Advanced Performance, Modern Look; Standard Issue on New Models

We are very pleased to officially announce the new look of the Marpo Rope Trainers. Aside from a more modern, angular profile, each machine has significant improvements on the inside.

"We are very proud of the ingenuity behind the design. The versatility of Marpo Rope Trainers really sets them apart from most other fitness equipment", says CEO, Marius Popescu. Each Rope Trainer employs a patented dynamic braking system. As opposed to a friction brake, the patented design optimizes resistance with each movement, allowing for real-time user feedback and smooth, gradual resistance in relation to the exertion applied. Translation: An intense workout, with minimal joint strain.

"The feedback that we've had from trainers has been extremely positive. Especially with the increased demand for functional workouts, upper-body cardio alternatives, and MMA style training, we feel uniquely qualified to respond to the needs of gyms. There simply isn't anything else that matches the excitement and performance that these machines provide. They've been dubbed the Swiss Army knives of the gym."

(Official Release)

Getting Ready

.@harrismith22 is getting ready for the 2013 season. twitter.com/Vikings/status…

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 30, 2013

#HungerGames

What other machine let's you escape a pack of Muttations using only the rope retrieved from fellow dead tributes survival pack. #HungerGames

— Marpo Kinetics (@MarpoKinetics) April 16, 2013

Can we look forward to seeing you at #IHRSA2013? Check us out Booth 2541 for demos, contests, swag and good times.youtube.com/watch?feature=…

— Marpo Rope Trainer (@MarpoKinetics) March 6, 2013

Put it in the History Books. Malloy Makes Her Mark

While some athletes made 2012 headlines for all the wrong reasons, there was an athlete that quietly toiled at her craft and came out on top. And by on top we mean, she became an Olympic champion, made it into the history books and rather than whooping it up in Vegas, went on a mission to bring her beloved sport of Judo into the national limelight. It has been a joy for those that know her to see USA Judo athlete Marti Malloy get her due. Deservedly, elected as Marpo's  first annual Athlete of the Year.

At the 2012 Olympics in London, Malloy lost to Romania’s Corina Caprioriu with just seven seconds left in the bout. “After losing the semifinal, it’s the hardest thing in the world to come back,” Malloy said. “You want to be mad and angry and upset, but my coach pulled me aside and said, ‘You came here to win. You lost a close match and if you really want to win you’re going to totally change your mindset and come back and focus on the bronze.’”

And she did just that. Malloy came back with an ippon to win the bronze medal in the women’s judo 57 kg class. Her first medal is the second for an American female and the 11th overall in U.S. Olympic judo history.

How has winning the bronze changed your life?
"Winning an Olympic bronze medal has changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined. The most significant change though would have to be my increased confidence as a judo player.By being successful on the Olympic stage I was able to realize that with the right tools,dedication and passion I can do anything I aspire to do.That confidence carries over into every aspect of my life. There isn't anything I don’t think I can do now that I have challenged myself and succeeded at what I think is the toughest competition on the planet".

Though judo is only second to soccer in worldwide popularity it has yet to achieve mainstream recognition in the United States. Since the Olympics, Marti has done numerous interviews and appearances, proudly representing as an ambassador for the sport of judo. Says Marti, "Even before I came close to making an Olympic team I strived to be one. I love judo and I love the ideals and principles it instills in its practitioners. Discipline, hard work, courage, respect and integrity are all things that you can learn from judo". 

Do you see Judo being perceived differently today as opposed to 5 years ago?
"Judo is slowly becoming more mainstream with former judo players breaking into other more popular martial-arts. For that reason, I think that people who formerly thought of judo as the sport that has the ‘judo chop’ are now realizing that there is no chopping and that judo players can do some pretty incredible things. I also think the perception about American judo specifically has changed. With Ronda Rousey winning the first Olympic medal for American women in judo in Beijing we have seen American judo players on the rise as top contenders in a lot more categories than we have in awhile. I think that where previously, knowing you were fighting an American first round at a tournament was like a walkover-it no longer is".

Unlike fellow judoka Rhonda Rhousey, Marti doesn't have any plans to follow up her Olympic win with a UFC career though some speculated on their own when a picture of her and UFC prez Dana White showed up on social media. Marti clarified with us saying, "I don’t have any plans to do MMA. I am however a huge fan of it and appreciate the athletic skill and sacrifice it takes to be successful in it. But the fact of the matter is that I have no aspiration to punch people or be punched, let alone be kicked or elbowed or any of that other painful stuff. Contrary to how it looks, when done properly judo is relatively painless and gentle.  I am a martial artist yes, but I prefer to be just a judo player. I also just don’t really feel any desire to learn or perfect the things that MMA would require but I do have fierce desire to perfect my judo".

We can however look forward to following her career as a judo athlete and anticipate the excitement to see her in 2016. "The coaching staff at USA Judo place a lot of focus on the young, up and coming athletes. Which is why I think people like myself, Kayla Harrison and Travis Stevens have been able to improve over the years. I think 2012 was just the start".

Ladies, Don't Believe the "I'll Get Bulky" Myth

Know any women who believe the myth that they will bulk up with weight training? They won't, but they will:

• Lose body fat
• Improve metabolism
• Improve body composition
• Protect against bone loss 
• Improve athletic performance
• Reduce risk of injury and back pain
• Reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes
• Improve mood

And it's never too late to start. Get the latest workout guides for the VLT Rope Trainer, including strength training sets. Stay strong, my friends. 

Meet Us On the Bayou

Join us this November 28 through December 1st for the Athletic Business Conference & Expo. The ABC Expo is the premier educational event and trade show for athletic, fitness and recreation professionals. Join us in booth 238 and take the Marpo Challenge. See why today's gyms have made  Marpo Rope Trainers the equipment of choice to provide the most effective and exciting functional training experience to their members and clients. 

Fitness veterans and those new to the industry are invited to join us for three invigorating days that will help make your organization — and your career — stronger than ever. Register as our guest today. We look forward to seeing you there!

