Thrive for Women Launches Heart Rate Technology Exercise Program

EXETER__Two of the top fitness trends of 2018, High Intensity Interval Training (HITT) and wearable technology, are being combined this winter at Thrive for Women.

Women taking part in the upcoming winter Weight Loss Challenge at Thrive will pilot a new heart rate training program called “OnBeat”, explained Club Director Cindy Govoni. Using personal heart rate monitors, participants and their personal trainers will get real time feedback during exercise, helping them achieve a more effective workout.

“The intensity of your heart rate during exercise plays a role in your metabolic rate. It contributes to how many calories you burn and whether you are burning fat or carbohydrates for fuel,” Govoni explained. “Whether your goal is to lose weight, increase strength or achieve a functional level of fitness, heart rate training is one of the most effective ways to help you reach your goals.”

Participants in the challenge will begin by registering their heart rate monitor with the fitness club’s MindBody program which will link them to OnBeat. Once linked, their heart rate monitors will be recognized by the program when they are in the club and participating in a heart rate designated class. Apple TV’s in group fitness areas will display real time heart rate numbers for each woman during exercise, making it possible for trainers to modify exercise to help women work within targeted heart rate zones.

After every class, members will be emailed their results while trainers and instructors will be sent a summary to continuously improve the members’ results. At the end of each week, participants will receive a summary email, including total calories burned.

A survey of more than 4,000 fitness professionals by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) found that HITT is forecast as 2018’s most popular trend in fitness. HIIT training is made up of bursts of all-out exercise followed by short periods of rest for recovery. Wearable technology, including heart rate monitors and fitness trackers, was projected as the third most popular trend for 2018. Incorporating heart rate monitoring during high intensity exercise can help you stay within the correct heart rate zone for your goals.

“The evidence is clear, when a person is exercising in her high performance zones for a sustained period of time, it is the most effective workout and the after burn, or calories still burning after the workout is done, is an added bonus,” Govoni said. “We are really excited to be the first in the area to launch this type of workout.”

HITT exercise routines are designed to stress the body in all the areas affected by exercise, from the heart to the muscle to the metabolic system. In response, the body is able to function more efficiently, which allows you to get into shape faster. Studies show that just five to 10 minutes of high-intensity exercise can deliver the same results as 45 minutes of moderate exercise can. High intensity workouts also cause your body to produce more epinephrine and human growth hormone (HGH), which have both been linked to fat burning.

Other top fitness trends for 2018 include group training, body weight training, strength training, yoga, working with a personal trainer and fitness programs for older adults.

Space is still available in the upcoming 10-week Weight Loss Challenge at Thrive, which begins on Jan. 22.

About Thrive for Women:

Thrive for Women, a full-service women’s fitness club, is located at 75 Portsmouth Avenue in Exeter next to On the Vine Marketplace. In addition to a schedule of over 50 classes per week, Thrive has a full range of equipment, weight loss programs, an infrared sauna, hydromassage bed and childcare. For more information go to http://thriveforwomen.com or call 603-772-3881.