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Improve Strength and Conditioning with SGT

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Improve Strength and Conditioning with SGT

Building strength and endurance should be a fitness goal, no matter your choice of exercise program. Small Group Training (SGT) encompasses both to help you improve your fitness and maximize your workout time. Cooper Fitness Center Professional Fitness Trainer Aaron Feldman explains how SGT works your body to build strength while also pushing it to achieve a higher level of endurance.

SGT uses equipment that mostly relies on bodyweight. The TRX frame and straps offer the ability to modify exercises and add to bodyweight resistance. In addition to bodyweight, SGT classes often incorporate various types of equipment, including:

  • Resistance bands
  • Dumbbells
  • Kettlebells
  • Aerobic steps
  • Stability balls
  • Agility ladders
  • Battle ropes
  • Medicine balls
  • Power Plate

“SGT workouts improve strength by using the TRX and other tools for resistance training exercises,” explains Feldman. “Individualized attention from the professional trainer ensures proper form for injury prevention and overall fitness development.” In addition to building strength, SGT improves conditioning thanks to its circuit-style training approach. “The heart rate stays elevated throughout the workout,” says Feldman. 

SGT also provides an extra push required to keep the body moving at its full potential in a safe environment. Oftentimes people focus solely on cardiovascular training, but strength training is increasingly important as you age. For this reason, SGT can be a great workout to supplement a regular training routine. “Most people don’t know the ins and outs of planning a full workout or how to perform exercises with the correct technique. Many also ignore strength training,” explains Feldman. “SGT accomplishes all of these items in a way that simultaneously provides a measure of accountability to the person doing the workout.”

In order to work toward set goals, it’s important to be able to measure fitness improvements over time. Tracking measurements, including cholesterol levels, aerobic performance, functional movement, weight and body composition, can help SGT participants know where they stand prior to training and how their numbers have changed during and after the program. Feldman also notes in-class progress indicators of increased strength and higher levels of endurance can be measured on specific movements and exercises.

Finally, knowing your body’s limitations and starting at an intensity appropriate for your level of fitness are keys to success. “For those who have sensitive joints, prior injuries or challenges from being new to exercise, there are modifications for most exercises,” says Feldman. “The trainers are well-equipped to work around any issues to provide each SGT participant the workout most appropriate for their fitness level and goals.”

Striking a balance between strength training and cardiovascular training is important for any exercise program, no matter your age or fitness level. SGT incorporates both, along with a sense of accountability and spirit of camaraderie among participants.

SGT at Cooper Fitness Center is open to the public. For more information, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com/SGT or call 972.233.4832.


Article provided by Cooper Aerobics Marketing and Communications