Ismail Center's new equipment to enhance research and learning opportunities
October 16, 2014
 |
|
The A.H. Ismail Center for Health, Exercise and Nutrition has enhanced its research and learning opportunities with the addition of new TecnoGym exercise equipment at its new location in Lyles-Porter Hall. (Purdue University photo/Charles Jischke) |
The A.H. Ismail Center for Health, Exercise and Nutrition in Lyles-Porter Hall is putting students and members on the cutting edge of exercise technology and research capabilities with the addition of TechnoGym exercise equipment.
The center, which is student-run, is a function of the Department of Health and Kinesiology and Nutrition Science, and it just relocated to the new Lyles-Porter Hall. The center's rededication will be celebrated during the Lyles-Porter Hall Community Open House from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 8.
TechnoGym is an Italian company that specializes in scientifically based exercise training equipment. TechnoGym machines capture aerobic and resistance exercise data and can be programmed with an individual's workout through a TechnoGym key or through TechnoGym's MyWellness smartphone application.
"TechnoGym has greatly enriched students' clinical experiences," says Lane Yahiro, clinical associate professor of health and kinesiology and director of the Ismail Center. "This semester, we have the second-year HHS students working the fitness center floor. They've gotten oriented with the equipment and technology, and now they get to work with the members, educating them on the technical component in addition to executing proper form and technique."
With this new technology, students can program the TechnoGym keys with members' workouts. Members then take their key to a kiosk, where they select which workout to complete. The key then downloads what's selected, and the member takes the key to the needed equipment for the workout, all in one room.
"We're trying to give our students opportunities and exposure that puts them ahead when they leave Purdue," says Tim Gavin, professor and department head of the Department of Health and Kinesiology. "TechnoGym provides our students with cutting-edge technology, but it's not just about the technology. It's about how we educate our students, how we conduct our research, and how we engage in our community."
The center is currently accepting new members for its Adult Fitness Program. Membership continues to grant access to the track at Lambert Fieldhouse, and the center also offers eight-week classes throughout each semester.
In addition to being a workout center, the Ismail Center also carries out research conducted by faculty in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The partnership with TechnoGym provides the Ismail Center with state-of-the-art equipment, not only from a personal fitness standpoint, but from a research standpoint as well.
The ability of TechnoGym equipment to gather exercise data helps record scientifically valuable data, which leads to high reliability and research efficiency. "We could give the key to anybody who comes into the Ismail Center, and we don't have to have somebody there to record the work performed at each station," Gavin says. "Our ability to have participants exercise confidently on their own gives them and us flexibility."
The Ismail Center is the first health and wellness center in Indiana to provide students, members and researchers with TechnoGym technology. The research center within the Department of Nutrition Science in Stone Hall is also set to purchase TechnoGym equipment, which will expand research possibilities across campus.
"If you look at the mission of the College of Health and Human Science and the mission of TechnoGym, it's strikingly similar," says Eric Woods, director of corporate and foundation relations for the College of Health and Human Sciences. "This is a partnership of two like-minded organizations wanting to collaborate. It's a long-term relationship."
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Ismail Center, call the Center at 49-61015 or email Lane Yahiro at lyahiro@purdue.edu. You may also register online here. Community members as well as Purdue faculty, staff and students are welcome to join.
Upcoming open house
The Ismail Center’s rededication will be celebrated during the Lyles-Porter Hall Community Open House from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 8. A brief program will begin at 9 a.m. There also will be refreshments, tours and demonstrations from Purdue's departments of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Health and Kinesiology; Nutrition Science; Psychological Sciences, and the School of Nursing. The Indiana University School of Medicine -- Lafayette regional campus also will be part of the celebration.
Writer: Kourtney Freiburger, 49-62993, kfreibu@purdue.edu
