COMMENTS

Posted by: Ryan Hogan | 10-Feb-2010 10:23 AM |

I completely agree with you Alisha. This heading of this article is misleading and sensationalist. The last thing Australia (or any country for that matter) needs is another reason not to exercise. Well spoken!

Posted by: Anonymous | 10-Feb-2010 10:44 AM |

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Posted by: Gray Australia | 10-Feb-2010 08:05 PM |

This article was obviously written with the intention of creating controversy. Its absolutely ridiculous, not to mention irresponsible of the paper to publish a story which devalues exercise when Australia's overweight & obesity rate is 60%. Shame on you Sydney Morning Herald. You have once again tainted your reputation as a credible source of information.

Posted by: raptfx systems | 10-Feb-2010 08:07 PM |

Good going Alisha, agree with you.

Posted by: Paul | 10-Feb-2010 08:22 PM |

HI. I find that Fitness Trainer Courses teach the same old fashioned Cardio principals. With 13 years experience as a trainer I have found with a large variety of clients, that cardio such as Crosstrainers, Bikes and steppers etc is largely a waste of time. It has its place so use it where it suits. The problem here is the definition of what is cardiovascular exercise. Surely it is simply the bodys ability to get oxygen to the working muscles. This system is worked in a high intensity program using strength or other movements.I feel schools are still teaching outdated generic cardio principles. Most people who focus on the traditional style cardio look stressed and weak. I think your article makes you sound like a religious organisation telling people what your views are. haha..So here's mine! Enjoy.

Posted by: Ian Boyle | 10-Feb-2010 08:41 PM |

I just wanted to chip in with the addition of some of the most recent research into aerobic exercise and it impact on brain function. My keynote from Filex last year captures some of these latest developments http://voicethread.com/#e453854. The physical benefits we get from aerobic exercise are simple beneficial side effects, what is so exciting about this new research is that we now know it enhances brain function. It helps neural development in the hypocampus which results in better learning and memory, it can reverse the effect of aging in our brain just to name a few. [see the link above for an overview] Aerobic exercise not only for your body but our brains! Ian Boyle

Posted by: Anonymous | 10-Feb-2010 08:52 PM |

The problem here Paul is not what is the definition of cardiovascular exercise, but rather what benefits are obtained from cardiovascular exercise. By your definition Paul we are performing cardiovascular exercise every minute of our lives as the body is trying to get oxygen to the working muscles, regardless of whether we are walking, sleeping or sitting thinking. You should realize that though as you would tend to find your heart never stops beating. Tell me Paul does a high Intensity strength program or other movements adequatley prepare someone for an endurance event, or a sport that has high levels of aerobic activity. You know maybe marathon runners looks stressed and weak, maybe Iron Men even look stressed and weak, but they are unbelievable athletes. Yes LSD methods of aerobic training are taking a back seat somewhat, but aerobic training and hence cardiovascular exercise Paul is alive and well. By the way Paul you would be an excellent leader for another competing religion against fitness network with your dogma.

Posted by: ROD | 10-Feb-2010 08:59 PM |

Everyone loves a controversial story. As we all know papers are sold on sensationalism. Rather then get into a web of nastiness why not attempt to work with the paper in getting more out of the story on educating the public. Work with the writer or editor to get a real understanding of the story and how they can assist or go to another form of Media. Channel 9 Today have been plugging health and fitness very heavy.....ha.....You know you will have a lot of advocates to push a positive message...So NETWORK STEP UP....GIVE SOME CARDIO EDUCATION...KEEP SPREADING THE WORD.....

Posted by: Helen Poulos | 10-Feb-2010 09:01 PM |

I feel that anyone who plants the seeds of negativity into the minds of people who may succumb to it are quite weak & cowardly themselves for being so negative in the first place. No, Aerobics is NOT a waste of time. I know of many people who wish for the days when Aerobics - yes - plain old Aerobics was back on the gym timetable, because quite frankly, alot of the new additions are intimidating for many to even think about giving a go. Aerobics is good, old fashioned, back to basic CARDIO workouts - & it really is up to the individual as to exactly what they wish to achieve from attending to do an Aerobic workout. ANY physical activity is a bonus in my eyes...if Aerobics were such a waste of time, why do Practisioners encourage 'Incidental Exercise'...? Because, as I mentioned, ANY physical activity is a bonus & really should be encouraged. So, anyone who wishes to have this arguement with me can certainly put it to me, as I am can debate about it till the cows come home. I lost a hell of a lot of weight from 'AEROBICS', combined with other things, such as a POSITIVE mindset to get me there, & to work really hard when I was in the Group Fitness Studio.