Member Retention

Keeping members engaged and excited can be tough work. With gym owners constantly juggling other tasks it's easy to lose sight of the morale of your clientele. And when your memberships enthusiasm stagnates, their presence in the gym dwindles to a trickle. 

Promos and Events

How do you inject a bit of enthusiasm back into your gym? Scare 'em. Kidding. Ok, how about bring out the competitor in them? Members will appreciate the motivation and the excitement of an event will bring out the best in both trainers and members alike.

Coordinate a event, have member sign-ups and get your trainers talking. Before long, you've got members sharing their upcoming challenge with friends on their social networks and, hello, free buzz for your gym. You're welcome. 

One of our favorites natch, the Marpo Challenge. Take a look. Like what you see? Send us a message and we'll work with you to promote and share your Official Marpo Challenge and even share your results online.

Be Well,

Team Marpo

Be Our Guest at Club Industry, Las Vegas

Get connected, equipped and inspired. The Club Industry Show and Conference puts all the latest and greatest equipment, technology and techniques under one roof October 11th and 12th in Las Vegas. 

We invite you as our VIP guest to come visit us at Marpo Kinetics booth 1727 and take the Marpo Challenge, see the newest models of the VMX , V250, VLT and Vector Rope Trainers and check out the extended training programs and events. 

 

The Fit Expo Highlights and a visit from Olympian Marti Malloy

 

At The Fit Expo in San Jose, the Marpo booth was a non-stop riot of fitness and fun. The 60-Second Challenge attracted contestants from all ages and demonstrated how exhilarating fitness can be.

"It's a great workout. Tough, but great," said one Expo attendee. A sentiment echoed my the many that came by to try their hand at a the 60-Second Challenge, where contestants attempt to pull the greatest distance on the VMX Rope Trainer in one minute. "This machine is phenomenal. If you want a great cardio workout... this machine is for you", says Dr. Miguel Pagan of MPower Chiropractic.

Also present in the booth was president and founder of Marpo Kinetics, Marius Popescu. Marius is the inventor of the Marpo Rope Trainers and a former competitive judo athlete, winning national titles and serving as an Olympic alternate for the 1996 Olympic Judo team.  "Marpo Rope Trainers were developed for functionality. We do grip work, upper body strength and endurance training using them. It's all about efficiency and safety", says Marius.

So it was one of the highlights of the day when US Olympic athlete, Marti Malloy stopped by the Marpo booth to check in with fellow judoka Marius Popescu. "Marti is an amazing young athlete. She has earned her place as an Olympian and I'm sure we will see much more from her in years to come. She's talented, disciplined and a hard worker; she's got everything it takes to make it", says Marius of his old friend and fellow judoka.

For more information on Challenges and Marpo Rope Trainers for your gym, contact us today.

UFC Fan Expo Presents the UFC Challenge featuring Marpo Rope Trainers

The fans came out in droves to see their favorite fighters at the UFC Fan Expo in Las Vegas, NV where UFC Gym, in partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, hosted its first-ever UFC GYM Challenge.

“UFC GYM is thrilled to be a part of the highly anticipated UFC Fan Expo and allow UFC and MMA enthusiasts the opportunity to put their skills to the test,” said Adam Sedlack, senior vice president of UFC GYM.

"The Marpo rope pull units were a true hit. (They) were certainly creating a buzz on the workout floor!" says Andrea Ausmus, UFC Gym Trainer who helped contestants through the grueling challenge.

Contestants battled it out against fellow contenders in two days of sweat-dripping and heart-pumping physical challenges including bouts on the VMX Rope Trainer. UFC Gym trainers crowned the first-ever UFC GYM Challenge champion. The top three male and female finishers were awarded a cash prize and UFC merchandise.

Gyms are finding these challenges to be a great way to boost memberships and create buzz. Learn how Marpo can energize your gym space.

Workout of the Week: Swimmers Stroke

Want to be the fastest in the pool?

Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

Strengthening your lats is key. The latissimus dorsi, meaning ‘broadest muscle of the back’, is the larger, flat, dorso-lateral muscle on the trunk, posterior to the arm, and partly covered by the trapezius on its median dorsal region. The latissimus dorsi is responsible for extension, adduction, transverse extension also known as horizontal abduction, flexion from an extended position, and (medial) internal rotation of the shoulder joint. It also has a synergistic role in extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine.

Put simply, your lats are what help propel you through the water.

Using the VMX Rope Trainer:

Double Overhead Pull
(A straight-vertical pull down while sitting, one arm at a time with an underhand grip, isolating rear rotators, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, biceps, triceps, and subscapularis)

Double Fly Overhead Pull
(A straight-vertical pull down in a fly motion while sitting, isolating rear rotators, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, subscapularis, triceps, biceps, and abdominals)

Straight Arm Deltoid Pull
(Standing approximately 2 feet beside the bench, a single arm pulls down on the rope, isolating triceps, latissimus dorsi, deltoids, and abdominals)

Double Underhand Pull
(Bending horizontally at the waist over the bench with the VMX's adjustable carriage in the lowest position, a combined horizontal pull with one hand in a supinated grip and the other in a pronated grip - isolates biceps, triceps, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius)

 

It's a bit like swimming through mud. The extension and abduction as you pull and follow through will engage all the necessary muscles to help you to be the powerhouse of the pool.

Eliminate Neck and Back Strain with this Ab Workout

Everyone wants washboard abs.

The Problem: Traditional abdominal workouts can put strain on the neck and back, making it difficult for some and, at best, risky for most.

The Solution: On the VLT or V250 Rope Trainer remove the quick-release seat (as shown here) and set the resistance to a comfortable level. Grip the rope above your head and pull down, engaging and contracting each abdominal muscle group. Alternate sides and strengthen the obliques.

This workout will not only allow you to move freely between muscle groups, but you will be able to safely and effectively engage each area of your abdominals without unnecessary strain on your neck or lower back.

A strong, balanced core is one of the best ways to improve posture, increase energy and avoid injury. Through exercise and proper nutrition, carrying less weight in your middle region reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease - plus, you'll be ready to show off those ribbed abs!

