New Face of Fitness Overview

Identifying obesity as a problem is not difficult to do. The difficulty comes with motivating the obese or out of condition to make lasting lifestyle changes so that they will lose inches, decrease the risk of disease and become healthy.

There is a need for a non-intimidating, informative, exercise concept for the obese, arthritics, those with high blood pressure, bad joints and those who have never exercised before.

New Face of Fitness takes the intimidation out of participation. Participants work with a certified instructor who works out with the class, teaching and reaching people in a personalized, relaxed and fun atmosphere. Add information, assessments, safe techniques and positive reinforcements such as awards and get-togethers and you have the New Face of Fitness.

1. Enrollees first complete a health history. Screening for cardio-respiratory history, arthritis, knee/joint soreness, surgery, diabetes and other illnesses is conducted. Medical supervision is required. If no personal physician is available, the program will link with local physicians. The program staff seeks a physician?s release for the member.

2. An individual fitness assessment is completed and a personalized program is developed; this reduces risk of injury and enhances benefits. The participants are continually supervised so that the workouts are done properly.

Complete training guidelines are issued that address frequency, intensity, duration and class type.

3. Exercise modifications may include no overhead activity with arms (high blood pressure), non-weight-bearing activity, low impact, decreased intensity, increased duration, avoiding extreme extension and flex, or avoid side and angle movements.

Members keep a personal journal consisting of a food journal card, pulse record card and an exercise record card.

4. Recognition celebrations are held every 90 days as motivational boosts; participants post "lost inches" and are awarded trophies, prizes and certificates. The New Face of Fitness has fine-tuned a successful format for these celebrations and they may be held as banquets, outings to local parks or beaches and they typically include family members as well.

5. Support group activities include resource sessions where literature, articles with respect to nutrition, exercise and related topics are shared. Other sessions include guest speakers, sharing about positive or negative concerns, and a social session. These sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes in length, and are conducted a minimum of once each week or bi-weekly.

6. Members are encouraged to become organizers for events and activities. This is a key positive psychological component to the program.

7. There are motivational themes for each class, e.g. "the dishes will wait," "you?re sooo good." Training activities include step classes, interval training, body sculpting and stretching, to name a few.

8. A formal, ongoing instructor training program is another key to the success of New Face of Fitness. In addition to instructing about proper exercise techniques and the importance of instructor certification, guidelines are issued regarding attire so that it is non-intimidating. This program is not a fashion show nor a best body contest. It consists of individuals working together toward their personal goals of health, fitness and self-esteem. Clean, comfortable loose-fitting clothes are not only professional and non-intimidating, but add to the development of group cohesiveness.

New Face of Fitness follows the IDEA Code of Ethics and encourages and recommends instructor certification through ACE, ACSM or AFAA. The 1995 introduction of the New Face of Fitness program through the YWCA was provided by a grant from Nike. Inc. Currently, the program is offered nationwide in hospitals, wellness centers, fitness clubs, and corporate wellness settings through a licensing agreement. NFOF has recently expanded into Canada. Training guidelines for the exercise component of the program operate within the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. The program maintains a national liaison with the Renfrew Foundation.

For licensing information, please contact:

Dee Hakala at: 630.854.0320(Voice Mail),
toll-free at 877.364.4288 or by [ e-mail ]