Personal trainer Lorie Scott demonstrates the Typewriter Pushup. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/CELIA STOREY)
Fitness trends come and go, and the latest craze of small-group training has resulted in an explosion of fitness "studios." So these days, there are two distinct commercial club concepts that work from a business standpoint.
The first, and the most established model, is the multipurpose health club that occupies 15,000+ square feet, costs its members between $10 and $100 per month and offers all sorts of activities. Some examples of this model include 24 Hour Fitness, Equinox, and LA Fitness. These clubs tend to have large memberships, a huge amount of equipment, ample locker rooms, comprehensive group-exercise options and a fitness experience that's basically self-service.
This big-box model is inexpensive, relatively convenient and has something for everyone. It's comparable to shopping at a big-box retailer where you can buy everything from video games to soup.
Over the last 10 years, another model has grown in popularity. Fitness studios present a specialized experience that is decidedly less "vanilla" in comparison to the large multipurpose places.
These smaller clubs occupy less than 5,000 square feet, in most cases, and usually cost members more than $100 per month, depending on the concept and service option selected. Some examples of fitness studios include Orange Theory, Crossfit and SoulCycle, and there are regional franchises and mom-and-pop locals, too.
Most fitness studios capitalize on the advantages of small-group training, as members are required to register for specific classes offered at a set time and day. This allows the member to make a fitness "appointment," which helps with accountability. This type of model caters to those who prefer more direct instruction from a fitness professional without paying the high cost of personal training.
From my perspective, the growth of fitness studios is great for the fitness industry and the consumer. People have more choices than ever before, and competition always elevates the level of service across the board.
This week's exercise is a perfect addition for the interval-style workout format that is often used in fitness studios. The Typewriter Pushup is a great way to strengthen the upper body and core while performing a traditional exercise in a unique, nonlinear fashion.
1. Get into the "up" position of a pushup, except place your palms as far apart as you can without losing your posture. Tighten your abdominals.
2. Slowly move your chest toward your left hand by bending the left shoulder and elbow.
3. Continue lowering the chest until it's just a couple of inches off the floor and as close to the left hand as possible.
4. Slide your chest to the right while hovering it just above the floor until it reaches the right hand. Press back up into the starting position.
5. Repeat this same sequence, except move from right to left.
6. Perform five repetitions — if you can. And if you can, try two sets.
The Typewriter Pushup will definitely challenge even the most seasoned fitness enthusiast. If it's too intense, try modifying by not lowering the chest quite as far. Or, you could perform the exercise on your knees instead of your toes. Either way, the idea is to reduce the amount of resistance as you get comfortable with the movement pattern. It's a tough one! Enjoy!
Matt Parrott has a doctorate in education (sport studies) and a master's in kinesiology and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine.
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Style on 03/18/2019