Seeing Is Believing

The turnout at the IHRSA Trade Show was overwhelming!

Seeing is believing. We knew when you tried the V250, VLT, VMX and Vector Rope Trainers you would see what all the fuss is about. The Marpo Rope Trainers have become increasingly popular for their versatility,  performance and their unparalleled ability to make fitness fun and exciting again.

See for yourself why Marpo Rope Trainers attract and retain more members and provide the most versatile, high-performance workout experience available today.

Meet us in Hollywood! Free Passes to IHRSA 2012

Make sure you're the first to know about our exciting new announcements at the 31st Annual IHRSA convention in Los Angeles. Be in the front row when we unveil the latest developments from the leader in rope training fitness.

Visit us in Booth 239, March 14-17, for hands-on demonstrations, answers to all of your questions and a meet and greet with the developers of the industry-acclaimed Marpo Rope Trainers. Don't wait! Sign up for your free passes today!

Which Model is Right For You?

Many were introduced to Marpo Rope Trainers on NBC's The Biggest Loser. The innovative equipment can best be described as upper-body treadmills with the benefits of rope climbing/pulling and then some. The innovative design builds on the principles of free motion exercise and effectively allow for a variety of conditioning and rehabilitative applications.


The V250 Rope Trainer (shown left) allows for full reach for even taller users, a true rope-climbing feel for grip strength and upper body training as well as bi-directional rope pull for full body workouts.



The VMX Rope Trainer with variable rope height allows for a wide range of applications. Pull overhand or underhand at three different angles, with the seven resistance settings to train for strength or endurance for any number of workout combinations and athletic training programs.

The VLT Rope Trainer, like the V250, has a quick release seat for wheelchair accessibility and bi-directional rope pull for full body conditioning, but accommodates areas with restrictive ceiling heights and is ADA certified (tax credit eligible) as a bonus incentive, making it a popular choice for chiropractic, physical therapy and general fitness facilities alike.





The Vector Rope Trainer with the many of the same strength and cardio conditioning benefits the Vector is a portable and lighter weight unit - an excellent choice for classes or where portability is a must.

See the Workout Programs for details and trainer-approved instruction. Want to submit your training video/tips? Contact us today!

YMCA stretches and strengthens with facility featuring Marpo Rope Trainers among it's updated layout

The long-awaited expansion project at the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez is complete.
The 29,000-square-foot YMCA “total health” center features all new state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength equipment, including a stretching area, three large flat-screen TVs, and a Marpo rope trainer, like the one seen on the “Biggest Loser” TV show.

The Santa Ynez location will hold a member reception on March 28, 2012 to answer any questions and teach the community more about what to expect from the "Y".



(Read more about the facility here)

Train to Smile

There are those gyms where you can't help but get caught up in the energy of the environment. Fun, health-conscious dynamos encourage you to have fun and be your health-conscious best. A motivational haven, where eating well, moving your body and pushing past your comfort level is all just a part of the celebration of wellness.

At Train to Smile in Italy, the feel-good vibe is infectious and head trainer Massimo Rugalo is a champion for functional training using the VLT and Vector Rope Trainers, continuously developing training programs to keep his members motivated. "These machines are so special...super workouts. Our clients are so happy", says Massimo. Train to Smile has established itself as much more than a place to work out. Mossimo and team are a shining example that with the right tools, attitude and trainers any gym can be a fitness powerhouse.

Knee Pain and Upper Body Cardio

Knee pain is a persistent problem for many people. Don't let knee pain become an excuse for not breaking a sweat at least three times a week. According to the AMA, breaking a sweat at least 150 minutes per week is their basic guideline for physical activity. Break it up however it best suits you, but get it in. No Excuses!

Add to that statistic the fact that Canadian researches have reported that just 30 minutes of intense exercise per week can reduce blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours after each exercise session and help prevent post-prandial spikes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

What can you do if your knees don't want to cooperate with your good intentions to seek better health? Seek out a local facility and inquire about the use of an upper body cardio trainer such as the VLT Rope Trainer. TheVLT is a compact model Rope Trainer and because the seat has a quick release feature it can even allow for wheelchair access. In the U.S., the VLT Rope Trainer is ADA compliant allowing the purchaser to receive a 50% tax credit.

Give a call or send an email today and find a location near you to start getting the cardio benefits your body needs. 

'Tis the Season

Tis the season for giving and the mad rush to purchase heaps of toys, ill-fitting sweaters and other merchandise that we can't live without is upon us. In the spirit of true giving, may we suggest a gym membership?

Many gyms will offer memberships that last from one month to a year. It's a great way to support your local fitness establishment and great for all ages. What better way to show you care than to invest in the health of a loved one? So, whether you're trudging thought malls or surfing the web endlessly for bargains, consider a gift that can truly keep on giving.

Wishing you the best this holiday season,
Team Marpo

We've Got Your Back

Aside from fitting better in your jeans, the benefits of a strong back are numerous:

• reduce the risk of injury and chronic back pain
• properly aligned spine
• increased strength and flexibilty

If you're looking for back exercises that provide a balanced and low risk workout, look no further. We've got your back.

Member Retention: Your 4-point Inspection

The holidays are upon us and the New Year's Resolution crowd will soon make their annual run to the gym to work off the holiday pounds. However, no gym owner enjoys the eventual drop-off rate, so to assist with avoiding the member cancellations we offer you these pro-active planning tips to assist in retaining your newly acquired members:

Can Your Equipment Multi-task? If you still have row after row of single taskers (you know the ones I mean), you may want to ask yourself, "Can my members get the same workout running around my gym as they can in it?" Marpo Rope Trainers go from being your gym's upper body treadmill and cardio powerhouse to your trainer's functional training station.

Can We Have A Little Fun? Existing members love them and new members are drawn to them. We're talking about events and competitions. Nothing will drum up enthusiasm for your gym quite like a Rope Trainer Challenge. If you don't have a Rope Training station in your gym, get one, or your members will find it elsewhere.

