By Molly SHELTON

On July 30, members of the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA were introduced to a new machine that presenters feel will take the nation by storm, beginning at the Foothill YMCAs.

The Zaaz is new to the Y, but has been improving circulation, flexibility and balance for people of all ages for the past 40 years.

The machine was first designed in Russia in the 1970s to help astronauts repair muscle atrophy. Since its invention, Zaaz has been adopted by over 60 professional sports teams to help with warm up, cool down and injury recovery.

The reason that Zaaz is so successful, said presenters, is because of the science behind it. While other products teeter over the center fulcrum, this machine has the oscillating motion of a sine wave. Trigonometry buffs know the benefits of using a sine wave versus a strictly vertical motion. These oscillations activate an average of 97% of all muscle groups and produces up to 30 involuntary reflexes per second, essentially producing more benefit in less time. The ability to adjust the amplitude of the oscillations makes it a low-impact, side-alternating rocking movement perfect for all ages and body types.

The Zaaz is being incorporated to the YMCA’s program, “50 Moving Forward” and helps senior members maintain good health without using strenuous exercise techniques. YMCA members can increase their flexibility, blood and lymphatic circulation, cognitive processes, and balance in just the 12 minutes that the machine is being used.

YMCA trained staff will be teaching five classes per day to introduce members on how to use the machines and how to adjust them to their individual needs.

Facility member Lydia Berich said that she loved the opportunity to try the machine.

“I especially enjoyed that I can decide what motion is good for me,” Berich said.  She added that she had back trouble for years and wasn’t able to do the exercises that everyone else did. “The YMCA showed me how to make it personal. I like that.”

For those who aren’t a Y member, day passes for the YMCA are available for purchase giving everyone the opportunity to give Zaaz a try.

For more information, call the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA at (818) 790-0123.

  Molly Shelton