New South Beach Fitness Studio Acquires Sophisticated Diagnostic Equipment Not Available at Other South Florida Gyms
by Anonymous

Miami Beach, FL via PR Web Direct) August 9, 2004 -- Proper Form, a private fitness studio offering clients a supportive environment staffed with expert fitness instructors, has recently purchased a technologically advanced piece of diagnostic equipment designed to enhance their clients' fitness programs.

Originally developed for use in major universities, hospitals and other research facilities, the device, known as the BOD POD Body Composition System, represents the state-of-the-art in body composition measurement equipment. "More commonly used methods such as skin fold caliper readings and BMI calculations simply cannot come close to the level of speed, accuracy and comfort provided by the BOD POD," says studio co-owner George J. Pilibosian.

When Mr. Pilibosian and his business partner, George C. Kordis, Jr., developed the concept behind their business, they immediately recognized the value such a device would bring to their clients. "The machine illustrates our strongly-held philosophy that one of the most important, and often overlooked components of an effective fitness program is the ability to provide clients with accurate information about their current level of fitness and the measurement of their progress throughout the course of their program," says Mr. Kordis.

Both men discourage client forms relying on outdated and inaccurate health indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and the bathroom scale. At a time when the U.S. Surgeon General has labeled the skyrocketing number of obese individuals an "epidemic", many Americans do not realize they are overweight or obese because they are not using the right tools.

"Obesity is a growing nationwide epidemic among both adults and children," notes Susan Aitkens, exercise physiologist and VP of Technology Development of Life Measurement, Inc., maker of the BOD POD. "Too many Americans, including health care providers, rely on weight and height to determine whether they fall into the pre-obese or obese range. This can be misleading and lessen their chances of maintaining a healthy body composition throughout life."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 61% of Americans are either obese or overweight. The percentage of obese Americans has nearly doubled over the past three decades. But how can one determine if they are at risk for obesity? Neither the bathroom scale nor BMI distinguish between muscle and fat. As a result, both can wrongly classify muscular people as obese. In addition, experts argue that the BMI benchmark for being overweight is too low. In 1998, the government lowered the BMI threshold from 27 to 25, adding millions to the overweight statistic instantly (including Michael Jordan).

A more accurate barometer of obesity is the measurement of body composition. Body composition distinguishes between muscle and fat, eliminating the inherent inaccuracy of the BMI measurement and the bathroom scale. By monitoring body fat percentages, individuals can focus on losing excess fat and building healthy lean muscle mass, information that BMI and the bathroom scale can't provide.

Because they feel access to this information is such an important factor in the success of their clients' fitness programs, all Proper Form long-term personal training packages include the testing on a complimentary basis. However, any individual wishing to have the test done may contact their reservation desk to schedule an individual BOD POD appointment either by phone at (305) 531-8818 or on the web at www.properform.com

About Proper Form
Proper Form is a private, personal fitness training facility located in the Sunset Harbor area of Miami Beach, Florida. The organization specializes in helping beginners and others in need of professional guidance and personal motivation establish and maintain an effective fitness program. Located in a private, second-floor setting, the studio offers clients all new fitness equipment, available consultation with its in-house, registered dietitian, and the highest standards in cleanliness and customer service.

Media Contact:
George Pilibosian
(305) 531-8818
www.properform.com





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