Posted by: Helen Poulos | 10-Feb-2010 09:14 PM |

Bring back AEROBICS for Natural Therapy!!! Yay!!! TRUE benefits of Cardio/Aerobics are transforming...ask me, I preach it because I know. Was a size 16, now a size 8...HELLO!!! Aerobics can be linked to living life to the fullest & being on a constant 'Natural High' for life...set your goals...you dont need to set out to lose weight if you dont want, but just GET ACTIVE & DO AEROBICS!!! Embrace the benefits of old fashioned back to basics!!! Seratonin....Endorphins...who needs to pop pills when you have these amazing natural therapies!!!

Posted by: Jared C. | 10-Feb-2010 09:39 PM |

Once again this article and the varying opinions being expressed here in the comment section provide support for the notion of 'context'. Perhaps if the article was titled ' Cardio is a waste of time for 20% of the population' it may be taken on board with less critique, however i did notice it said it was a waste of time for obtaining health benefits. There seemed to be nothing mentioned in regards to performance enhancement, though i know some people with make no distinction between both but i can guarantee you there is. But irregardless we all can see the article title is just a fancy way of attracting readers to make another excuse for why exercise does nothing for them. Im thinking i should write my own article 'Exercise causes more injurys than sedentary activity and why you should stop'. I could make thousands :D

Posted by: Michael B | 11-Feb-2010 12:28 AM |

Another headline which is not partial but misleading. Nothing worse than an article suppose to be reporting facts but instead swaying the reader not only on an opinion but an uneducated one. Creating contraversy because they have next to no knowlege on the topic. Unethical? Sure. All forms of exercise as long it is not dangerous to the participant serves a purpose. Depending on the very unique needs of all different sectors of society at different times. Aerobic exercise in any form is beneficial and much better than laying home on the couch. Not a black and white issue like the reporter makes out but very grey like the comments above clearly states Another bit of b, even c grade information from what I believe to be a c grade paper. Im in agreement with Alisha on the article being an irresponsible piece of journalism. Like the other fallacies we see on infomercials, there should be laws to stop manipulation of the general public. In order for corporations to make a buck or in this case sell a story.

Posted by: Daryll | 11-Feb-2010 12:46 AM |

Another piece of lazy journalism, easy to go for the headline instead of researching. Perhaps if the focus was on movement,anything more than normal is overload, then people would not be so discouraged. I agree that negative headlines such as this are an excuse for the hard to motivate not to move.

Posted by: Sean | 11-Feb-2010 07:05 AM |

Do you think maybe the article writer has tried and failed at exercise? perhaps instead of getting all bent over backwards about what happens everyday in the media (manipulation of information) you should all be offering your expertise to the writer to help them deal with their negative outlook on physical activity and give them the opportunity to experience the positive benifits of being physicaly active. We can only help the willing and those aposed to physical exercise already have the excuse not to do so. This article will only serve to reinforce their feelings, any competent reader will see that there are benifits in exercise and as fitness professionals you can help them fully understand what this article is suggesting.

Posted by: JENNIFER RICHARDSON | 11-Feb-2010 07:28 AM |

I'm just as annoyed as anyone with this article, maybe more so because I am both a fitness instructor and a journalist! For the headline we must blame the subeditor - that's not the journo's doing so we shouldn't blame them directly, however the lead (the first two paragraphs) are definitely sensational and inaccurate with the information given in the rest of the story. Rather than motivating those who aren't losing weight to try another form of exercise, such as resistance training, anyone skimming the article may just think: "well I'll stop exercising now, there's no hope...pass me the muffin!" It is reminiscent of an article in the Telegraph not too long ago about cardio making people 'fat'' because it made them hungry, binge eat but also slows down the metabolism. We know that cardio does slow down the metabolism for the direct time after exercise, which is why protein shakes and replenishing liquids are recommended, with a healthy meal to come later. These papers should be picking on people's poor dietary habits and leave our industry well alone! Articles like this should also come with a disclaimer like a pack of tablets: seek advice from your fitness professional before making changes to your regime.

