The Matrix Connection Vol 1 Issue 9

430 South CP Avenue - PO Box 740 - Lake Mills, WI 53551 - Toll Free:(866) 693-4863 - F: (920) 648-6101

www.matrixfitness.com Volume 1, Issue 9 December 22, 2005

Wellness Programs: Corporate Fitness Centers on the Rise

by Tiffany Hoeye, Marketing

With increased media attention on obesity and heart disease, the demand for wellness programs continues to grow. Study after study suggests poor lifestyle factors as a leading cause of these diseases. The term “wellness” can apply to any program offering intended to help alleviate current health problems and prevent future problems.

The financial justification behind corporate wellness programs are:

Employees in good health are more productive than continually ill employees.
Preventing injuries or illness costs less than treating them after they occur.

Wellness programs encourage employees to change their behavior patterns and choose a healthier lifestyle. Corporations, like CarMax (images at left) and Molex (images at bottom) have taken the road less traveled and recently implemented new Matrix equipped employee fitness centers. Wellness programs often lead to increases in overall morale of the workforce, and help to recruit and retain the most effective, productive employees.

Although wellness programs can be costly, the costs are offset by a productive and happy workforce and a positive reputation for the employer. Not surprisingly, the University of Michigan reports that employers spending on wellness programs has grown from about $5 per employee in the 1980’s to around $60 today. Providers of wellness programs can be divided into three different groups: corporations, service-oriented organizations (such as YMCA’s), and private clubs.

From the corporate perspective, on-site facilities have the advantage of offering close monitoring and positive encouragement. Employees may also be more willing to use a facility before or after work, and during their lunch periods without ever leaving the premises. While some corporations may have the resources to implement a fitness facility on site, others do not and rely on fitness facilities in the area to provide health and wellness to their employees. Watch for next month’s Matrix Connection e-Newsletter to see how health clubs can benefit from these wellness partnerships.

A Radically Better and Smarter Training Solution

The Matrix Radius Arc Trainer (RAD Trainer) is ideally suited to address the industries’ growing trend towards greater functionality, and the desire from personal trainers for machines that adapt to the movement patterns of the user. At first glance, the Matrix Rad Trainer may look like a Smith Machine, but that is where the similarities end. The Matrix RAD trainer is an innovative design that combines the best of both worlds - the guidance of a traditional Smith Machine, with user-defined capabilities. The RAD Trainer recognizes the natural movement patterns of the body and that all bodies are different. The 22 selectorized settings offer user-determined fixed forward and back angles. Disengage the angle of range of motion stops, and the RAD Trainer follows the body’s natural motion throughout the exercise.

AROUND THE WORLD WITH MATRIX

NORTH AMERICA

Las Flores Middle School Las Flores, CA

Square Footage: Approximately 2,000 square feet

The Las Flores Middle School fitness facility was designed for 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade students to use during physical education class. The facility features Matrix strength and cardio equipment as well as mirrored walls, sound system, and three 42 inch plasma TV’s.

"The Matrix equipment is beautiful. There is not a lot of fitness equipment that is just nice to look at, but this stuff just pops. It functions really well and fits our middle school students appropriately. The cardio machines all have the same console which makes it easy for our students to use. Also, each strength training piece has a picture of the muscles effected and correct form on the machine. This is also very important for our students. When we started this project almost two years ago, I never dreamt that it would be of this quality."

- Matt Atilano, Las Flores Middle School Physical Education Instructor

ASIA

Miliorae Gym Dongdaemun, Korea

Square Footage: 7,100 square feet

With over 40 pieces of Matrix Selectorized Strength equipment, the Miliorae Gym has an open floor plan to create a spacious feeling for both the exercise and relaxation areas. Other amenities include a swimming pool, aerobic classroom, group exercise studio, Spa-salon, massage, kids club, show square and cafe bar.

"Our members are extremely satisfied with the performance of the Matrix machines, said Miliorae Gym's Owner. "And they will recommend their friends to join!"

EUROPE

SPUMP Vila do Conde, Portugal

Square Footage: Approximately 15,000 square feet

Established in 2005, the SPUMP Fitness & Spa has been attracting new members with its spacious floor plan and natural lighting. The facility offers a wide variety of Matrix equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, upright and recumbent cycles.

Other amenities include an aerobic classroom, group exercise studio, strength training area and Spa.

FACT: The owner of this facility has also purchased Matrix in the past for another gym in the area.