Late last year, the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) guidelines for physical activity put strength firmly in the spotlight. The UK’s NHS now recommends all adults undertake muscle strength exercises at least twice a week.
The CMO at the time, Professor Dame Sally Davies went so far as to describe strength training as ‘fundamental to the ability to perform daily tasks’ and positioned it equally alongside aerobic activity recommendations for the first time. She asked the UK fitness industry to make a greater effort to highlight the importance of strength training.
The science is clear. Resistance training builds muscle and helps boost resting metabolism, which in turn helps with weight loss. It slashes the risk of stroke and heart attacks by around 70 per cent (according to research by Iowa State University in 2018), cuts the chances of developing metabolic syndrome, and helps to preserve muscle mass and bone density to offer protection against osteoporosis.
Despite this, a recent survey by Sure Women suggested one in four women are intimidated by strength kit and half have felt negatively judged while working out in weights areas.
Dr Luke Turnock, a researcher at the University of Winchester in the UK, interviewed female gym-goers for a study and says: “One of the primary issues identified was a feeling of intimidation when using weights. Crossing the divide into the ‘male space’ felt daunting and the majority of women, even those who were comfortable in other areas of the gym, commented on this issue. Weight plates, dumbbells, bars, benches and racks can be scary when you don’t know how to use them.”
Selectorised kit provides a good alternative, not just for women but also for beginners and the elderly. Data from the Fitness Industry Supplier Association (FISA) shows that the demand for selectorised strength remains strong and has been growing at 9 per cent year on year.
Because movement is more limited, it can help exercisers focus on their form in a safe, controlled setting, especially at a time when more and more gyms are operating on a lower staffing model.
Selectorised machines can play a role in building confidence with weight training, requiring less experience and precision than free weights in terms of technique, weight selection and injury risk. We asked operators how they’re ensuring strength training appeals to all gym-goers.