Army knives, watches and Kieser Training Centres - Switzerland’s great exports to the world

As the result of decades of research by Swiss fitness authority Werner Kieser, Kieser Training Centres target strength training that is geared towards preventing and rehabilitating musculoskeletal problems. The fitness training franchises are now available in Australia.

There is no need for treadmills, steppers, coffee machines or loud music as the approach is a refreshingly focussed on back-to-basics. A positive attitude to completing set exercises on specifically designed equipment in one or two 30 minute sessions per week is all that is required.

The unique equipment and the short amount of time needed are at the core of this new approach to total fitness.

Designed and manufactured under licence by Kieser, the equipment is adapted from equipment that was developed for use by physiotherapists. For the most part the training is preventative with the aim of developing a natural muscular body corset. The training will keep your body well toned, stimulate metabolism, lower body fat levels and blood pressure and help you maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system.

Despite the overall proven benefits of strength training, it is the spine that lies at the heart of the Kieser philosophy. According to Werner Kieser, there’s little point in building the external “body beautiful”, if you don’t have the inner strong healthy spine to support it.

The rehabilitation part of the Kieser fitness training program can benefit clients who suffer from chronic neck, back, hip or knee pain. According to leading orthopaedic specialists and studies completed by the University of Florida USA, 80% of back pain is caused by weak lower back muscles and it’s been shown that the Kieser method can alleviate this pain and, in 40% of cases, eliminate it completely.

“We attract a different type of customer than most other fitness centres,” observes Kieser.

“Many of our clients have never been to a fitness centre before. Essentially, they’re people who, at some time or another, have said to themselves; okay, I need to do something about my health and fitness – something that’s effective, non competitive, doesn’t cost too much money or time and doesn’t entail any social obligations – very rational thinkers”.

Australians can now benefit from this European success story as M Kieser Training Centres at South Melbourne and Sydenham, Victoria have been established. The fitness training franchises are run by local fitness industry entrepreneurs, Gary Harley and Mark Brown. Gary and Mark searched worldwide for a health and fitness method that would suit modern lifestyles and are confident that Kieser is the answer.

Gary says, “The centres are not gyms – they are private, quiet and minimalist. You only do what is essential, nothing more and, best of all, it doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg to have a strong back, inner core stability and a well toned, lean body. It’s easy, I don’t get puffed and I can keep doing it for the rest of my life”.

Advocates of the Kieser method in Europe claim that this will be the fitness regime of the future. As we all become more time poor and with the growing awareness of the importance of maintaining a strong healthy body, “kiesering” as it is called in Europe, will become a weekly ritual, just like cleaning your teeth is a daily ritual.

Kieser Training benefits all ages and is equally suited to men and women, however, it is particularly beneficial to those over 40. Before 40 it is said that we are living off the gifts of nature, but after 40, strength training is of considerably greater value. Strength training builds bone density and strength and is the only non pharmaceutical way to prevent osteoporosis.

Gary and Mark are excited about the opportunity of bringing this acclaimed fitness franchise to Australia and are offering free introductory sessions for a limited time. This will enable people to trial the benefits available from the Kieser Training program.