Hydraulic Equipment used at Curves, et al.

muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 398 Location: New Castle, PA

Wasn't there a study a couple of years ago that these "hydraulic" pieces of equipment were passee and basically ineffective at building muscle mass?

Seems like every other day if another Curves isn't opening using this equipment, some other chain that uses the equipment is opening.

I'd like to create a library of articles that debunk the effectiveness of "Hyrdraulic" equipment or atleast evidence supporting real resistance training (i.e. weights) as a superior method of trianing.

Anyone have any good articles or references?

Thanks,

Dave

Kathi · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 15

Dave: ACE did a research are article awhile back.

http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/curves.aspxve

Joe Cannon MS CSCS · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 116 Location: Pennsylvania

I believe there was a study a few years ago that found that a curves workout burned about 350 calories per hour (don?t quote me on that number but its close I think).

As we all know, hydraulic equipment used in curves and other similar workout facilities use primarily concentric muscle actions which wont produce the same amount of strength as isotonic muscle actions that incorporate both concentric and eccentric movements. that being said, many women who go to Curves etc are not interested in growing maximally stronger (at least at first). Mostly they want a place where they can work out and have fun and meet new friends. Curves etc serves that purpose very well.

In time, some woman may want to grow stronger and opt to join a more traditional health club. If that happens, great, but for those who love curves etc, then the big issue is are they working out regularly? If the answer is yes, then this I feel is the big picture.
Joe Cannon, MS, CSCS
Visit me on the web: www.Joe-Cannon.com

mase5455 · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 35 Location: Canton, Michigan

Many women enjoy this equipment for the fact there is little to no eccentric component which will prevent much of the soreness associated with traditional equipment or free weights. As Mr. Cannon stated the size and strength gains will be much less than with traditional equipment, but the circut style of training used at curves can induce a good metabolic response and can be effective for many women.