Winter Fitness A Cinch With CycleWerks Equipment

BY KAREN GERHARDINGER | MIRROR REPORTER — Snow, wind, ice and cold don’t have to impede on maintaining fitness goals. With treadmills, elipticals, cycles and even an aquatic trainer that looks like a hot tub for giants, CycleWerks has the gear to ease athletes of all abilities through the winter months and beyond. “Indoor equipment is a good tool to have in times when it’s not safe to run or ride outside, like when it’s icy or below zero,” said CycleWerks co-owner Jonathan Hoag With 20 years of specializing in fitness equipment in the Toledo area, Hoag teamed up with Julie Theroux to purchase CycleWerks in October 2014. Both are avid cyclists and runners, competing in marathons and the challenging Ironman competition. So they understand the needs of athletes and those who just want to exercise in the comfort of their homes. Traditional exercise bikes with less aggressive positions and more comfortable seats remain a popular option. Smart trainers allow cyclists the ability to use their own bikes, hooked up to a flywheel that adjusts the resistance to reflect the peaks and valleys shown in online training programs such as Zwift. “It’s an exercise bike with virtual reality,” Hoag said. “And the best part is that you can select a course and ride with thousands of people around the world – even at two in the morning.” Treadmills are also merging with virtual reality, giving runners and walkers hundreds of courses that blend scenery with workout. “You can watch Netflix on TV or run through the Grand Canyon,” Hoag said. Some customers prefer the commercial units that are built to run 24 hours a day and can also reach top speeds of 13 miles per hour and inclines of up to 25 percent. Those designed for home use reach 12 miles per hour and inclines of up to 15 percent. Standing on the PowerPlate vibration platform, Hoag demonstrated how it can be used to relax muscles after a long run, or to do resistance training. “It’s like getting a 20-minute circuit workout in a gym in just 10 minutes,” he said. For those who would prefer to get their exercise in the water, CycleWerks is the only dealer in a 100-mile radius to offer the Aquatic Training Vessel. It looks like a gigantic hot tub. At one end there are traditional hot tub seats, but the jet-powered pool features adjustable conditions for swimming in place – ranging from a dog paddle to an Olympic swim. Theroux did all of her swim training for the Ironman in the Kona 17 model that is located in the CycleWerks studio. Compared to training in a lake or traditional pool, Theroux said she was better prepared for the Ironman Louisville swim in the Ohio River. “My time was excellent. Because I trained in here I had no issues – and it was identical to the Ohio River with waves splashing on my face and the resistance,” she said. “I was pleasantly surprised.” The Aquatic Training Vessel is ideal for teaching children and adults to swim. While the price tag of $25,000 to $30,000 seems steep, it’s cheaper than an in-ground pool and can be used all year, Hoag said. “You can’t put in a lap pool for less than $100,000,” he said. At 17 feet long, the unit is ideal for a patio, pole barn or garage. The Kona 17 is located in the CycleWerks studio, which is open for use by individuals and teams. Outfitted with a variety of cycles, treadmills and other equipment, it’s available for rent by the hour or month. Throughout the year, CycleWerks also features special guests who provide training for athletes of all ages and abilities. “We have all the tools to keep you going over the winter,” Theroux said. For information, visit www.shopcyclewerks.com.