Posted by: The Industry Insider. | 11-Feb-2010 08:44 AM |

Does it really surprise anyone that the Industrialist controlled Media came out with a story such as this? Alisha’s points were dead on. I fully support her views and agree that the story should have been titled “Irresponsible Journalism; A Waste of Time.” Good Job Alisha! Now please allow me to get on my soapbox and go a step further. First of all, it should not surprise anyone in our industry (or any industry for that matter) that big business sponsored media spews out Propagandist headlines. It’s a crime that journalists are nothing more than corporate puppets with no real skill, and they should all be ashamed of themselves. Journalism began as a way to monitor big business practice and hold the wealthy bourgeois class accountable for crimes against the poor ‘servant class’ majority, but has since been corrupted by corporate greed and bribery. Second, it is true that our genetics are the “Master Gatekeepers” of our physical potential. An Elephant, for example, will never be as lean or agile as a Cheetah, no matter what workout program he goes on, or how much he diets. But, that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t try to be the best Elephant he can possible be. In fact, if he tried hard enough he may even come to be known as the Brad Pitt of Elephants! Third, when will we all move beyond our selfish Vanity and focus on the other benefits of consistent exercise and proper nutrition, instead of only talking about how skinny we are, or how our ass looks in a pair of jeans. Look, I know human vanity is the engine that drives our industry and that most people workout so their butt will look good in their Levi’s, but lets not forget all the other benefits. Start talking to your clients about having more energy, less joint pain, deeper and more restorative sleep, control of their Diabetes, less stress and mental deterioration…the list goes on and on. My point is, as long as we just focus on the Fat / Skinny argument, we will always be at the mercy of the corporate controlled media who throw out stupid headlines to confuse the uneducated masses and keep them listless and out of shape, so they continue to buy the Doritos and Budweiser that keeps CEO’s happy, and the expensive prescription medication that keeps millions flowing into the pockets of special interest and politicians. I mean come on, we are talking about money, and money is more important than people…right?

Posted by: Anonymous | 11-Feb-2010 09:03 AM |

You can blindfold a person and take them to the dump and most times they will still know or guess exactly where they are. When something smells as bad as this, you realise its garbage. The article was a blatant headline grabbing attempt from some poor understudy in a pathetic attempt to show the boss they are worthy of the front page. It’s an old formula" Misleading headline, contradicting facts within the storyline and attacking a minor industry along the way...receipt for selling papers. The editor should be ashamed for filling space in such a manner but of course he/she isn’t.

Posted by: Daniel Shakespeare | 11-Feb-2010 09:12 AM |

As a Cert III student, I am in no way claiming to be an expert on the topic however, it should be noted that this study has analysed the benefits of aerobic exercise in total isolation of other lifestyle factors. Any fitness professional worth their salt (or salt reduced as the case may be...) would not prescribe aerobic exercise in isolation and expect quality results, ignore the synergistic benefits achieved by coupling this with a quality nutrition plan, strength and flexibility training. The benefit this article may have for the fitness industry is that it gives the lazy, dim and unmotivated another reason to do nothing, allowing PTs to spend more time with those who are motivated to improve their lives, rather than fighting a losing battle against apathy.

Posted by: Sue Ramsay | 11-Feb-2010 05:38 PM |

I totally agree with the viewpoint of sensationalism, most media outlets thrive on making things up not talking to the right people who actually know what they are talking about then planting the negativity in the minds of people and there goes your motivation. Yes, everyone has a different body shape and I believe metabolism problems could have something to do with your genetic makeup in my case I know I have a very slow metabolism and I am missing a thyroid so I have to work extra hard with cardio workouts but if I didn't exercise then I don't want to think about the state of my body furthermore as we age exercise is very important to our quality of life. I hope the readers didn't take too much notice of the article.

Posted by: Anonymous | 12-Feb-2010 06:55 PM |

this is media hype at its best all i have to say is read "spark" by Dr john ratey and eric hagerman. aerobic exercise is more than just fitness of the body but of the mind.

Posted by: Anonymous | 15-Feb-2010 10:47 AM |

How typical of the fitness industry to get its knickers in a knot because some nobody said aerobic exercise is a waste of time. Do the words "fitness" and "professional" really belong in the same sentence?

Posted by: vfb.co.uk | 16-Feb-2010 10:10 AM |

You people are sheep, how can you be so ignorant!? I completely support the headline - cardiovascular exercise is boring and uncomfortable. If you want real results, please visit my website for a great deal on a vibrating fat burner belt.

