day movements with ease. The next time you hit the gym, think about what you need your fitness, and combine balance and strength training to prepare for the race of life.

Strength Training
You may have a different mental image of strength training—one of bodybuilders and spray-on tans—that’s not quite accurate. Some of the most impactful benefits of strength training come to older adults, and include alleviation of symptoms such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, back pain, and depression—not to mention reducing the likelihood of falls because you’ll be better prepared to stop yourself before you hit the ground. In addition to its physical benefits, strength training can also have a positive impact on your mental and emotional health.

Group Personal Training
We know, personal training can get expensive, which lowers the chances of you sticking to it. Enter: Group personal training. All the benefits of a personal trainer at a fraction of the price. Plus, you’ll get into the community aspect of exercise, which will provide additional motivation and enjoyment. You’ll likely be driven to improve your skills while working with a group thanks to a little friendly competition that might go a long way.

Yoga
Finally breaking into the mainstream fitness market, yoga is the perfect compliment to many exercise programs, or even great as a standalone practice. Plus, it’s offered in so many varieties that people of all ages and ability levels can benefit from the practice. Increased flexibility, breathing techniques, and increased strength are just a few of its benefits. Not to mention a sense of mental clarity and focus.

With all of these up-and-comers, we’re sad to bid farewell to a trend that’s on its way out: Zumba. We’ll miss your fun, quirky, and loud style, but we’re willing to bet that its gradual decrease in popularity will end in its disappearance from your gym’s class lineup.

Source: ACSM’S Health & Fitness Journal: November/December 2014 – Volume 18 – Issue 6 – p 8-17.

Adjust the Articulating head
The axis of the crank arms needs to adjust to the height of the user, whether they are seated or standing.  If the axis is too high there will be impingement at the 12 o’clock position.  Too low and there can be supraspinatus/biceps tendon strain at the 6 o’clock position.  In most cases, it is ideal to set the axis level to the shoulder or just 1-2” below.

Move the adjustable crank arms so that they’re perfectly in reach
The crank arms need to be adjusted as well—a short-limbed person would not want to start with a long crank arm that takes them out of their prescribed range of motion (ROM). Conversely, a long-limbed person would lose mechanical advantage and optimal ROM with too short of a crank arm. Independent adjustments allow users to select a shorter ROM setting on the involved side while maintaining mechanical advantage on the strong side; providing passive assistance when beneficial.

Reverse the crank arms occasionally
The ability to change the crank arm orientation from the standard bicycle offset movement to work in unison or in a rotary rowing pattern is advantageous.  It allows the user to work in core flexion versus rotation in cases where torso rotation is undesirable.

Utilize Bi-directional capability
Bi-directional movement is essential for muscle and joint balance, but perhaps more importantly for neuromuscular kinesthesia.  When we cue the patient to go backwards, 99 times out of 100 their neuromuscular hardwiring will tell them to pull.  When we cue them to go forward their brain will tell them to push.  But as their kinesthetic awareness expands they will come to realize that as only part of the total equation.  In fact, in the course of any given rotation there are myriad push/pull combinations. As these new neuromuscular pattern connections are made, kinesthesia, motor skills, and even cognitive skills are improved. Anything that takes the patient out of the dominant pattern makes the brain-muscle connection stronger and actually smarter.

Make sure the handle angle is neutral
It is important that the handle angle keeps your forearm in the anatomically neutral position. Over pronating and over supinating creates torque and stress in both the proximal and distal radio-ulnar joints.

8. Boost Performance

7. Stay Fit While Recovering from Injury
Upper body exercise provides a way to stay fit while recovering from a lower body injury or surgery such as ACL and total hip and knee replacements. It is also a good option for those suffering a debilitating condition or paralysis.

6. Cross Train    
Cross training with upper body exercise increases overall efficiency, power, and endurance as well as decreased the risk of injury.

5. Warm Up Efficiently
Five minutes on an upper body exerciser, changing directions every 30 seconds, warms up and prepares the shoulders, elbows, wrists, chest, back and neck for exercise.

4. Strength Train Safely
In addition to cardiovascular work, SCIFIT’s Upper Body Exercisers feature a safe, simple strength program. This Iso-Strength program is perfect for anyone, who does not like, or does not have time for traditional strength training.

3. Move in Both Directions
Bi-Directional resistance allows the user to exercise in both forward and reverse. It aids recruitment or reciprocal muscle groups and reduces the risk of injury from muscle imbalance. It also decreases localized fatigue, resulting in the ability to prolong the exercise.

2. Improve Core Strength and Stability
The upper body rotary motion fires core stabilizing muscles, strengthening the abdominal and back muscles.

1. Enhance Daily Activities
The shoulder joint has a greater range of motion capability than any other joint in your body. Flexibility is important because it enables your arms to perform all kinds of activities such as pushing, pulling, reaching, and lifting.

“Adam’s impressive background in both accounting and systems management makes him a valuable addition to our company,” said SCIFIT CEO Larry Born. “Beyond his expertise in finance and accounting, Adam is a great cultural fit for SCIFIT and we’re excited to have him on our team.”

Adam brings a 26 years of real-world experience to our team, spending the last 12 years as Controller of US Operations at BS&B Safety Systems, a manufacturer of pressure relief safety products.

“I am excited to join SCIFIT,” said Adam. “SCIFIT is a company with innovative products, talented people and market leadership. I am impressed by the team’s dedication to solid strategic growth. I look forward to the opportunity to continue building on the company’s long term success as a global leader in specialty exercise equipment.”

Previously, Adam served as an accountant for a national oil & gas company. He is a certified public accountant and holds degrees in accounting and management information systems from the University of Tulsa.

Welcome aboard, Adam!

Enter the recumbent stepper. Designed specifically with elderly patients and those recovering from injury in mind, these machines make exercise more enjoyable and beneficial through the use of a seated arrangement, taking unnecessary pressure off the joints, and making additional bodyweight and the impact of standing irrelevant. And at the same time, these patients are still receiving the strenuous exercise necessary to achieve the cardiac and pulmonary output.

Unlike other recumbent steppers SCIFIT’s StepOne appeals to a wider selection of the market by offering wheelchair access and a low starting resistance, allowing anybody to accomplish their goals. By relieving the body weight of the user and allowing wheelchair access, there is a seamless transition to exercise. Elderly patients and those with spinal complications find it easier to fulfill their therapy prescriptions through the use of the StepOne Recument Stepper. In addition to the benefits of exercise, the StepOne also allows a therapist to monitor vital signs of the patient, providing ample access to the patient for unhindered monitoring, providing a safe environment for staff and the patient alike.

For more information on the StepOne, click here. To request a quote, click here.