Watch CBS News

Health Watch: Once A Week Workout

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- You've heard all the weight loss buzz words. Now there really is something new, and it's quick. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl finds out if it could be right for you.

Lose weight and shape up is a goal for many, but who has the time or energy. What if someone said you could get fit in just one hour a week. It's happening to people in our area; in fact, one woman we spoke with lost 58 pounds, another one is going to a body toning competition. And all it took was an hour a week, along with staying healthy and active outside the gym.

"I've lost mostly fat and gained muscle," said Jill Justice, who used to weigh 230 pounds. Now she's down to 172 pounds, after working out at MaxOut Strength Studio for almost a year, along with some serious dieting.

"Absolutely, it's changed my life," said Jill.

So what makes this Limerick gym so special? MaxOut says it's their uniquely equipped weight machines.

"We run a cable that's attached to the bar that goes into our counter-weight tower," said Dave Shafer, the CEO of MaxOut Strength Studio. He says the tower allows trainers to adjust the weight on both the up and down movement of each lift.

"The body can resist a heavier weight than what it can lift. So we're just able to now capture that," said Dave. He says the intense one hour weight lifting session pushes muscles to the max, and takes five to seven days to recover, which is why people only work out once a week.

Watch the video...

"The 60 minutes is about all I can afford. I have 4 children," said Heidi Quimby, a 40-year-old who started at MaxOut 10 months ago. She was already in good shape, but now she's getting ready to enter a body competition.

"I just look a little more shapelier. I feel great. I'm completely energized," said Heidi.
Pat Braun has osteoarthritis in both knees and was told the only way to relieve the pain was with replacement surgery.

"Couldn't get out of a chair. Couldn't go down the stairs. Started coming here in May and within weeks my muscles got stronger. I'm strong. It feels great," said Pat.

"I really love this workout," said Jill.

But not everybody's a believer. We spoke with a member of the American College of Sports Medicine who said there's no way a once a week workout could really get people in good shape.

But Dave says MaxOut technology is backed up by years of scientific research. Each hour session costs $29.95. Right now it's only in Limerick, but they'll be expanding here and around the country.

RELATED LINK:

MaxOut Fitness Studio

Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.