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COMMENTS

Posted by: Matt O'Neill | 02-Feb-2010 11:45 AM |

I'm cheering for anyone who want to lose a lot of weight to get healthy, but dramatic weight loss stuffs your metabolism. See Media Release on this here: http://tinyurl.com/y8lsgta. Given the downnsides I can only feel that people experience rapid weight loss, either (1) Because they need it for motivation or (2) Their plan is too restrictive (eg. shakes) and causes excessive losses. I present an alertnative program that focuses optimising metabolism with real foods and boosting nutrition skills. With these elements, you don't need rapid results because you feel confident to get results and keep them (without stuffing your metabolism). If anyone wants info - metabolicjumpstart.com. Twitter - /matthewoneill

Posted by: Sonja Falvo | 02-Feb-2010 11:54 AM |

I would love to share my media release which also expresses my thoughts about the Biggest Loser! Media Release: 2 February 2010 Could The Biggest Loser Be Sending Out The Wrong Message? Viewers across the nation tune in to The Biggest Loser, many of whom are overweight and desperate to find motivation and answers to help them also shed their unwanted body-fat. But is it realistic to let people think that 15kg of weight loss in one week is normal, or even realistic? We already have a society who want quick fixes and overnight solutions, add to this the pressure of having them feel that losing 10-15kg a week is ‘normal’ and they are more likely than ever to feel that they are failures when they can’t achieve these results. For every day Aussies that are not locked away for months on end with a personal trainer and chef’s, losing weight permanently requires a balanced approach and permanent lifestyle changes; changes that are real, that are simple and that are effective – not something that requires drinking their meals for the rest of their lives or having them feel hopeless or like failures when it doesn’t work. So, with over 7.4 million Australian adults classified as overweight or obese and those figures expected to increase by 50 per cent within five years*, Sonja Falvo (Director of Real Body Enterprises) has launched the inaugural National Fat-Loss-a-Thon. Ms Falvo sees this event as a necessity for our nation’s health and wellbeing. “I want to help build a healthier and fitter country, so I have set a goal to help 4,000 Australians lose 24,000 kilos and raise $250,000 for The Sports Rewards Foundation between 1 January and 17 May, 2010’,” MS Falvo said. Each participant in The National Fat-Loss-A-Thon will take part in a 12-week online program developed by Real Body Enterprises, with the chance to win more than $13,000 in cash and prizes. The event is aimed at improving overall health and wellbeing, assisting in weight loss and providing simple and effective lifestyle changes, Ms Falvo explained. “The National Fat-Loss-A-Thon will help to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits for the prevention of obesity, type II diabetes and heart disease” she said. Registration for the National Fat-Loss-A-Thon began on 1 January 2010 and entries remain open until 28 February, 2010. Participants will receive online access to information and guidelines on how to follow the 12-week Real Body Program, including recipes, meal plans and exercise programs. Ms Falvo wrote the program after two years of research and through her work with three nutritionists. Entry is confirmed with a $10 donation to the Sports Rewards Foundation and each participant’s 12-week program must be completed by 17 May, 2010. Winners are judged 50 per cent on their physical results (from their before and after photos) and 50 per cent on personal questionnaire answers. The National Fat-Loss-a-Thon is supported by the following sponsors: Real Body Enterprises www.RealBodyEnterprises.com PB Sports www.pbsportsnutrition.com Swish Events www.swishcorporation.com Strawberry Communications www.strawberrycommunications.com.au Westpac www.westpac.com.au Blooms Health www.bloomshealth.com.au Hound Dog Graphics www.hounddoggraphics.com.au Balanced Magazine www.balancedmedia.com.au For more information visit www.fatlossathon.com and http://www.healthyweightweek.com.au/index.asp * Australian Bureau of Statistics: Overweight and Obesity in Adults Australia 2004-2005, Catalogue 4719.0 -ends- For further information, images or interviews please contact: Johanna Baker-Dowdell Strawberry Communications P: 0423 969 661 E: johanna@strawberrycommunications.com.au W: www.strawberrycommunications.com.au Sonja Falvo Real Body Enterprises P: (07) 3392 0770 E: admin@realbodyenterprises.com W: www.RealBodyEnterprises.com About Real Body Enterprises • Real Body Enterprises aims to deliver a sensible, realistic approach to healthy eating and lifestyle to provide long-term fat loss, increased self-esteem and quality of life • Real Body Enterprises wants to reduce the global epidemic of obesity in children and adults through education, support and a program that is designed to deliver results to every person, every time • Real Body Enterprises CEO Sonja Falvo is an author of two bestselling books, keynote speaker and has a strong passion for helping people to improve their long-term health, wellbeing and self-esteem • Sonja Falvo was also Director of What Women Want Personal Training in Brisbane and National Fitness Manager for Fitness First in the UK • Real Body Enterprises: Level 16/120 Edward St, Brisbane, (07) 3392 0770 or admin@realbodyenterprises.com. About The Sports Rewards Foundation • The Sports Rewards Foundation is a not-for-profit entity • It was established to remove barriers to entry for children involved in physical activity and organised sport (to combat the childhood obesity epidemic) as well as to actively promote physical activity and organised sports to children and teens • The Sports Rewards Foundation aims to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity for better health in children and donate more than $2 million per year to grass roots sports. • Visit www.SportsRewards.net.au and click on Foundation for more information.

