Hit Fit® Training System
Benefits for Special Population Training
Kevin L Sciullo, MS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
Eye Disease
Many chronic eye conditions including increased interocular pressure as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy are more prevalent in less active populations, just as there is a correlation between vision impairment and reduced exercise/physical activity.
There is strong evidence that moderate to vigorous exercise done consistently 2-3 times per week including interval training, cardiovascular exercise, and learned skill movements offer a preventative effect on these diseases.
This is accomplished because exercises that can all specifically be performed using the Hit Fit® Training System directly offer a neuroprotective effect on the body.
Vision Impairment
Individuals with moderate to severe vision impairment suffer from two major barriers to health and activity: lack of confidence and self-efficacy, and reduced mobility with increased fall risk.
Various studies that attempt to demonstrate the benefits of exercise on improving mobility and balance in these populations focus on Tai Chi and dance. Both skillsets include learning unique postures, stances, and routines requiring the individual to learn as they exercise. However, neither of these modes utilizes an advanced tool such as the Hit Fit® Training System.
The Hit Fit® Training System allows individuals to exercise and repeat movement patterns in fitness and martial arts aimed at improving balance, increasing mobility and flexibility, and building self-confidence.
Using the Hit Fit® Training System offers a moving target in space; understanding how an object moves in harmony with the movements of one’s own body is the best way to positively alter the senses. This is beneficial to people with any or no medical conditions as techniques are accomplished based not solely on vision, but by feelings and movement.
When a visually impaired individual is completely familiar with the Hit Fit® Training System, he/she will be able to learn correct hitting skills which will become instinctive. Then when training with a live person and being completely familiar with the human body, the touch recognition and the sensitivity remains, and so will the hitting skills. As a result, it’s a good way to keep fit and become extremely effective for self-defense purposes.
Stress/Anxiety
Regular physical activity and exercise are shown to reduce daily stress as well as reduce perceived levels of anxiety. The question is, “how can this benefit be expedited, and how can people stay consistent with exercise without losing interest and motivation?”
Individuals are more likely to maintain healthy habits when they perceive improvement, learn a new skill, and understand the direct value/benefit.
Training with the Hit Fit® Training System lets people see improved skills from the very first workout. Individuals can learn new techniques each day allowing a sense of pride and accomplishment. Seeing the daily progress of training instills a sense of self-efficacy – the time taken to exercise with the Hit Fit® Training System today is time invested in tomorrow.
Depression
Symptoms of depression can result from a number of factors including a lowered sense of self-care, a reduced sense of control, as well as altered body chemistry resulting from poor diet and lack of regular exercise.
Training with the Hit Fit® Training System instills a new way of thinking – a new mindset when it comes to your self-care and health. Regular exercise using this system will greatly improve overall health and well-being. This active lifestyle can lead to improved nutrition habits which will enhance training benefits. With increased exercise and healthier eating, the body adjusts over time to improve the hormones and chemical messengers related to positive mood and happiness.
The Hit Fit® Training System utilizes results-based science to improve health and wellness, allowing anyone to take control of their lives. Nothing is more empowering than knowing you are improving your health, wellness, and confidence.