Make it Personal. Your members will think twice about cancelling a membership where they have a personal membership with the staff and an interest in the programs. Getting get your staff in tune with your member's needs . Whether they're there for weight loss, rehabbing their tennis elbow or training to compete in the next Olympics, your members are your gyms most valuable asset.

Get More Bang for Your Equipment Buck. Members and gym owners both want membership dollars going towards items that bring them a return on their investment. Non-electric, small footprint, low maintenance, fun and it attracts new members? With Marpo your ahead of the game on every front. Add to that training programs, event and program support and customer service that isn't satisfied unless you're satisfied and your set to conquer in the new year.

Make your next investment in health and fitness count and get in touch today.

The Fitness Industry's "Sliced Bread"?

Marpo has done a lot over the last 6 years, mainly with just word-of-mouth buzz and an amazing, charismatic and dedicated customer base. Everyone from chiropractors to swim coaches to Wounded Warriors have given Marpo Rope Trainers such enthusiastic praise over the years I don't think even the equipment developers saw it coming. So when we read the article by MotionSoft EVP, Hossein Noshirvani, we totally expected to see Marpo Rope Trainers as one of the products that qualify as a "since sliced bread" innovation.

When the first "rope climber" was developed, the athletes and kinesiologists that developed it were so excited when testing the product to find that it was proving to be such a groundbreaker in functional training. They heard over and over again that this was what the medical market had been waiting for and incorporated it into rehabilitation programs as "upper body treadmills". The US Military became one of the largest early adopters as it enhanced their combat training protocols. And when the trainers at NBC's The Biggest Loser saw them at a US Marine base in California, their response was an ecstatic "we gotta have it".

Wheelchair accessibility, free range of motion, and versatility that doesn't quit. Even the Crossfitters started paying attention - and they don't even like using fitness equipment. To expand on Hossein's newly-coined term, Marpo "Improverator-ed" the heck out of the rope you climbed in gym class.

As anyone who has ever used the VMX, V250, VLT or Vector has found out, it is clear that Marpo Rope Trainers go WAY beyond rope climbing simulation. If you don't believe me, try it out yourself or listen to someone who has.

So, yea, I think as far as the whole best thing since sliced bread concept goes the Rope Trainers by Marpo Kinetics are pretty damn sweet and can accomplish whatever task physical therapists, personal trainers and sports coaches can demand of it. Plus it's a helluvalotta fun. What I would love to know is what is your favorite Marpo Workout.

We've Got Your Tickets for Club Industry 2011!

Get your tickets here!
 
When? October 12-14, 2011

Where? McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

What? We'll be doing demonstrations, answering your questions and discussing training programs all day. Come by booth 639 and let us show you the Ropes!

Olympic Hopeful's Secret Weapon

It was the 2009 Charlotte UltraSwim, most folks had their attention tuned to Michael Phelps' return to competition. But it was 17-year-old Dagny Knutson who nearly stole the show, winning the most individual events at the four-day meet. In fact, Knutson beat Olympic medalist Katie Hoff by two full seconds on the 200-meter freestyle and .12 seconds on the 400-meter freestyle. Katie Hoff holds the U.S. records in both the 200 and the 400.

Knutson attributes her success to her intense training sessions with both her swim coach and her dry land trainer, Jason Blackburn. Blackburn has developed an intense workout regimen and has achieved incredible results for Knutson using the VMX Rope Trainer. Blackburn relies on the VMX for this training program:

Dagny's VMX Rope Training           Duration                         Resistance Level

Double Overhead Pull                      15 seconds                   1-4

(A straight-vertical pull down while sitting, one arm at a time with an underhand grip, isolating rear rotators, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, biceps, triceps, and subscapularis)

Double Fly Overhead Pull                15 seconds                   1-4

(A straight-vertical pull down in a fly motion while sitting, isolating rear rotators, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, subscapularis, triceps, biceps, and abdominals)

Straight Arm Deltoid Pull                 15 seconds                   1-4

(Standing approximately 2 feet beside the bench, a single arm pulls down on the rope, isolating triceps, latissimus dorsi, deltoids, and abdominals)

Double Underhand Pull                15 seconds                    1-4

(Bending horizontally at the waist over the bench with the VMX's adjustable carriage in the lowest position, a combined horizontal pull with one hand in a supinated grip and the other in a pronated grip - isolates biceps, triceps, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius)

Blackburn tracks the distance pulled with the digital display on the machine to measure progress. “The VMX has been an integral part of Dagny’s success as one the top female swimmers in the US. The versatility of the VMX has allowed Dagny to train more stroke specific than any other piece of equipment that is on the market today”.


Blackburn has no doubt in the results he’s seen, "I highly recommend this machine to take your swimmer to the next level."

Looking for Rope Climbing Alternatives, Marpo Delivers All That and More

Steve Baldwin, owner and trainer at Just Strength Training, is no newcomer to training methods and techniques. Training and competing in Olympic and Powerlifting competitions for over 40 years, Baldwin has a dedicated following as a private strength coach and trusted strength and conditioning advisor. So when Baldwin decided to add a climbing rope to his gym he weighed his options and did his homework.

Aware of the benefits of rope training exercise as an effective grip and  upper-body workout, Stephen thought of hanging a 20-foot rope in his gym, but concerns associated with the risks of using a ceiling-suspended rope, the uncertain appeal to members, installation and maintenance concerns, made him question his initial decision.

"I like rope climbing, but a ceiling rope would not be very useful as not too many of my members can use it in their routines and I'd be concerned for the safety of those who can." Serving many clients with injuries that prevented them from using traditional cardio and strength exercise equipment, Baldwin's other challenge was to provide an optimal training tool while considering the many individual needs and abilities of his clients. As an early adopter of the V250 Rope Trainer, Baldwin found that it would not only allow his clients to reap the benefits of rope climbing, but offered a variety of other benefits as well.