Posted by: Shaz | 02-Feb-2010 12:16 PM |

I love it. I loved it last night when they had to do their public speaking - very brave. I'm well aware of the dangers of such rapid weight loss and the damage it can do - but it also encourages larger people to start asking questions and asking for help. I know I have a feedback newsletter at the end of each week of all the questions my clients have asked during the week. As a person who battles with her weight every day of her life, I understand the demons that some of these people go through. However look at their fantastic achievements. The young man, Shannon, he had a major breakthrough last night by getting off the ground and continuing the walk. Good on these people for being brave enough to go on tv for help. Good on them for allowing us to hear their demons and see their struggles. Good on anyone else this show motivates to start looking after themselves. Any trainer worth their profession would obviously tell their clients that this is extreme and will not happen to them, but if it motivates them even more to get moving - that's a fantastic thing.

Posted by: Bel | 02-Feb-2010 01:08 PM |

I think this show is the greatest thing to ever grace reality TV. It's motivating sedentary people to get moving & proving that you can lose weight, no matter what your circumstances. Those that have been following the show for a while will know that losing 10kg a week isn't realistic for anyone in the real world but we have to remember that they have personal trainers/nutritionists on the show & are on tight food restrictions. They also work out more than the average person per day AND have a LOT more weight to lose, hence the massive losses. The great thing about The Biggest Loser is that It shows how emotional the journey to losing weight can be. The contestants are so inspirational & defy all kinds of odds to lose weight. Its not easy to get up in front of the whole country with half your gear off so everyone can see your body (during weigh-in). Massive respect for anyone that can do that, especially on TV. As a personal trainer, I get a lot of ideas from the show (although some of the exercises are not-so conventional). I think the trainers do a great job in coaching the contestants, both physically & emotionally. Long live Biggest Loser!

Posted by: Gabrielle Maston Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist www.changingshape.net.au | 02-Feb-2010 01:16 PM |

I think the underlying priciples of the show -using Diet therapy and Exercsie for weight loss is great. I do however disaggree with the intensity of exercise the participants undertake. Being obese places a large strain on joints and the cardiovascular system. Undertaking this type of exercise intensity can be very dangerous for these people. Far often than not there is a participant who injures themselves thats puts them "out of the game" for a significant period of time. This can be very discouraging for the participant, but also I believe shows professional negligence by the trainers. Often in new clients I see , I am disappointed when they complain how hard it is to lose weight. often referring to the biggest losers. They state that if they also had 6 hours to train they would be able to lose weight too. The show creates an unrealistic view on weight loss treatment. It causes weightloss to be viewed as a distant unattainable goal in ther circumstances. Encourage your clients to exercise moderatly and adopt a view on healthy eating and food. This is really all it takes. In good health - Gabrielle Maston- Dietitian/nutritionist and Exercise physiologist www.changingshape.net.au

Posted by: Joanne Butler | 02-Feb-2010 01:53 PM |

I'm not sure whether I love or hate it because there are parts I think are too much and others, like the fact that it motivates so many to give it a go, that are spot on. I think any one of us (fitness professionals) can take bits and pieces and use them as motivation for those already on their journey or for those that are yet to begin. Anything that can help motivate people to change to a healthier lifestyle is great in my books. I love the way they use both nutrition and training as the means even though sometimes I feel that the workouts themselves are not quite appropriate. But then again, what we see on TV could be totally different to what really goes on. Jo

