Y's 'virtual personal trainer' will help to get you in shape

By Jessica Sheedy

KERNERSVILLE

Have you ever thought of hiring a personal trainer, only to find out that it was too expensive?

Without coaching, most exercisers use poor form or lose motivation, which can lead to disappointing results and often a lack of commitment.

The Kernersville Family YMCA offers an exciting motivational tool - a "virtual personal trainer." The YMCA in Kernersville is one of only 500 centers in the United States with FitLinxx interactive coaching software.

FitLinxx monitors individuals through their workouts for better form and tracks their progress over time. Members' safety and confidence increase during every exercise.

FitLinxx is an easy-to-read touch-screen display that is attached to each strength-training machine. Users tap in their PIN to display their targets, and FitLinxx then coaches them on speed and form and tracks the workout session.

There are no workout cards to carry around, and you don't need to remember your seat or weight settings. Users log in their cardiovascular-exercise time so they can track their time and intensity.

The wellness staff reviews workouts and can identify people who may need a little help staying on track, which can help prevent exercise dropouts. Such incentives as shirts and sweatshirts are also provided to help increase adherence to the exercise.

In addition, FitLinxx provides a Web site for users to become more committed to their exercise program by checking their progress and entering their workout results.

The YMCA's cardiovascular equipment is replaced every three years. The newest treadmills, ellipticals, stairclimbers and bikes have been delivered. The YMCA has also added Nautilus TreadClimbers to its Wellness Center.

• Jessica Sheedy is the senior program director at the Kernersville Family YMCA.