Climb the Walls

Queenax trend offers variety of functional exercises

THERE ARE MANY FITNESS crazes that fizzle out almost as quickly as they begin. Many people want an immediate fix when it comes to achieving their physical goals. The most popular desire is to lose weight, but participating in a workout routine that combines fun and varied exercise will allow those of all body types to achieve their goals and look forward to maintaining their achievements for years to come.

QUEENAX’s company describes its concept as “…the first gym system based on the notion of using every possible space – the floor, the walls, the ceiling, as well as open areas. The big difference between Queenax and other fitness concepts is its modular structure.”

The WILMINGTON FAMILY YMCA is one of the first gyms nationwide to offer Queenax Functional Training to its members, according to local officials.

“We worked with the Queenax company, gave them our space dimensions, and they created several versions that would work for us; we then chose the one that fit us the best,” says LORI CAMPBELL (above), Wilmington Family YMCA’s Healthy Living coordinator and personal trainer. “We were very excited to be on the cutting edge for something in this field.”

She explains that Queenax is a modular system with attachments and tools used to improve cardiovascular endurance and gain strength, flexibility, or conditioning in a variety of ways and levels.

“You can perform such exercises as battle rope drills, TRX exercises, pullups, box jumps, step-ups, band exercises, and even climbing the wall to reach your goals,” Campbell says. “You can also use it for stretching and flexibility on the different heights of bars and straps that are attached.”

Getting the most out of the time spent working out has always been important, but utilizing the strengths of each person to perfect how different bodies react to exercise continues to demand change in routine.

“As we learn more about exercise and training for athletes, seniors, and those with limitations, the entire mindset has begun to center on functional training – mimicking those actions that are needed for the sport or activity the persons uses to gain strength, agility, and balance,” Campbell says.

With its focus on functional exercises, the workouts can appeal to a range of people, she says.

“The entire Queenax system is built for this purpose, so it is useful for those in rehab, recovering from cancer treatment or injury, the fine-tuned athlete, or the busy mom looking to keep up with a busy lifestyle,” Campbell says. “The best part is it is right there in the facility whenever you need to use it free (for YMCA members), and our staff can train you to use it any way you would like.”

Since installing the system last fall, YMCA trainers have seen the wall used by a variety of members.

“Our Livestrong at the YMCA cancer survivor group uses it to develop balance, cardio endurance, and flexibility that are put at risk due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The sky is the limit.” There are also several options through the YMCA for members to take advantage of the Queenax system. “The wall is available for use for members for free on their own when there is not a Queenax class in session,” Campbell says.

Those small-group classes, led by a YMCA-certified personal trainer, have only four to six people at a time and are $5 per class if members pay for them by the month in advance or $7 for a same-day drop in rate.

Classes take place at the YMCA’s Express Y location at 11 South Kerr Avenue. That is the location that the YMCA opened up at the Market Plaza shopping center while the organization works on renovating its facility at 2710 Market Street that was gutted by a fire last year.

Members interested in the small-group sessions on the Queenax wall with a trainer can pick from thirty-minute time slots on most days of the week.

“You can even get your friends together and form your own group at a time and day convenient for you, and we will get a personal trainer to lead it for you,” Campbell says. “These are high-intensity interval training classes but can always be geared down by the personal trainer to whatever level you need.”

She says the trend is one way to fight workout boredom.

“It is a blast, and our trainers are coming up with fun new exercises every day,” Campbell says. “This puts an entirely new element into what you can do to change your body, your mind, and your spirit.”

To view more of photographer Terah Wilson’s work, go to facebook.com/timelessfotographie.