Posted by: Nick Whiley | 02-Feb-2010 02:29 PM |

I love the show, and the good health practices it actively promotes and encourages. To suggest it creates unrealistic expectations because of the amount of weight lost each week is like suggesting I would get an unrealistic expectation of how much money I can make if I read Bill Gates' biography. I believe the show does a great job of presenting solid old fashioned healthy habits (diet and exercise, with appropriate supervision) methods of losing weight. It makes no claim that viewers can achieve similar results without similar focus and effort, and frankly I don't think people are that stupid. Of course the production wants to make the show competitive, so we'll see some people achieving dramatic results. I believe that over-achievement serves more to inspire than mis-lead. OK, I'm off to make $35billion in business now! Surely it can't be THAT difficult. ;)

Posted by: Anonymous | 02-Feb-2010 04:17 PM |

Could it be that these people really need to see someone about their Psychological problems before they attack their physical one?

Posted by: patricia mclean | 02-Feb-2010 07:56 PM |

as per above yes you can not loose weight and ikeep it of until the psychological demons have been addressed, i know this from perrsonal experince. so maybe there neds to be a psychologist attached to the show, the trainers do address this issue, but i do not think they are trained in this feild, though all personal trainers do act as councellors to some extent

Posted by: Michelle H | 02-Feb-2010 11:52 PM |

I love it - being in the fitness (& personal development) industry I am fully supportive of the contestants and trainers. It really emphasises that with consistency and determination, you can achieve whatever you desire. There may be health risks associated with rapid weight loss but can it be any worse than where they started? Good onto them and providing motivation to those that need it.

Posted by: Gary Hoffman | 03-Feb-2010 02:12 AM |

Yep fitness - good, yep healthy eating - good, yep weight loss for obese - good, biggest loser - good? YEP FOR RATINGS! Lets not lose sight of why this show exists. TV RATINGS! think about it, if someone on the show had a heart attack from the exessive strain they are put through and could not be saved the show would be axed, if ratings declined the show would be axed. 'Reality' I think not, as a trainer and assessor for the fitness industry (first qualifed in 1987 - upgraded as recently as 2008 and constantly upskilling), I do not like the message it sends out! Question: would all those above saying they 'love it' risk their own clients life (do you have a medical team standing by?) in this way????

Posted by: Clayton | 04-Feb-2010 12:07 PM |

It's a love hate relationship really. But having said that, anything that gets people interested in losing weight or fitness or just generally getting of their backside and starting to move is a plus. While the situation they create on TV is hard to emulate in the real world, ie. food prepared by chefs, the whole drama of the situation and the endless props necessary to entertain people into exercise, ignoring the medium is foolish as is trying to discredit the show. Have to agree with Matt's comment also... Nutrient rich food, sensible eating and exercise is a sound way to get into shape NO MATTER WHERE YOU START FROM. There are no pills, shakes, etc. required to lose weight. Regards, Clayton Adelaide Personal Trainers http://www.adelaidepersonaltrainers.com.au

Posted by: Elissa | 10-Feb-2010 07:29 PM |

So totally agree with Anonymous. All I see is a mass of emotional/psychological trauma...

Posted by: Esther | 11-Feb-2010 10:47 AM |

As a personal trainer ... all the show does for me is create a false impression of massive rapid weight loss. I am finding it difficult for my clients (those that actually watch the show) to understand that there never is a quick "fix solution" to weight loss and maintaining that weight loss.

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Posted by: patricia | 07-Oct-2009 02:53 PM |

i fully agree that having an AED should be compulsary in every gym how ever large or small. and if save just one life then it has paid for it self

Posted by: Denise | 12-Oct-2009 10:19 PM |

It is important to note that using an AED does not replace CPR. Staring CPR immediately is the best option. If an AED is available a second person should be sent to get it. The person performing CPR should not cease CPR to fetch an AED. Check with www.resus.org.au for the official Guidelines from the Australian Resuscitation Council. And keep your CPR up to date!

