Local trainer’s invention to help prepare Olympic athletes
Remember this name: Michael Jackson. Too easy.
Now, remember this one: PowerBox. The PowerBox is Michael Jackson's invention, an all-in-one kind of workout apparatus. Jackson is a certified personal trainer in Summerlin. Within the year, he plans to have his PowerBox infomercial airing on television.
"I want PowerBox to be a household name," he said. "When you say PowerBox, you'll know exactly what's represented. Right now, if you say PowerBox, you probably think of a box with electricity, a lot of wiring."
So, why didn't he name it something else? The imagery was too powerful, he said.
It's 44 inches long, 16 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches high -- a box but one "that can do everything." Jackson trains clients at Rapid Rehab, 8751 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 270.
He said the idea came to him one day when he was working with a client.
"I was having them do a step-up, an aerobic exercise," he said. "Normally, I give my clients weights. After I got looking at it, I said, 'Well, let me strap some bands around it, instead of running back and forth to get them the weights.' "
He worked up the PowerBox's initial design in 1995. It was made out of plywood and had a strip of carpet on top. Stretch bands clipped onto rods integrated into the apparatus.
Jackson began using it with his clients, testing it out, getting feedback on it. He said people were seeing not just good results but faster results. Successive generations tweaked the design and led to a ladder-like extension. With that addition, the machine became more multi-functional, with the capability of duplicating moves from circuit work, strength training, Pilates and yoga.
He found a design engineer and a carpenter.
"I've got four or five generations of these at home as I was experimenting with it," he said. "Finally, I got everything right."
Word got out in the fitness industry as he filed for his patents. He has sold roughly 70 units through word-of-mouth alone. Endorsed by 2011 USA Wrestling World team coach James Johnson, the PowerBox will be used in London to train athletes for the upcoming Olympics.
Jackson said he hopes to sell 2,000 units once his TV infomercial hits the airwaves. It's on course to appear around Christmas, just in time for New Year's resolutions.
Rhae Arzadon is a dedicated fan. She has been working out on it for the past few months and credits it with her 15-pound weight loss.
"The first day, you could totally feel the difference," she said. "I've never (achieved) that much (in) results as I have from that machine."
The PowerBox spawned two different variations -- the Power Board and Power Board XL, made for clinical work and for those in wheelchairs.
The PowerBox will be the only version featured in the initial infomercial. At about 15 pounds, it is the lightest of the three varieties. It can be viewed at powerboardxtremefitness.com.
He's also gearing up to market it, eyeing QVC and the Home Shopping Network. A part of all proceeds will contribute to fitness camps for youths to combat childhood obesity and diabetes.
"If you believe in your product, stick with it," he said. "I could have let this go a long time ago, but I feel it's going to help a lot of people."
Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.
