Strong and Vital No 1

Correct loading significantly impacts training results by providing even loading throughout the movement and inducing a substantial fatiguing effect 9 . Research has compared this effect to other loading types, such as pneumatic loading 10 . Gra vity-based loading with the correct loading curve has proven to be the most effective method for inducing necessary muscle fatigue safely. Regardless of the training method, the most important aspect is to ensure that individuals train consistently. This involves educating them about the considerable benefits of regular resistance training. Additionally, creating a motivating environ ment where technology offers continuous feedback on each training session and periodic testing provides results of the benefits is crucial.

Figure 4 demonstrates how a motivational screen can display the appropriate range of motion, speed,

Fig, 5 Motivational, interactive screen with

an immediate result

and repetition count.

When results are immediately visible, it becomes challenging to stop trai ning, even when muscles are fatigued, especially knowing that trainers can access the results from their computers at any time. It is no wonder that centers using this system show compliance levels of over 90%, indi cating that virtually everyone completes their planned sets in a correct manner. Exercise is undeniably a miracle cure, offering countless benefits for both physical and mental health. However, the question remains: will these bene fits reach those who need them most? Many aging individuals, who are inactive and lack experience in training, may feel too intimidated to join regular gyms. This presents both a challenge and a significant opportunity. Fitness centers, wellness centers, and even medical facilities have the

chance to design environments that cater to the needs of these individuals, providing them with a sense of safety, professional guidance, and access to effective, user-friendly technology for training. Experience has shown that age should not be a limiting factor; individuals can begin their fitness journey at any age, whether they are 50 or 80 years old. In the next five years, we anticipate a substantial growth in this market. This growth will not only bring happiness to individuals by improving their health and well-being but also contribute to happier societies overall, with a growing population that is less of a burden on healthcare systems. Contact: Arno Parviainen www.davidhealth.com

1 Uchida et al., ‘Association between Reduction of Mus cle Mass and Faster Declines in Global Cognition among Older People’. 2 Chow et al., ‘Exerkines in Health, Resilience and Disease’. 3 Recchia et al., ‘Comparative Effectiveness of Exercise, Antidepressants and Their Combination in Treating Non-Severe Depression’. 4 Codella et al., ‘May the Force Be with You’. 5 Raun et al., ‘Exercise—A Panacea of Metabolic Dysre gulation in Cancer’. 6 Hong, Wu, and Wu, ‘Effects of Resistance Exercise on Symptoms, Physical Function, and Quality of Life in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients Undergoing Che motherapy’. 7 Delezie and Handschin, ‘Endocrine Crosstalk Between Skeletal Muscle and the Brain’. 8 Schwarz et al., ‘Effect of Resistance Exercise Intensity on the Expression of PGC-1α Isoforms and the Ana bolic and Catabolic Signaling Mediators, IGF-1 and Myostatin, in Human Skeletal Muscle’. 9 Hakkinen and Kauhanen, ‘Effects of Fatiguing Loa ding with a Variable Resistance Equipment on Neural Activation and Force Production of the Knee Extensor Muscles’. 10 Peltonen, Häkkinen, and Avela, ‘Neuromuscular Res ponses to Different Resistance Loading Protocols Using Pneumatic and Weight Stack Devices’.

STRONG and VITAL No. 1 - 2024

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