Equipment Spotlight: Octagon Frame Range
Escape Fitness has expanded its Octagon functional frames range. We’re geeking out and a little obsessed. Here’s why.
Escape Fitness has expanded its Octagon functional frames range. We’re geeking out and a little obsessed. Here’s why:
Bolt-Down.
From body conditioning to HIIT frames, the possibilities are endless.
Freestanding.
This is what we’re really excited about. What if you want to offer compelling HIIT options but your facility has limitations? You don’t have 4+ inches of concrete as a subfloor so bolt-down units are not an option. Or you don’t want to tie yourself to an exact location. Freestanding to the rescue! These units are deeper than their bolt-down cousins getting stability from extended feet. Here are some of our favorites:
MARS.
MARS is the ATM of fitness training. Walkup, learn a move and move over to try it. Add one to a frame, to a wall or to a storage unit.
Attachments.
Choose exactly what you want for your members.
Storage.
With Escape Octagon storage you have more than just a spot to put extra items. You have units that fit your exact needs. They match the rest of your equipment. They add to the look of your facility. Here are some of the configurations:
There’s still more we haven’t mentioned. Endless color options. Flooring with graphics. The incredible array of Escape accessories to load onto your unit. Let’s create the perfect setup for your facility!
Not sure if a frame or a rack is the right fit for you? Check out our post Rigs vs. Racks.
ADDRESSING THE TRENDS: HIIT CARDIO
HIIT training has been a top 5 fitness trend since 2014. How can you address HIIT training in your facility?
HIIT(High-Intensity-Interval-Training) has been identified as a top 5 fitness trend by the American College of Sports and Medicine Worldwide Survey every year since 2014. It’s a trend that’s here to stay. That’s why we recommend including options for HIIT training in many of the facilities that we design.
“These exercise programs typically involve short bursts of high-intensity bouts of exercise followed by a short period of rest. Although there are several commercial examples of HIIT, all emphasize higher intensities (above 90%) of maximum during the higher intensity segments followed by periods of rest and recovery.”
- ACSM Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends 2019
HIIT CARDIO
One of our favorite ways to “HIIT IT” is with the Assault Series from Precor:
Assault AirRunner
The Assault AirRunner is extremely popular. It’s completely powered by the exerciser. This is especially great for HIIT training because you can change speeds at will. Since HIIT training is defined by all-out effort followed by brief rests, you can see why that instant speed change is helpful. We also love that you can move it anywhere! It’s lightweight, has a convenient handle and is easy to roll on its front wheels. Since it doesn’t have to be plugged in there are no limits on where you can place it for a special event or class. You can even roll it outside in nice weather to expand your space. Whether your members are newbies to fitness or seasoned athletes, the Assault AirRunner will invigorate their workout and give them something to thank you for.
AirBike Elite
Normally using an exercise bike is just a lower body exercise. Not with the AirBike Elite. Pedal, pull or push for an unlimited variety, full-body workout. Plus, the greater the speed and force, the greater the resistance. Automatically. Once again, a perfect HIIT machine. Self-powered and easy to move, this is another piece to roll outside to expand your space.
AirRower Elite
To complete the trifecta is the Assault AirRower Elite. Thanks to Crossfit, rowing has long been on the rise in popularity. It targets nearly your entire body: legs, triceps, pecs, deltoids, obliques, glutes and abs. Can you see how powerful that is for HIIT training where are all-out effort is a must? And the unique fan-based resistance of the AirRower means your exercisers can’t overpower the machine, no matter how hard they try.
We love that all of these machines are built with the durability that HIIT requires. Sweatproof, corrosion resistant, reinforced, powder coated, sealed and more. All the details are taken care of. Precor knows what it takes to build a piece of equipment that will last and has earned a reputation for doing just that since 1981.
We don’t hesitate to recommend these incredible machines. We know you won’t be disappointed and neither will your members: whether they’re residents, guests, employees or students.
EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT: QUEENAX
As functional training deepens its influence on the fitness industry, know what you’re up against by educating yourself on the Queenax functional training unit.
Increasingly, as functional training grows in its impact on the fitness industry, people are walking into the fitness center of your facility and expecting to see a setup for functional training. Functional training is a type of exercise that holistically trains the body in the way we naturally move. A unique proprietor of functional training is the Queenax, a fantastic functional training tool that advocates a new and exciting way to include functional training in your facility.
What Is It?