Opening up a whole new way to train has made Just Strength Training a local destination for serious fitness. With a free range of motion and a unique dynamic resistance mechanism, Marpo Rope Trainers have allowed Baldwin to offer all of his clients an intense functional strength and cardio conditioning workout while maintaining a high standard of safety. Steve now uses the V250 and Vector Rope Trainers to help active older adults stay in shape as well as a rehabilitative tool to help members recover from injuries and increase flexibility and strength. Using the Rope Trainer

"My customers are in their late 50's and early 60's, some with injuries," adds Baldwin about the challenges of training people of various abilities and mobility.  "The Rope Trainers give them a great strength and cardio workout. They're very orthopedic-friendly machines."

Stephen now incorporates the Rope Trainers into every one of his clients workouts. Since integrating them into his gym, Stephen has been able to offer his members an exercise option that was previously out of their reach, boosting customer satisfaction and increasing retention. Word-of-mouth referrals and user feedback about the machine now draws new prospects to the gym, providing Stephen with a strong marketing tool to grow his business.

"I can't say enough good things about Marpo Rope Trainers. My customers love them, everyone uses them. They're a great, user-friendly alternative to the climbing ropes that I used to have."

VLT Rope Trainer gives rehabilitative fitness and physical therapy an ideal solution

While fitness magazines headlines tend to highlight swimsuit season as an incentive to staying in shape, keeping your body tuned up is a vital component to improving or sustaining your quality of life.

Almost everyone will experience limited mobility at some point due to injury other ailment, and about 1.6 million Americans use wheelchairs.

Dr. Robert Nishime, Head Team Physician for USA JUDO and their Olympic Team, treats athletes and his regular patients with a unique and comprehensive approach that his years in the field and on the mat have given. “We emphasize strengthening and flexibility as well as proprioception. With the Marpo Kinetics Rope Trainer we're able to meet a lot of these goals. Especially in terms of strengthening the core as well as the scapulothoracic areas - one of the essential areas we try to focus on especially with shoulder and spinal disorders.”

Dr. Nishime uses the VLT Rope Trainer in a variety of ways to suit the needs of his patients and to improve the performance of the athletes he serves with sport specific rehabilitation services. An added benefit to the VLT is the available tax credit from the ADA which amounts to 50% of the purchase cost. Consider this benefit along with the VLT's versatility and ability to perform as an ideal rehabilitative tool and it becomes clear why the VLT Rope Trainer has become the standard for re- and pre-habilitative fitness.

Find out more about the VLT Rope Trainer and the available ADA tax credit.

Tabata Protocol on the VMX Rope Trainer

The Tabata Protocol

Recently we've been hearing a lot about the Tabata protocol. It is a type of high intensity interval training similar to the HIIT programs you are probably familiar with. We wanted to try it out for ourselves with one of our Rope Trainers and we recorded the results.

What is Tabata? The basic Tabata protocol is composed of a 5 minute warm-up, a 4 minute core workout with intervals of high intensity for 20 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest, ending with a 2 minute cool-down period.

Mike Feeney, Exec. VP of New Evolution Ventures, and His Success with Marpo Kinetics Rope Trainers

A recent IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report, shows that while fitness program membership has remained stable at about 45.3 million people during the ongoing recession, gym owners need to up their game and focus on member retention and engagement to drive non-dues spending and maximize their profitability.

Club Sport Pleasanton; The Right Equipment Makes all the Difference

Ahmad Ahmadzia, Wellness Director at Club Sport in Pleasanton, CA demonstrates why Marpo Rope Trainers are their personal trainers secret weapon when helping their members feel the burn.

"For the amount of utility space it takes up, you get more out of it", says Ahmad. "As a trainer, when I have my own clients on (the Marpo Rope Trainer) we focus on 1-minute of high of intensity pulls, then jump straight into squats, jump in and do something else. You go back to back to back, keep your heart rate up, 30 second break, then boom, you're right into again. You can knock out ten different muscle groups, ten different types of exercises in a matter of minutes, versus bringing in ten pieces of bulky equipment... and using up all your floorspace."

Have a story you'd like to share? Let us know how your gym is helping change the face of fitness with Marpo Rope Trainers.

Recommended by R-Med!

Even though you may not speak Hungarian, you can easily tell you that the folks are at R-Med in Hungary were very pleased with the addition of the VMX Rope Trainer to their gym floor. Their trainers make great use of the Workout Programs and of the VMX's free range of motion and sliding carriage.

Gold's Gym International Franchisee Convention

Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler, with Tetsu Okano
at the 2011 Gold's Gym Franchisee Convention

Stronger Future Together is the theme at the Gold's Gym International Franchise Convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino being held this year. Franchise owners are spending three days at the annually held convention to gain and share knowledge and best practices to maintain the Gold's Gym standard as one of the world's leading gyms.

Marpo Kinetics' Director of Sales, Tetsu Okano, visited the convention to discuss strategies to help gym owners position themselves in a changing economy. "Market knowledge is key. Gym members are aware of gimmicks and look to their gyms to provide the full package when helping them meet their fitness goals. Marpo Kinetics has the products and programs to help support that," says Okano.

ADA certified, multi-use equipment, exercise guides and event and social media support are just some of the ways that Marpo has been helping gym owners get the results they need, but their industry acclaimed Rope Trainers, equipment made hugely popular thanks to their inclusion on NBC's The Biggest Loser, are a gym owners secret weapon to keeping pace with market demands.

"New equipment is the most fundamental and effective way for club owners to retain it's clients as well as gain new membership. Multi-functional tools, like our Rope Trainers, are a gym owners best bet when choosing pieces that will give them the most for budget," says Marius Popescu, former elite athlete and president of Marpo Kinetics.

The innovative VMX Rope Trainer not only catches the eye of members, but gives gyms the opportunity to flex their knowledge of cutting edge training techniques. Any trainer can go to Marpo product support pages for exercise guides and come off looking like a rock star. The free range of motion allows for plyometric work, cardio and strength conditioning. As far as versatility and efficiency go, there's nothing else like it. The ADA-certified VLT Rope Trainer lets gym owners take advantage of tax credits and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that gyms are serving members of all needs. A quick release, levitating platform is an extremely cool feature of the the V250 Rope Trainer which has been a staple of military training programs and has since seen wide acceptance in mainstream gyms.

