Keiser Functional Trainer at OPP

So we've picked up a new toy for the clients of Okanagan Peak Performance Inc. Obviously it's not a toy but a tool. And we can use it for almost everything we need to do with a client. We can train for strength and power with it. We can move it all planes and angles. And we can track loads and watts to be able measure improvements.

What is this new tool?

It's a Keiser Functional Trainer. Here's a quick video to give you an idea of what it is.

http://youtu.be/P3FAFx4E_x0 So what makes this trainer so great? I mean, you've probably see cable columns at most commercial gyms before, right?

Well the difference is the versatility of the device as well as the ability to train for power. You can use each cable column independently or in tandem. You can use it for lower body and upper body. You can move through any angle and plane and extend the cable out 12 feet. So you can throw on a belt and do resisted cone drils.

But the maybe the best feature about the Keiser Functional Trainer is that you can train at a variety of speeds and loads. And you can quantify all of them.

Why does this matter?

Well imagine using a traditional cable column and performing an explosive movement such as an explosive row. The pin is positioned in the weight stack at a particular load to provide resistance. When a explosive movement is performed on a column of this type the stack crashes into the top of the column. Plus you have no way of knowing how much power you generated.

Now not only you not have the problem of the weight stack not crashing into the column at the top but you'll also be able to quantify your power outputs to measure gains from one workout to the next.

The unit has a digital display that shows what loads are being used as well as how power is being generated.

And so if there is no weight stack with pins what is the resistance? The unit runs off a compressor which is whisper quiet.

While the unit arrived before we went to California we  wanted to get through the business of our conference last weekend before setting it up. But once it's set up here are 5 great exercises you try out on it.

1. 1/2 Kneeling Chop - http://youtu.be/P4ZtGUZHvmY 2. 1/2 Kneeling Lift

3. Pallof Press

4. Kneeling Cross Over Pull

5. Reverse Lunge

We can't wait for you all to come in and test out this new tool. And if you need help running through any of the exercises listed above talk to one of the coaches and they'd be happy to help you out.

Chris                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Okanagan Peak Performance Inc.