Yumans produce ‘Quikk Fitt’ exercise video

For the Type A overachievers who have too much on their plate to crunch those abdominal muscles to buff perfection, a locally produced exercise video may be just the fitness accessory to squeeze into a crowded office cubical.

"Quikk Fitt" is the title of a workout video shot by Fran Simonson and Darla Schofield aimed at working women but adaptable to any gender or age, its creators say.

"It's a first for women in Yuma doing an exercise video and a first for women over 50 marketing a video," Simonson said. "It's a video people would want and benefit from."

With a minimum of equipment required, the concept was intended to provide convenience, save time and motivate the sedentary to get active.

"It's a complete workout in 20 minutes," Schofield added.

"You learn to use the exercise ball and weights correctly. I can't tell you how many women told me, 'oh I got that ball and weights but I don't know how to use them.'"

Good health at any age is important and Simonson and Schofield are prime examples of that, they said.

An advantage of the video over a typical gym workout is that the viewer does not need a gym. With just three basic pieces of gear, including exercise mat, viewers can benefit just by using half the video and anybody can spare 10 minutes on a lunch break, Simonson said.

The first half is a warm up with weights that works the abdominal muscles and the second half concentrates on the cardiovascular system to increase the heart rate.

The regimen will make users more alert and productive at work. Exercise will make users not only leaner and stronger but more immune to disease and help preserve a more youthful appearance, Simonson said.

"The workout is safe," she insisted. "I start out with 10 pound weights but you must do what's appropriate for you."

Warm-ups and cool-downs are emphasized so muscles are conditioned gradually similar to an automobile engine and that way overexertion will be avoided. Safety is a prime importance and before beginning any exercise program everyone is advised to consult with their physician, Simonson cautioned.

After teaching at the 4th Avenue Gym for 13 years Simonson launched a solo career as a personal trainer and has been teaching physical fitness for 28 years now. She is a certified instructor in kick boxing, spinning (bicycling), step and water aerobics.

"A lot of people want to buy our video because they know us," she said. "I've established a clientele that knows my workouts are fun and shows results."

It was Simonson's obvious training acumen that nurtured the video project. Taking training from Simonson last fall Schofield suggested they make an exercise DVD together.

"The video is filmed outside so people get the feeling of openness and fresh air and can virtually enjoy good weather regardless of the day," Schofield said.

It was Schofield's company, Production Allstars that made the DVD. The company does voice overs for commercials and on-hold audio for telephone systems. But they had to call in trusted consultants, John and Brendon Schofield (her husband and son) when they decided to go to video.

The video was shot in four hours last December at West Wetlands Park. The project was truly a family affair with John and Brendon holding boom mikes, overdubbing musical accompaniment, and editing the package to the 20 minute final cut.

"It was not like we had a plan, we just went out there and it all came together," Schofield said. "Everyone who's watched it was extremely amazed at the quality."

A number of people never go to the gym because they say they can't afford it, noted Schofield. But the video is a "cost effective" workout as the $14.99 price is a one-time charge for a lifetime fitness program. Not only does she recommend using the video in tandem with a "buddy system" but both her and Simonson are available for questions at their Web site: www.quikkfitt.com

"Exercise can be fun and it's for everybody," Simonson said. "But we always emphasize safety. I've never had to use CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and I never want to."

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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.