"Most people go to the gym seeking advice on getting fit, losing weight or training for sports and it's up to the trainers and gym owners to step up to the plate as experts in their field. A gym owner can not expect to keep up with the demands of today's market with the same old layouts and programs. People are smart enough to know that if they can get the same workout running past your gym, they'll have no reason to take a look inside," adds Popescu.

In addition to their intelligently designed line of equipment, another great aspect of working with a supplier like Marpo is their product support. Their Rope Trainer Challenges have evolved from training and attention getting expos to annual stand alone events that draw in new members and have seasoned members and trainers alike excited to be a part of a training revolution. It is truly an exceptional business model when a supplier works together with gyms to build stronger futures the way Marpo has.

2011 IHRSA Madness: Marpo Kinetics Rope Trainer

At the the 30th annual IHRSA convention Marius Popescu, President and Founder of Marpo Kinetics, put David and Madison of the The Fit Test Dummies through the paces of the Marpo Rope Trainers.

Many came to know this innovative fitness equipment on Season 10 of NBC's The Biggest Loser. The fitness machines were spotted by the BL trainers, Bob and Jillian, at the US Marine Base at Camp Pendleton where they have several on hand as part of their basic training and conditioning. "You can workout your total body. It's all about efficiency and safety", says Marius. As early adopters of the equipment, the US military, were quick to see their many benefits.

"If you teach people about this and all the different exercises you they can do on this, their going to have to get 10 for their gym", says David. While the V250 Rope Trainer is, as David points out, "like actually climbing a rope in your gym", it does much more as well. The seat easily removes so you can from an upper-body rope pull to a leg and glute burning deadlift in the time it takes to wipe the sweat from your brow. 

In addition to the unparalleled workout these machines provide, gym owners have had huge success incorporating Marpo Rope Trainers into their gyms and are a staple of many commercial fitness clubs as well as athletic training programs for the NFL and NHL.

To learn more, check out the video below and view details for each Marpo Rope Trainer model plus Workout Programs at http://www.marpokinetics.com/workouts.html.

Climb Your Way to Being Fit

Photo: Leah Hennel, Pete Estabrooks works out
on the VMX Multi-Mode Rope Trainer

Climbing-rope days at gym class were character builders. There was nothing so intimidating as having to handhaul my scantly muscled body all the way to the rafters, an activity whose success meant I was stranded a long way from the floor, incredibly tired, with only two options available: fall or climb down.

However, the upper-body strength and endurance garnered from climbing rope had benefits for almost every activity we did back then -and those we want to do now as active adults.

What is it?
The VMX Multi-Mode Rope Trainer is basically a bench with an adjustable vertical tower that houses a continuously revolving rope. It is a treadmill for the upper body that offers rope climbing and its benefits to the masses.
Climbing rope has long been one of the most effective ways to develop complete upper-body strength, endurance and intramuscular co-ordination.
This varied-resistance, multiposition rope trainer allows participants to develop upper-body strength and endurance in a number of positions and through a number of exercises incrementally.
The VMX bench with longitudinal rope tower allows for pulling overhand and underhand at three different angles, while the seven resistance settings let the user train for strength or endurance or a combination of both.

Who would this appeal to?
This is an amazing machine for anyone wanting to develop the upper-body strength and endurance necessary in almost any sport or activity. Those who are stuck in a treadmill/step-mill/ elliptical rut will love having a cardiovascular alternative.

Who would hate this?
If you thought your bad knees, bad hip, bad ankles or bad feet were a perfect excuse for not having a cardio workout agenda, you are absolutely going to hate this.

What is the klutz factor?
With a heavy-duty longitudinal bench, the chances of falling from the rope and hurting yourself are nil. But you have to make sure that you are always posturally aligned to ensure no undue stress is placed on your lower back.

As with any new fitness activity, too much too soon will leave you too sore. The VMX trainer comes with cardio and strength-training programs; follow the directions and pay attention to your body's cues and everything should work out in your favour.

Pete Estabrooks BPE/The Fitness Guy is a personal trainer and writer plying his trade in Calgary at Pro Bodies Fitness in Marda Loop, and virtually everywhere in the world from petesclass.com.

Reprint from © Calgary Herald 2011

Train Like your Life Depends On It

If you think reaching your fitness goals is tough, consider those of a firefighter. More than any other occupation, firefighters routinely rely on bursts of strength in emergency settings - all while wearing over 50 pounds of safety gear and equipment! With so much at stake, firefighters have coined the saying "Let no man’s ghost return to say his training let him down".

"We use the VMX Rope Trainer as part of our training because it fits so well with what we do. It’s extremely versatile and an important piece of our functional training," says Kevin Butler, Battalion Chief at Woodside Fire Protection.

"Plyometric training (designed to produce fast, powerful movements) is an essential part of our fitness training and there aren’t many pieces of fitness equipment out there that accommodate that. Marpo Rope Trainers fit the bill," adds Butler.
   
Aside from the dangers and demands of their job, firefighters battle the same challenges of stress and weight management that we all share. In fact, more firefighters die of heart problems than fighting fires. In 2010, 54 of the 87 firefighter deaths recorded by the U.S. Fire Administration were heart-related. The health statistics for the civilian population aren’t much better with heart disease and stroke claiming the lives of more than 750,000 Americans just last year.

"Being in optimal physical shape is absolutely a lifesaver for those that work as EMTs, law enforcement officers, and firefighters. We are very proud to be able to provide equipment that makes such a difference in their ability to perform their jobs well and remain injury free," says Marius Popescu, President and Founder of Marpo Kinetics.

Certainly, every one of us needs to mindful of maintaining good health. When your job duties demand it, it is best to leave nothing to chance. Battalion Chief Butler summed it up best, saying "I’m always reminding the men and women of our department to train as if their life depends on it - because it does!"

To find out more about Marpo Rope Trainers contact a representative at 925-606-6919 or email getfit@marpokinetics.com.

