Speedflex, known for the HIIT Without The Hurt training method, is proud of its medically approved equipment. Speedflex machines have been used in a number of scientific studies and deemed an appropriate method of fitness for those with serious health conditions.

James Smith, Speedflex UK sales director, said: “Speedflex’s approved medical history is something we’re really proud of. The machines were originally designed specifically as rehabilitation devices and we’ve worked with a number of researchers and scientists, and their studies have concluded that our proprietary technology means Speedflex machines are suitable for patients suffering from a variety of serious health conditions.

“As the products developed, we uncovered the huge benefits the healthy public can receive from training with this method as well. Speedflex has now become the most inclusive form of high-intensity interval training in the world.”

Parkinsons Disease and multiple sclerosis

Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis typically occur in middle age or later life and a key symptom is the loss of balance. Clients are understandably nervous about falling, which leads to a tendency to shuffle.

Studies show that when it comes to Parkinson’s Disease, moderate to high-intensity exercise offers a greater benefit than low-intensity exercise, but if you can’t balance, how do you achieve this?

Speedflex takes care of balance because users always have two feet planted on the floor and both hands on the handles, providing complete stability.

Typically, Parkinson’s sufferers would not be able to lift their arms above their head, for fear of losing their balance, but with Speedflex they can because they are holding on at all times. This allows them to perform full body resistance and cardio exercise, extremely safely, without fear of falling. Once the fear of falling is taken out of the equation, they can exercise to a much higher intensity than they can when the risk of losing balance is still present.

Speedflex is proud to have worked with Spelthorne Parkies, a Parkinson’s support group based in West London, and helped on their road to recovery.

Jason Lane, who runs the group, says: “I have seen firsthand the benefits of a Speedflex session for those living with Parkinson's disease. Speedflex has greatly benefited those with this neurological condition, providing a range of movements and a 'safe space' that makes them feel motivated and less intimidated. By pushing themselves beyond what they normally would achieve, they have shown that their 'disability' is more of an 'ability'.”

Cardiac rehab

For a cardiac rehab client, fear of pushing their heart too hard is one of the biggest barriers to completing a quality exercise session. With Speedflex, the machine responds to the effort the participant puts in, so a cardiac rehab client can exercise with the knowledge that they are in complete control of the intensity of their workout.

Osteoporosis, fall prevention and menopause

As we age bone density decreases, which can lead to osteoporosis. Menopause is another cause of loss of bone density. The older population are at greater risk of falls and this combined with osteoporosis can lead to serious injury. Resistance exercise helps to build and retain bone density by creating tension in your bones.

Exercising on Speedflex causes your tendons to pull on your arms and legs, creating the optimum environment for building bone density, without the risk of injury.

Joint pain and arthritis
Joint pain and arthritis clients are limited in their choice of exercise, and often, non-weight-bearing activities such as swimming become the only option.

While offering good cardiovascular benefits, clients miss out on the essential advantages of resistance training. Speedflex allows resistance exercise to be performed with minimal load on the joints and the concentric nature of the movements, minimises aches and pains following the session.

Cancer

Cancer comes with many varying symptoms, but it’s widely recognised that exercise supports the recovery process. Speedflex allows a quicker return to moderate/high-intensity exercise, post-surgery, than many other forms of training.

The low-impact session, where the client is completely in control of their effort level, means they can vary their own intensity on any given day, depending on how they are feeling at that point in their recovery process.

Speedflex always supports a high-quality workout for clients who would otherwise be limited in what they can achieve.