The Queenax is, as it says on the Precor website, a “unique functional and suspended bodyweight training system.” It can be used for both individual training and group training. Accessories (or “Optionals”) can be added onto the unit to create more optional activities.
There are multiple models of Queenax (The One, The Corner, Wall Solution, The Open Format, and The Bridge), all varying in size and customization. However, all share similar traits that make the Queenax a practical addition to your facility.
Why Incorporate in Your Facility?
Here are a few great reasons:
1.) Fully Utilize your space
While it is a large unit, the Queenax is highly space efficient. Every foot of the space it takes up is functional. In addition, it has functional storage; you can store medicine balls, kettlebells, dumbbells, and more, and all at easy access. The varying of size between different Queenax models also allows for the Queenax to find a place to fit in most facilities and spaces.
2.) Increase Member Attraction and Retention
Gyms that cater to current fitness trends attract new members and tenants, and make sure people stick around. More and more, members are demanding versatile training options. When they walk into your facility and see the Queenax, it meets and exceeds that demand. It means you will get a great return on your investment, adding long-lasting value to your facility.
3.) Offer a fitness experience that sets your facility apart
Engaging your tenants or members is essential for increasing business, and for setting you apart. Beat the competition by creating a space that, not just fulfils the needs of your targeted clientele, but surpasses their expectations. The Queenax offers not just solutions, but a fitness experience.
And so much more; to find out more, visit https://www.precor.com/en-us/commercial/strength/queenax, and read all about this fantastic piece of equipment.
How Can You Incorporate It?
Work with us! We will help you figure out what unit will work best for your facility and your goals, and we will install and maintain the unit. Through Precor, we can also offer education for training on the Queenax. Follow the prompts below to request an assessment. We look forward to hearing from you!
Addressing the Trends: HIIT Zones
What is HIIT? Why and how should you incorporate it in your fitness center?
What and Why?
If you’re involved in the fitness industry, there’s a high likelihood that you have heard of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT is essentially a training method that involves pushing the body to its workout limits for a short period of time (ex. 30 seconds), followed by a brief period of rest, then repeated over another short period of time (ex. 15 mins). These workouts are a huge trend in the fitness industry among fitness experts, gym members, and gym owners, because they’re awesome--and here’s why:
Time-Saver
The allure of a 15-minute workout as opposed to a half hour to an hour work out doesn’t take much explaining. We live busy lives, but we want to prioritize our health and fitness. HIIT allows for the best of both worlds.
Space-Saver
Workout spaces that are more open are ideal for HIIT because they do not require equipment that waste space, and you need room to move around at high-intensity. If space is an issue in your fitness center, HIIT helps with that!
It Brings Real Results!
Note what was revealed in this research study about the effectiveness of HIIT.
“The major goals of most endurance exercise programs are to improve cardiovascular, metabolic, and skeletal muscle function in the body. For years continuous aerobic exercise has been the chosen method to achieve these goals. However, research shows that HIIT leads to similar and in some cases better improvements in shorter periods of time with some physiological markers.”
-Micah Zuhl, Ph.D. and Len Kravitz, Ph.D.
Increased Attraction and Retention
Keeping your gym space new, attractive, and engaging is essential for retaining guests, members, etc. The ingenuity of HIIT workouts is a magnet for attracting and keeping hold of a larger demographic.
How?
Because of the success of this form of training, businesses will benefit from including designated spaces for HIIT, or “HIIT Zones,” in their fitness centers. Now here’s the important question for managers: How can I incorporate zones for HIIT workouts in my fitness center successfully?
Open Space
It’s important that you provide ample space for HIIT in your fitness center, thus “HIIT zones.” Have your HIIT Zones be free of clutter and have HIIT-specific equipment, described in the next subheading.
HIIT Equipment
To make your HIIT Zone a real “hit,” you should include equipment designed for HIIT workouts. The AirBike Assault and AirRunner are fabulous examples of large HIIT equipment. Going even bigger (yet still space-efficient), the Queenax functional trainer is another great option for HIIT. Queenax units allow for open space and functional storage. The many accessories you can couple with the Queenax are ideal for HIIT workouts.
To learn more about Queenax, check out this article.
Finally, and most importantly:
Consult with CFE!
We know how fully utilize a space and make it exactly what you want. Please see the form at the bottom of this page to request a consultation with us. We can talk about your vision and goals for a fitness center and how we will make it happen. We’re excited to work with you!
EDUCATION: RIGS VS RACKS
This post is all about the differences, benefits, and limitations of rigs and racks.
