Q. What is PACE?
A. PACE is a fun, non-threatening group exercise program that quickly and
safely changes your body shape. PACE utilizes hydraulic resistance machines
that match the effort of the user at any fitness level (we call it accommodating
resistance). PACE is fun, fast and it produces results quickly.
Q. How does PACE work?
A. A PACE program works on a work/recover/work/recover format alternating
between the hydraulic exercise stations and recovery stations, such
as jogging squares or step benches for a set interval, usually 30-45
seconds each. You can begin anywhere in the circuit and start exercising
at your own pace. After warm-up, you should try to maintain your target
heart rate for the duration of the class. You decide how hard/fast
to push yourself with the help of the PACE Instructor.
Q. What will PACE do for me?
A. The major benefit for the PACE user is inches lost. You will burn
lots of calories and strengthen your muscles while having fun. You
will look and feel better quickly and safely.
Q. I never worked out before. Can I do PACE?
A. Yes! Anyone at any fitness level can do PACE. PACE is safe because
it automatically adapts the resistance to match your level of effort.
As you begin to fatigue, the resistance decreases automatically.
Q. Will I get sore muscles from PACE?
A. No. Because PACE machines use hydraulic resistance, there is no "negative" (lowering
the weight) resistance which causes muscle soreness. You will feel a
very satisfied "fatigue" after a workout, but no soreness the
next day.
Q. Will I get big muscles from PACE?
A. No, for very much the same reason that you will not be sore; there
is no negative or eccentric resistance with PACE which is necessary
for bodybuilding and developing bigger muscles. What you will notice
are stronger, leaner, more toned muscles. The nice benefit of stronger
muscles is an increase in your resting metabolism, which means you
will be burning more calories during everyday activities.
Q. Will I lose weight from PACE?
A. Yes and no. You will lose body fat faster than any other 30 minute
workout. However, as you increase your muscle strength, you may gain
a pound or two of muscle weight. Again, the major benefit will be inches
lost.
Q. How does PACE burn fat faster than any other 30 minute workout?
A. PACE burns fat 3 ways. 1. You burn more calories during your workout.
Each machine works two major muscle groups, thereby utilizing more
muscle mass and burning more calories. 2. You burn more calories following
your workout. (The body's metabolism stays higher longer.) 3. You will
increase lean body weight and metabolism. A pound of muscle will burn
about 50 calories per day more than a pound of fat.
Q. How many calories does a PACE workout burn?
A. Research has shown that a 30 minute PACE workout burns between 350
to 900 calories. This depends upon two things: 1. The more intense
the workout, the more calories burned. 2. The more lean body weight,
the more calories burned. As you progress in your PACE workouts, you
will be able to push harder and you will be getting stronger, so you
will be burning more calories progressively.
Q. Why does PACE have the "in-between" stations?
A. They serve two purposes. For those people pushing hard on the hydraulic
machines, they act as "rest" stations and allow the user's
heart rate to lower into their target zone. For those people not pushing
quite as hard, they act as aerobic stations and serve to elevate the
heart rate into their target zone. The format of PACE is work/recover/work/recover,
which burns more calories and helps eliminate boredom.
Q. How is PACE different than other aerobic programs?
A. Aerobic activities such as step bench classes, stair climbing, cycling,
jogging, etc. are all good cardiovascular exercises that burn body
fat. However, some programs require a degree of skill and coordination
and tend to intimidate the unfit person. Others can place a great deal
of stress on the joints and do not provide muscle toning, especially
for the upper body. PACE is fun and easy for anyone to do and provides
a total body strength and cardiovascular workout.
Q. If I do PACE, do I still need to do other aerobic workouts?
A. Not unless you want to. PACE far exceeds the minimum requirements
to improve aerobic function as established by the American College
of Sports Medicine. Your resting heart rate will decrease dramatically
as a result of regular PACE workouts.
Q. I've been taught to lift and lower weights slowly. PACE seems to
be the exact opposite?
A. Exactly. Remember, PACE is not a weight. Speed is the key to PACE-
the ability to move the resistance as fast as your fitness level allows
is what sets PACE apart from any other circuit program.
Q. Is PACE safe for kids?
A. Yes! Because of the double concentric nature of hydraulic resistance,
there is no fixed load against the muscle or skeletal systems, so it
is very safe. Kids love PACE because there is no peer pressure and
it's fun.
Q. Is PACE better than dieting?
A. Diets by themselves have proven over the long run to be unsuccessful
in permanent weight control. Proper nutrition, combined with good exercise,
is the best way to improve health and permanently change body composition.
PACE has proven to burn off fat and increase lean muscle mass more
effectively than any other program.
Q. Will I get bored from PACE?
A. You will get bored from doing any program the same way eventually.
There are many variations to a PACE program which help to reduce boredom;
however, PACE is not something that someone will do everyday forever.
PACE is an excellent introduction into a health club for the intimidated
or deconditioned person and then to eventually transition into the
general population. PACE is also a great cross-training tool and fun
group exercise program for existing members to integrate into their
personal training regiment.
Q. Is there research to back up the benefits of PACE?
A. Lots. PACE is the result of over 20 years of research by noted exercise
physiologists and fitness experts from around the world. This research
has established the credible foundation on which fitness centers, aerobic
studios, hospital wellness centers, schools and corporations have built
their successful PACE programs.
Before beginning this or any exercise program,
consult your physician first to ensure your health & safety. |