Posted by: Marg | 13-Oct-2009 12:00 AM |

I was recently involved in the successful revival of someone who suffered a major heart attack at the fitness centre from which I opertate my PT business. He had previously had a quadruple bypass approx 2 years ago. This was the first time I have never had to help administer major first aid of this type in 26 years in the fitness industry! This centre does not have defib equipment. Immediate DRABC, coma position, EAR + CPR were applied by a competent team of staff and some clients who fortunately were from the medical profession. An ambulance was also called immediately which took approx 12min to arrive, the whole time the CPR + EAR were continuously applied.The ambulance team upon arrival then worked for approx another 12min to stabilise the client before taking him to emergency. The 12min it took for professional help to arrive seemed like an eternity for those involved in the first aid process. We were told by the ambulance officers that the quick thinking and actions of all involved were life saving, however I feel that once CPR + EAR were initially applied the use of an AED machine would have been of great assistance. I see the points Denise has raised to be sound information from the experience of the event , and in an emergency situation if a sole operterator is involved it could be extremely hard to facilitate EAR, CPR + AED. In a fitness centre with several staff and a team environment, a defib would be a great asset, however for the small single PT operator praticality of operation at the time of a major incident may be a point to consider. I only know that in the heat of a moment such as the one we experienced recently, as much help as possible by experienced people or extra equipment is / would be a god send! I am happy to finish with news that the cient made a full recovery and is now back exercising regularly! This may be a one in a million lucky situation...AED or no AED!

Posted by: Karina | 13-Oct-2009 10:59 AM |

I absolutely support the idea of AEDs in all public places. I note you have information for St John's Ambulance there. The Queensland Ambulance Service also has a range of AEDs for sale and provides training on their use. We really are the experts in this field and will give great advice on the type of device to best suit any workplace. Let me know if you need any assistance from us in getting this organised.

Posted by: Gordon | 13-Oct-2009 05:57 PM |

We bought an AED for our small studio recently on the basis that if something does happen we will give the client every possible chance. We dealt directly with the importer and paid only $2,600 and we get the 50% Federal Government tax deduction so the price for some peace of mind isn't too high. As we have some mature age clients who we value highly it just gives a good feeling seeing the AED hanging on the wall. Just never want to use it!

Posted by: michele | 13-Oct-2009 05:57 PM |

I was recently involved in a similar situaion to Marg. however the ambulance took over 40 minutes to arrive. thankfully our centre did have a defib. we commenced cpr within 1 minute and then applied the defib. our member is alive today because of our training and the defib machine.He is also back in the gym exercising. i know i would not want to work in a centre that did not have a defib machine.

Posted by: Angela | 14-Oct-2009 11:35 AM |

The idea behind having Automated External Defibrillation (AED) Machine is great to help save peoples' lives. People are precious and a lost life when it could have been easily saved with one of these machines is a terrible thing to happen. But why is there such a big price tag on such a device - why are they so expensive - nearly $3,000? I know they are made to use on humans, have a recorded voice and include a 'heart rhythm assessment' to not shock unless a heartbeat is absent, in comparison with a 12-Volt car battery jump-starter which is about $200.00 - compared to a Defibrillator which is only 9-Volts, it is nearly 15 times the price. Furthermore, one defibrillator brand promoted in Victoria says that the machine 'usually has a use-by date expiring 2 years after manufacture'. Thus how can gyms afford to buy a new one every 2 years at this price? There needs to be more competition with another Defibrillator manufacturing company to bring the price down because this is ridiculous. It shouldn't be so expensive to save lives?

Posted by: tony | 17-Oct-2009 08:57 PM |

The effectiveness of AEDs in cardiac arrests is very controversial and of course the manufacturers promote studies biased towards their products. They are a tool that may help in around 30% of arrests that present in a shockable rythym, howver they are no substitute for effective and continuous CPR and then ongoing advanced care. Beware of biased studies and emotive arguments.

Posted by: Danielle | 21-Oct-2009 02:57 PM |

It is good to see that there is support out there for this to happen. Every year, Fitness Instructor's must complete their CPR to enable them to have current and valid registration and insurance. Every year it seems like the method for administering CPR changes, and this is a good thing because as the science improves so to do the methods for saving a life. Now we have this new peice of equipment that can save a life, and is much more effective at it than any Fitness Instructor could be with the most up to date CPR. If Fitness Instructors can learn new techniques and be tested each year for that, could not Fitness Centres equip us with the most up to date equipment to help is with our training. It would be great if the Fitness Industry took up the initiative to get AED's in all health centres to show our continued and growing support for each member's health and the health of their family and friends. If anyone is interested in learning more about how successful AED's have been here is a link http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pacd-pub-PADDemo

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