RIGS VS RACKS
Fitness trends are changing. Have you noticed how much functional fitness has grown in popularity over the last 10 years? This, and the tendency towards training general population students like athletes, have changed the needs of a school weight room. Since most schools don’t have an opportunity to do a major update on their weight room more often than every 10-15 years, it’s important to make the right decision... You’ll be living with it for quite a while. This post is all about educating you on the differences, benefits, and limitations of rigs and racks.
What is a rig?
Rigs are so versatile they are difficult to define. For the purpose of our discussion today we will define a rig as a versatile frame with the ability to reconfigure your “stations” to your needs of the day. It can be anywhere from 4’ all the way 24’ and beyond. It can be just about any shape you want with almost any type of station you want. We will assume you would be wanting your rig with as many lifting stations as possible.
Here are some examples of rigs:
What is a rack?
We’re talking half racks, power racks, and ¾ racks. They can be “doubled” back to back, they can be annexed with storage and there are even a few accessories that can be added. Often you can expect to get not only a lifting station but also a pull-up station.
Pros of Rigs
Rigs are a great solution to getting the maximum amount of users in a tight space while providing a way to transition to other modalities. What does that really mean? Versatility. You could have a tiny 4’ wall-mounted rig, you could have a 24’ self-standing rig in the middle of your space or anything in between.
This means that you can tailor your rig to your training style and the number of students you want to train simultaneously. One option we love is a 6’ by 24’ rig. A setup like that means that you can have 6 lifting stations that you can monitor by walking down the center of the rig.
When you’re not doing lifts you have an unending amount of stations you can set-up such as dips, glute/ham, pull-ups, TRX, ball targets, battle ropes, etc. Maybe you even want to have turf down the center so that your students can be pulling a sled in the protected space in the center of the rig while other stations on both sides of the rig are being utilized.
All of this versatility adds up to space-saving. Training more students in the same amount of space.
Another benefit of rigs is they tend to be budget-friendly. For example, it is about 30% less to get a rig with 6 lifting stations than 6 free-standing half racks.
Cons of Rigs
While rigs can be configured to fit the needs of powerlifting and/or sports specific training they tend to put athletes closer together and not provide as much privacy as a power rack can. This makes monitoring even more important.
Rigs tend to be really basic in style, you could even describe them as raw. This may or may not fit with your vision for the room. The style and “feel” of the room need to be considered.
Another difficulty with rigs is that they need to be bolted to the ground. This requires certain conditions and sometimes it’s just not possible to do that. Rigs also tend to be tall and require a taller ceiling height. Plate storage can also be less functional and more cumbersome depending on the setup you select.
And then there’s the issue of space. Rigs are hugely space-saving but if you really have only a very small amount of space to work with, you may not be able to get a rig in that really adds to the value of your space.
Pros of Racks
Racks have been the go-to item for weight rooms for years. Power racks and half racks are fairly specific to the needs of the coach and the athletes performing the exercise.
If you’re doing Olympic lifts they are the gold standard. They provide adequate space to provide lifters with a safe, controllable environment. Collegiate athletics are going to lean towards a rack because they are more accommodating with power-lifting, better for moving a lot of heavy weight, and for linear strength programming. Plate storage is easy to access and efficient.
Plus a robust rack is going to look strong, it’s going to create a substantial feel in your weight room.
Cons of Racks
The biggest con on racks is that they are just not as versatile as a rig. You have a very limited movement plane to work with. When using a rack you know the lifts you can do and there’s not much of an opportunity to go outside of that.
They are not going to give you the same access to versatile dynamic/functional movements as a rig. The accessories and attachments that you can use on a rack are very limited. When putting multiple racks in a room you have the potential for a lot of “dead space” that would be utilized if it were a rig.
What should I use?
By now you might know exactly which option you lean towards. We feel these factors are the big 3:
Training Style: Are you performing just Olympic movements or are you wanting to provide more functional training like suspension training and room for dynamic movements?
Amount of students you want to train: Are you working with a small group(or with multiple coaches) that you can monitor easily or do you need to be able to monitor more students in the program simultaneously?
Budget: Do you have space and dollars to spread out or do you need to keep it really efficient?
Honestly, there are even more factors to consider than what we have mentioned in this article. For instance, when you add in the right flooring you can have the equivalent of lifting platforms in every square inch of your space. Is that beneficial for your space? That is exactly why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to fitness room design.
