By Emily Crisman
It is easy to come up with excuses to not work out, especially if one lacks the proper equipment.
New Balance of Chattanooga is helping to ensure the Erlanger Live Fit Challenge contestants have the gear they need to make a lasting lifestyle change.
"We'll sit down with each one and do a complete foot and fit analysis," says Hal Kearney of New Balance of Chattanooga. "We'll get them set up from the materialistic side with shoes with proper support and great moisture-wicking outfits. We want to make sure a lack of proper footwear is not the reason they do not continue on."
Contestants will be outfitted from head to toe, including shoes, quality socks, shorts, a shirt and a fitness watch. The water-resistant watch, which uses Bluetooth technology to connect via an app to the user's smartphone, tracks the contestant's daily goals as well as steps, sleep patterns, calories burned and distance traveled.
"They set their goals with their trainer, and the watch keeps them accountable and lets them know when they're slacking," says Kearney. "They can sit down with their trainer and go over the recorded information."
Contestants get to keep all the equipment, which helps keep them on the right track even when the contest is over.
"This has to be a quality of life change," he says. "It's not a one-and-done situation."
Each contestant will receive a digital foot scan to measure and calculate the pressure points of the foot. A gait analysis will also be conducted to determine what type of supportive footwear is best suited for each athlete. Contestants will receive NB Ice clothing, products that create a cooling sensation when the athlete perspires.
"It's very refreshing as opposed to a sloppy, heavy cotton shirt," says Kearney.
A lack of stylish gear will also be removed from the contestants' lists of possible excuses to not work out, as New Balance is moving away from its image as a brand for mature athletes. The brand's new styles are both trendy and classic with a retro feel that makes going to the gym a proud fashion moment.
Link: http://stores.newbalance.com/chattanooga