UFC Gym and Marpo Kinetics Present Second Marpo-Daily Ultimate Training (DUT) Challenge

UFC® GYM™ , the first major brand extension of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, has partnered with Marpo Kinetics, the world's authority on rope training, to present a second MARPO DUT (Daily Ultimate Training) Challenge. This challenge event will take place at UFC Gym's flagship location at 1975 Diamond Boulevard in Concord, CA on January 29th at 10:00am as part of UFC Gym's 1 Year Anniversary Celebration. Members of the community are invited to participate in the MARPO-DUT Challenge and to experience this one-day event featuring special demonstrations and autograph sessions with UFC stars Cain Velasquez and Josh Koscheck, as well as giveaways including tickets to UFC 126, UFC Gym prize packages, and more.

VMX and VLT Rope Trainers by Marpo Kinetics featured on NBC's "The Biggest Loser"

Viewers of  season 10 of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" have taken note of one of the most distinct fitness innovations of recent years. Marpo Kinetics Rope Trainers have been integrated into the contestants' workouts in season ten of "The Biggest Loser". The top-rated reality show challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. "The Biggest Loser" finale airs Tuesday, December 14, (9-11 p.m. ET) on NBC.

This season, the contestants were able to experience a training session at the US Marine Base at Camp Pendleton. It was there that trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper spotted the Marpo Rope Trainers and selected them for inclusion in the Biggest Loser gym. "They saw [the Marpo Rope Trainers] in our fitness facility, asked how we use them and where they could get them. We use them as a part of our functional training", said Joe Artino, fitness program supervisor at Semper Fit, MCCS Camp Pendleton.

"The Marpo Rope Trainers were developed with versatility and efficiency in mind ", says Marius Popescu, President of Marpo Kinetics. "They are much more than rope climbing simulators; they are functional training tools that optimize strength and cardio conditioning. They're excellent for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and plyometric training, while safe to use for people of all fitness levels".

Marpo Rope Trainers have received fitness industry praise for their versatile equipment worldwide, nominated for the 2009 Innovation Award for their VMX Rope Trainer. To learn more about how Marpo Rope Trainers can transform your training programs and bring functional fitness into your facility visit their site at www.marpokinetics.com.

About Marpo Kinetics
Marpo Kinetics is the world's authority on rope training for strength, cardio and rehabilitative health and fitness. Renowned for their intense and highly customizable workouts, Marpo Kinetics' V250, VLT, VMX and Vector Rope Trainers were designed to allow your body to train the way it was designed to move. With distributors in over 25 countries worldwide, gyms and fitness facilities everywhere have come to rely on Marpo Kinetics for providing premier functional training tools that maximize efficiency and surpass performance over standard exercise equipment with their patented Dynamic Resistance Adjustment (DRA) design.
As a supplier to all branches of the United States military, professional sports teams, commercial gyms and hospitals; Marpo Rope Trainers are the industry standard for providing the most efficient, versatile and safe workout experience available. Marpo Rope Trainers have revolutionized and optimized functional training.

About The Biggest Loser
The Biggest Loser airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 pm (ET). The first reality series where everybody "loses," The Biggest Loser challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Hosted by Alison Sweeney, the series provides the contestants with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until the final contestant remains to claim the title of "the biggest loser." Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. The Biggest Loser is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions.

Beyond the U.S. where more than 100 episodes of the show have aired, The Biggest Loser has become a worldwide hit appearing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. Since its debut in 2004, The Biggest Loser has grown to become a standalone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Anchored by the online, subscription-based extension of the show, Biggestloserclub.com, from Rodale, The Biggest Loser consumer products program has generated over $100 million in spending, with presence at more than 25,000 major retailers to date. The program currently features a wide variety of health and fitness products including The Biggest Loser video game for Wii and Nintendo DS & DSi, The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge, which is a full-service, destination health & fitness spa, The Biggest Loser Meal Plan, a New York Times best-selling books series, a best-selling fitness DVD series, a line of appliances, fitness equipment, protein supplements and several other health and lifestyle based products. The Biggest Loser was recognized as a top brand of the year in Advertising Age's 2008 Marketing 50. Check out www.biggestloser.com for more information.

Jack Lalanne’s Lessons Live On at Fitness Playground

Lawrence Phillips’ ever-growing list of clientele don’t want to spend an hour doing the same old thing to get the same old results. LP’s foundation in training came from the fitness industry’s patron saint and pioneer Jack Lalanne. “Move your body vigorously for 20-30 minutes… doing something different every time and you’ll get a better result” says Phillips. LP knows what he’s talking about. After 32 years in the business, the folks he trains keep coming back for more, giving LP an almost cult-like following that any gym owner or manager would envy. “I have been training with Team LP Fitness for over nine years. It has made a dramatic impact on my physical and mental attitude. It has made my own workouts more effective and given me more energy for work and play”, says one Team LP devotee.

Marpo UFC Daily Ultimate Training Challenge

The Challengers

Members of UFC Gym's Daily Ultimate Training program are tough.  Sure, by day they're the guy in the next cubicle, or the lady driving the minivan to pick up her kids from school - but here in the gym, they're jumping, squatting, throwing, pulling fitness rockstars - and cheering each other on all the way.

So you can imagine that when you invite over 40 D.U.T. team members to challenge the stopwatch, each other, and their own personal bests to compete for the top spots in the first ever Marpo D.U.T. Challenge, sparks are going to fly! 

VLT Rope Trainer draws a crowd for Princeton University Fitness Event

   
To: Marpo Kinetics
Fr: Matt Brzycki

Re: VLT rope climber


Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, Fitness
Princeton University, Dillon Gymnasium


Dear Marpo Kinetics team,

I've worked at the collegiate level since 1983. Currently, I manage the Stephens Fitness Center and Cardio Annex (located in Dillon Gymnasium) at Princeton University. This is the main fitness facility on campus for the students, faculty and staff. During the school year, we get as many as 1,200 usages or more per day. Although our primary users are 18- to 22-year old students, we also get a fair share of older faculty, staff and spouses.

In the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to take the VLT for a test drive at The Pingry School (Martinsville, NJ). Based on that experience and feedback that I received from several trusted colleagues, we purchased a unit a few months later.

