New ‘smart gym’ in Mt. Lebanon gets people moving

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop
Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 12:01 a.m. | Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 12:01 a.m.

12 reasons every adult should strength train
Avoid muscle loss: Adults who do not strength train lose between five and seven pounds of muscle every decade.
Avoid metabolic rate reduction: Because muscle is very active tissue, muscle loss is accompanied by a reduction in our resting metabolism.
Increase muscle mass: Because most adults do not perform strength exercise, they need to first replace the muscle tissue that has been lost through inactivity.
Increase metabolic rate: Research reveals that adding three pounds of muscle increases our resting metabolic rate by 7% and our daily calorie requirements by 15%.
Reduce body fat: A basic strength training program can produce fat loss.
Increase bone mineral density: The effects of progressive resistance exercise are similar for muscle tissue and bone tissue.
Improve glucose metabolism: Improved glucose metabolism is an important benefit of regular strength exercise.
Increase gastrointestinal transit time: Strength exercise can increase gastrointestinal transit time and help decrease risk of colon cancer.
Reduce resting blood pressure: Strength training alone has been shown to reduce resting blood pressure significantly.
Improve blood lipid levels: Although the effect of strength training on blood lipid levels needs further research, studies have revealed improved blood lipid profiles after several weeks of strength exercise.
Reduce low back pain: Strong low back muscles are less likely to be injured than weaker low back muscles.
Reduce arthritic pain: Sensible strength training eases the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Source: The Exercise Coach

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Diane Closser of Upper St. Clair received a postcard in the mail inviting her to try a new gym.

After just her second workout, she’s the one sending the message about The Exercise Coach.

“I love it,” she says. “The results I have seen are phenomenal. I don’t love working out, but I don’t dread coming here. They are constantly encouraging you to do your personal best. I am stronger every time.”

Closser is talking about The Exercise Coach in Mt. Lebanon. It’s a “smart-gym” fitness studio that relies on computers and robotics instead of dumbbells, free weights and treadmills. O’Hara resident David Work opened the gym in October.

When new members join, they are given a unique code. When they use the proprietary machines, they plug in their code. The machines then adjust their workout to their strengths and weaknesses in real time. It helps the client get the most out of the workout while avoiding injury.

Work’s plan is to add two more locations over the next 18 months in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside or East Liberty, as well as Upper St. Clair. There is one in Cranberry.

The Exercise Coach was founded by Brian Cygan in Illinois. “Our mission is to inspire and empower everyone we meet to live life at their full fitness potential,” Cygan says.

Work says The Exercise Coach is an innovative, high-tech fitness studio that is quickly growing throughout the U.S.

Outfitted with high-tech, computerized machines instead of traditional equipment, it offers highly personalized programs optimized for efficiency, he says.

Work adds that balanced nutrition is a complementary piece to the workout puzzle. That involves eating high-protein foods as well as fruits and vegetables. A nutrition playbook gives suggestions on meals that help stabilize blood sugar and increase energy.

“We provide one-on-one coaching,” says Work, a certified exercise coach. “We cheer you on for a more effective workout. It is an incredible workout that you can do twice a week for only 20 minutes at a time. The folks we are trying to serve are passionate folks who might not have been exercising or are uncomfortable at a large gym or who may not enjoy sweating in front of other people.”

While any time of year is the right moment to begin a fitness workout, many people think about it at the beginning of a new year. With 2020 just around the corner, the time is now to think about getting in shape. “We challenge you based on your capability. You can track your progress. It is up to you to exert the force,” he says.

Closser says she can do more things than before and she doesn’t tire as easily. She also says the atmosphere is one in which she feels comfortable and wants to come back.

Her husband Bill says he likes it because he doesn’t need a spotter with this equipment.

“I also like that she is committed to it,” he says of his wife.

Alison Yee, who is the manager and certified exercise coach, says it is rewarding to see people like the Closser couple succeed. She says the initial consultation with a client helps in designing the proper workout.

She was guiding Diane Closser on machines to work on her legs, shoulders, chest, back and abdominal muscles.

The cost starts at $25. The first two sessions are free.

The Exercise Coach is at 300 Mt. Lebanon Blvd., Mt. Lebanon. Hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays; and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Details: 412-437-2021 or exercise coach.com/mt- lebanon

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.