YouTube Channel: BioMechanixLA

Check out our new YouTube channel, BiomechanixLA. Here you will see the latest strength and conditioning techniques as well as new tools demonstrated, like the new elevation training mask.

BioMechanix University: Advanced Sexuality with Dr. Susan Graysen, Expert Sexologist

Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 1pm

Lecture will differentiate “Advanced Sexuality” from affection, chemistry, infatuation, affairs, technical functioning and marriage.

Dr. Graysen is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Beverly Hills for over 15 years. She provides individual, relationship and marital counseling specializing in sexual issues.

Dr. Graysen received her training at the Human Sexuality Program at UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute. She also holds many specialty Diplomates in additional areas of psychology. Dr. Graysen is an expert in her field and has published numerous academic and professional articles about sexual functioning and sexual behavior.

To register for this workshop, click here.

BioMechanix University: Detoxification & Health with Yamin Chehin, L.Ac., Dipl O.M.

Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 1pm

Why is detoxification important to your health?

In our industrialized world, we produce more and more toxic compounds that find their way in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and what we put on our skin. The body must rid itself of these dangerous substances by transforming and  excreting them through the lungs, skin, kidneys and bowels.

Unfortunately not all of them get excreted efficiently, some are circulated back into the bloodstream and others are stored in various body tissues such as fat tissue. This is in part due to the increasing levels of toxins we are exposed to, and may be exacerbated by a lack of nutrients needed to fuel the detoxification process.

Over the years we can reach Body Burden, a consequence of a slow toxic build up in fat, joints, the brain and various other tissues, potentially leading to a variety of health issues.

In this talk you will learn simple but effective ways to help your body cleanse from the inside-out.

Speaker’s Background:

Yamin Chehin is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who has also undergone extensive Western medical training. The hallmarks of Yamin’s practice are vast medical knowledge conveyed in understandable terms and a vision of the patient as the partner in achieving and maintaining health.

In addition to acupuncture and herbal treatments, Yamin is a certified senior instructor in Chi Kung, an ancient Chinese art form of movement and breathing which helps the body awaken its natural healing potential. She also uses the Alexander Technique to help patients improve their body mechanics and alignment so they may get relief from pain and pursue a full life.

For more information visit her website at www.healingcycles.net.

To register for this workshop, click here.

Taking a Look Back to the Birth of BioMechanix, and Moving Forward

This time I wanted to write about something different, basically something about a whole lot of nothing, but a break away from the somewhat, or maybe not so technical things that I have been ranting about.

A year ago when I was making desicions about exercise equipment and the layout of BioMechanix, I envisioned it having a SoHo, industrial loft, cool downtown NYC vibe. Being a contract trainer myself, I was never able to find a facility to work in that was comfortable, and where I could stay between clients and not feel awkward.  A priority of mine was to make sure in every way that we were trainer and client friendly, and to make it all about the experience at BioMechanix!

That is why we have a kitchen, break room, conference room with free WiFi, and small lounge for the staff and trainers.  Many of our busy contracting trainers stay here all day, even though they may have a several hour break in between clients.  One of our female trainers comes here and studies! During their down time, you can find them working on their laptops and iPads in the conference room, lounging or sleeping on the couch in the kitchen, drinking coffee or tea, which we brew all day long, or just talking and getting to know one another. All proof that the trainers really do feel at home here. Because this was hugely important to me, I found it very reassuring that I accomplished that goal “to make them feel welcomed” and most importantly, part of the BioMechanix community.

When I was looking at what strength based equipment to buy, I decided to go with the Hoist Roc-it line.  A friend of mine, and trainer here asked me at the time if I had considered Hoist equipment.  It’s funny because it was not a brand I would have even of thought of looking at.  I was under the impression that they only manufactured consumer equipment, and did not realize that they had a commercial based line.  A few weeks later we decided to make a trip to the Hoist manufacturing plant in San Diego, and to say I was blown away is an understatement!  These machines were unlike any other plate loaded or selectorized equipment I have ever seen or used.  When I originally went to their website, I was somewhat skeptical about the equipment actually doing what the manufacturer was claiming it did.

Well, I instantly became a believer! The difference is noticeable the moment you get on them and perform the exercise.   They really do place the majority of the workload on the muscles being used, and alleviate most of the stress on the joints.  These machines were ideal, since the majority of my clients all came to me right out of physical therapy.  When I opened my doors in May 2010, I was the first facility to feature this equipment in Los Angeles, and everybody that tried the Roc-it machines had the same reaction I did. They were simply amazed! These machines are astonishing and nothing short of pure genius.

We also just recently added the Real Ryder spin bike to our facility.  This bike tilts from side to side as you lean and turn the handles. The flywheel is in the back, just like that of a real bicycle. Compared to a normal spin bike, this bike activates more core musculature, simply because it is unstable.  If you pedal out of the seat, or without holding on it simulates the motion of actually riding a bike, more so than any other spin bike that I have tried, because if you don’t engage your core and focus on lower body pedaling efficiency, the bike wobbles. Try riding it with no hands, and steer left to right, it actually responds like a real bicycle while turning without your hands on the bars.  This bike inspired me so much, I’m actually excited about doing cardio indoors again, simply because of the extra fun factor it provides.

I also wanted to make sure I moved into a building, that had it’s own parking, and the option to expand.  We are planning on constantly growing and improving, and learning from the mistakes we have made in the past. Soon we will have Olympic lifting platforms, a sprint track, and even more awesome strength based and cardio equipment. We have the BioMechanix brand planned and thought out well over the next ten years.

Then I’m going to set up a DH/Freeride bike course on the roof, with the course ending with a with a two story drop from the roof, onto a wood ramp in the parking lot. Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to do that!  Well OK, maybe that is pushing it a little too far, but it’s always good to dream, and I guess that’s my point of all this. Take your dreams and visions and make them into reality. Keep pushing forward.  Everything you need, to get to where you want is always right in front of you, within reach. You just don’t see it, until you actually take the time to look for it.

End.

Jon Torerk, CSCS, and professional blabbermouth

Custom Programs

Because no two clients will present with the same symptoms, we customize every client’s fitness routine.

Here is Sanford Shapiro, who is challenged by osteoarthritis of the shoulders, knees, and fingers, and spine immobility. Sandy’s customized plan focuses on compound, multi-joint exercises, isolative exercises for hip girdle, and improved shoulder function.