The popularity and functionality of the VLT have exceeded my wildest expectations. This was evident from the very first day that it was installed.

The machine is used extensively throughout the day by males and females, regardless of age or athletic ability. Here's a perfect example of its popularity: Throughout the academic year, we offer about a dozen fitness events for the university community. One of the events is called "15 Minutes of Fame." In this event, participants are tasked with exercising for 15 minutes on one or more pieces of equipment. When we got the VLT, we included it as one of the choices (the others being the bike, rower, stairclimber and treadmill). Of the 20 competitors, 11 opted to do the VLT.

Based on its popularity, we decided to offer it as a stand-alone event. The first year, we asked participants to climb 555 feet, the approximate height of the Washington Monument. This event drew 36 participants which was the biggest turnout that we've had for a one-day event in several years. As a side note, competitors included one of our assistant strength and conditioning coaches, two assistant lacrosse coaches, a former member of the Israeli Air Force Elite Rescue Unit, a cadet from the Army ROTC, a graduate student who is a Navy SEAL and a former Marine Drill Instructor (me) as well as a university plumber, a faculty member and the 65-year-old wife of a professor emeritus. So it really does have wide appeal.

In terms of function, rope-climbing with the VLT places a workload on the upper back (lats), shoulders, biceps, forearms and hands. It's challenging and, yet, enjoyable.

The bottom line: The VLT is an outstanding piece of equipment that's appropriate for any population or facility and I recommend it without hesitation.

Matt Brzycki
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, Fitness
Princeton University

UFC Gym Partners with Marpo Kinetics to Present the Marpo DUT Challenge

UFC® Gym™, the first major brand extension of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, has partnered with Marpo Kinetics, Inc., the number one authority on rope training, to present the Marpo DUT Challenge at UFC Gym in Concord, CA September 30th at 4:30pm. UFC Gym welcomes participants to experience this one-day event located at 1975 Diamond Blvd.

Contestants will compete in a series of challenges including a bout on the VMX Rope Trainer, one of Marpo Kinetic's flagship pieces. Winning title holder will receive various prizes including an I-Pod Nano.

Josh Koscheck at the Marpo UFC Challenge

Marius Popescu, founder and CEO of Marpo Kinetics and an accomplished judo athlete says that the focus and foundation of the UFC Gym and Marpo brand align exceptionally well. "There was a need for people of all fitness levels to have access to a more effective and stimulating workout experience. Our machines don't just provide a workout, but an intense training experience. Marpo and UFC Gym share the common goal of providing a complete and engaging fitness experience like nothing else out there".

"UFC Gym is dedicated to creating an atmosphere unlike anything the industry has seen. We are incorporating the best of the fitness industry with MMA training techniques used by the top athletes in the world. The result is a new, exciting spin on fitness" says UFC Gym Vice President, Adam Sedlak.

Marpo Kinetics Honors Kidney Transplant Survivor for 100-Mile Feat

 Marpo Kinetics, innovator of the increasingly popular V-Series Rope Trainers, has officially honored John Tennant, Jr. for his achievement of pulling 100 miles of rope in just one year. He announced his accomplishment only a few months after a kidney transplant.

John started his endeavor on July 13, 2009 and finished exactly one year later, pulling 100 miles of rope on the VLT Rope Trainer. Brent Hemelgarn, Personal Trainer at Super Fitness in Toledo, Ohio said, “He used the VLT Rope Trainer on the hardest setting and got really creative with how he used machine to target different muscle groups.”

John has received an outpouring of support from his family, facebook followers, and friends at Super Fitness. Tennant's story has become a source of inspiration for Marpo Kinetics, which is active in rehabilitative wellness and fitness programs across the US and abroad. Notable rehab facilities using Marpo Kinetics Rope Trainers include Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC and the esteemed rehabilitative center at Headley Court in England.

“I live for these moments. says Tetsu Okano, Sales Director at Marpo Kinetics. “I have followed John’s progress and found his journey to be amazing. We often take for granted our health and to see someone with serious health challenges achieve something like this – it’s absolutely inspiring.”


Check out the song that John wrote as a tribute to his wife. Thank you John and Family for sharing your story with us!

In-Shape Health Clubs Hosts the Marpo 60-Second Challenge at two new locations

In-Shape Health Clubs, ranked one of the top 20 health club companies in the US, and Marpo Kinetics, makers of the fitness-industry lauded VMX Rope Trainer, have partnered once again to take an interactive approach to promoting fitness and health by hosting two Marpo 60-Second Challenge events on February 23 at two locations in California's East Bay region.

Gym members and the general public are welcome to participate in the event from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at In-Shape Sport, Pittsburg located at 4300 Delta Gateway Boulevard and In-Shape Sport, Modesto located at 2700 McHenry Ave.

In-Shape and Marpo Host 60-Second Challenge

The Results are in!

Thank you to all of the In-Shape Health members that made the Marpo Challenge such a great success!

Men's Top Ten
1. Chico M. 250 ft. Winner
2. Martin P. 239 ft.
3. Johnathan H. 239 ft.
4. Rick H. 236 ft.
5. Jose L. 233 ft.
6. Edwin A. 233 ft.
7. Jay T. 232 ft.
8. Martin C. 231 ft.
9. Emmanuel F. 206 ft.
10. Antonio S. 204 ft.

Women's Top Ten
1. Shawna S. 222 ft. Winner
2. Niva M 220 ft.
3. Bonnie P. 220 ft.
4. Nadine G. 218 ft.
5. Nira J. 216 ft.
6. Virginia V. 216 ft.
7. Madeleine P. 208 ft.
8. Evette G. 207 ft.
9. Ivy F. 206 ft.
10. Rachel Y. 204 ft.

Wigan Warriors' Rugby Training

The elite Rugby League is acknowledged to be one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, so to help condition the players, they must train extremely hard at a high intensity in order to simulate the demands of the game.

Wigan Warriors' Training with the VMX Rope Trainer 

 

Wigan Warriors team member using the VMX Rope Trainer