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Turbo Crank spins the boredom out of indoor cycling
You don’t have to go far to take a spin with Joe McNamara’s new cycling software -- in fact, you don’t need to go anywhere at all.. McNamara, a member of the Cornwall Multisport Club, is the inventor of Turbo Crank, a software-based workout for cy- clists and triathletes that is designed to help riders get the most out of their bike and sta- tionary trainer. The program simplifies indoor cycling by illustrating the workout, step by step . “This has been great summer for cycling, and more and more people are looking to improve their stamina and performance by training year-round,” said McNamara. “The challenge is to make indoor workouts as fun and interesting as outdoor rides.” An avid cyclist himself, McNamara began using an indoor cycling trainer during the offseason in the late ‘80s. He would write down a workout on paper and try to follow it, with poor results. He started taking part in organized work- outs offered in town but found dragging his bike back and forth a headache during the snowy winter months. McNamara’s solution was to design a variable, challenging workout plan that he could follow on his computer – one that would also allow him to watch a video or listen to a custom playlist of his favourite music. Fortunately, he had the computer skills that allowed him to develop his own soft- ware program to meet his vision. He sought out other cyclists, including Dutch elite cy- clist Tom Gakes, and asked them what they were looking for from a workout program. He took those ideas and over a couple of years refined his program until he was ready to launch it as Turbo Crank. The Nav Centre in Cornwall unveiled a new jewel in its sprawling facility along the St. Lawrence River Thursday− the Nav Spa . The luxurious and welcoming spa was of- ficially unveiled during an opening ceremo- ny at the Nav Centre in Thursday morning. Nav Centre general manager Kim Coe- Turner couldn’t reveal the cost of the 2,600 -square-foot facility. But she did say the cre- ation of the spa and the nearby Propeller restaurant took “millions of dollars.” The restaurant and spa are the result of nine months on intense construction and renovation at the Nav Centre. The spa features sauna and massage rooms, manicure and pedicure areas, hair- styling facilities as well as cosmetic consul- tations by Dr James Lacey of Ottawa. A wide range of services are offered by the spa, including body treatments, reg- istered massage therapy, facials, nail care, By Greg Kielec greg.kielec@eap.on.ca
Based upon the reaction from cyclists, Turbo Crank is the right product at the right price. “This a great work out that not only keeps me in shape during the winter, but also helps me improve my technique and per- formance,” said Gary Jans, a fellow member of the Cornwall Multisport Club. “Both my wife and I have enjoyed using Turbo Crank.” The difference between Turbo Crank and other indoor cycling workout aids is that Turbo Crank shows the participant the gear to be using, the cadence (pedal revolu- tions per minute) and effort, along with a detailed explanation of the interval. Other workout videos usually only show one or two elements. The program is available for download for PC/Mac on TurboCrank.com. This is the third full year that Turbo Crank is been avail- able and sales continue to increase. Both men and women seem to like the product equally, although McNamara ac- knowledges that most cyclists buying it are likely in the northern hemisphere where you cannot ride outdoors during the colder months. “The triathlon community has been very receptive to the product and I have been able to spread the word via online message forums,” said McNamara. “I offer established bloggers an opportu- nity to review the software in exchange for a free version for themselves and a free ver- sion to give away to one of their readers.” At only $20 dollars, Turbo Crank offers great value for the dollar, according to Mc- Namara, who has already released a new version and is continually working on im- provements. ings, making the Nav Centre an all-in-one venue for your meeting, leisure and well- ness needs.” The new spa will be managed by Linda Arsenault-Graham, who has more than 30 years experience in massage and esthetics industry. “I’m thrilled to have our baby born,” said exclaimed at the opening ceremony. “We want the whole world to know the Nav Spa is now open.” Arsenault-Graham will manage a staff registered massage therapists and esthe- ticians who are trained to offer the same consistent, high quality service that distin- guishes the Nav Centre, according to Coe- Turner. “We wanted to work with Linda because of her expertise running a leading spa as well as her excellent reputation for client service in Cornwall,” says Coe-Turner. “Dr. Lacey brings with him the latest innova- tions in anti-aging procedures, based out of his highly-regarded practice in Ottawa.”
Local cyclist Joe McNamara is pictured next to computer operating Turbo Crank, a training software he developed for cycling indoors.
It has proven to be a success with cyclists and triathaletes around the world. “The reaction has been excellent,” said McNamara. “Riding an indoor trainer can be boring. Having a structure to your workout
really helps the time pass and helps you to reach your fitness goals that much quicker.” Turbo Crank comes ready to go with a seven-week indoor cycling program, with three workouts per week.
Nav Centre unveils 2,600-square-foot Nav Spa at facility along St. Lawrence
Photo Greg Kielec
Pictured cutting the ribbon at the new Nav Spa are, from left, Tracy Beeman, director of commercial service; Andy Campbell, VP customer and commercial services; Linda Arsenault -Graham, spa manager; city councillor Bernadette Clement; Dr. James Lac- ey, cosmetic surgeon; and Kim Coe-Turner, Nav Centre general manager.
laser hair reduction, Botox, filler injections and peels. “The Nav Spa will ensure that guests leave
relaxed and rejuvenated,” said Nav Centre general manager Kim Coe-Turner. “The spa helps complete our customer care offer-
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