We’d like to get to know your training style, your team, and your space so that we can help you to consider all the factors and assist you in building a facility for your students and athletes that will serve your needs for years to come. Get started on your project here.
EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT: Expresso GO
Is the Expresso GO a good solution to meet your goals?
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Expresso GO Bike
Whether we are looking to draw new clients or retain the ones we already have, we have to work hard to design a fitness facility that stands out and keeps people engaged. Having an old treadmill and multi-gym is no longer enough. We’d like to help you to find high quality, reliable products that “wow” and engage so that you will stand out from the competition.
What is it?
You could say that the Expresso GO bike is an upright bike and that is accurate. However, it is so much more. This bike comes with a 26.5in HD touchscreen that offers your residents/guests/members the ability to road race, take a cycling class or game, HIIT style. Handlebars that turn and resistance that changes automatically based on the terrain make it so much fun.
Why is it such a big deal?
We all know we need to get exercise and we want help to stay motivated. Being totally immersed in our exercise makes it enjoyable, keeping us motivated to do more. Enter the Expresso GO bike. What could be more motivating than racing your best time last week? Or better yet, racing your neighbor or coworker? What about chasing down a dragon to earn coins? Maybe an intense cycling instructor reminding you to give it all you’ve got? All of this is available on the Expresso GO bike. Can you see the appeal?
Click here to see a video of the bike in action.
With 300+ miles of interactive road racing courses, studio cycling classes that are updated every week and “off-road” HIIT gaming( HIIT training was identified as the #1 fitness trend of 2018 by the ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends Survey, we are really excited about this bike and the value that it adds.
How is this relevant for my facility?
Let’s paint a scenario. You’ve got a room to build your fitness amenity but space is at a premium. Most of the time you’re going to want to offer a treadmill, elliptical and a bike but you don’t have room for much more. How do you make your facility compelling and unique in that circumstance? Make one or more of those pieces of cardio stand out. And make sure that piece appeals to a large demographic.
What if you’ve got more room and a pretty robust offering? You’re probably only going to update your fitness room every 5-7 years(3-5 if you’re a high-use facility). Are your residents/members/guests getting tired of the same old setup? By incorporating an ExpressoGO bike in your facility you’re going to have fresh workouts and activities each week to keep people engaged and satisfied.
We know that this bike isn’t for every situation but it can add real value in many circumstances. We’d love to assist you in assessing your facility, budget and goals to see if the Expresso GO bike would be a good fit. And if it’s not, we’ll help you find the right piece to make you stand out.
ADDRESSING THE TRENDS: BODYWEIGHT TRAINING
This is the easiest and most cost effective trend to address in your facility. Learn a few tricks on how to do it the right way.
We talk a lot of about trends vs. fads around here. What does that really mean?
Trend: “a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people are behaving”
Fad: “a style or activity that suddenly becomes popular but which usually does not stay popular for very long”
Remember thigh-masters? The ab roller? Sweatin’ to the oldies? Probably you’re thinking it’s best not to! And that’s true because fortunately these fads faded as quickly as they started. That’s why it’s important not to run out and purchase every new gadget your residents/guests/members might be asking for but invest wisely in proven trends that are not just a flash in the fitness pan.
#4 TREND OF 2018: BODYWEIGHT TRAINING
What is it?
Bodyweight training refers to strength training exercises that you can do using only your own body-weight as resistance(as opposed to machines, free weights, etc). Think push-ups, pull-ups, squats, planks, etc.
How long has this trend been identified in the ACSM survey?
This trend has been ranked in the top 5 fitness trends since 2013.
“Body weight training appeared for the first time in the trends survey in 2013 (at number 3) and was in the number 2 position for 2017. ” -ACSM(linked to full 2018 survey)
Why is it such a big deal?
The benefits of body-weight training are pretty endless. You can perform them almost anywhere that there is some open floor space with minimal to no equipment. Additionally since there is no added weight on the body, the potential for injury is reduced.
The benefits of any kind of strength training has been consistently shown through research. Such as increasing metabolism and reducing pain. It’s also great for your heart, blood vessels, lungs, hormone production and even brain activity.
How can I address this trend in my facility?
The great news is that this trend requires little to no equipment so it’s very cost effective to address. Think open spaces! The days of cramming your facility with every piece of equipment under the sun should be over.
By providing a safe spot to do moves like push-ups, squats, planks, etc. you will also create a better feel in your facility. It will be less intimidating for new users and also help your facility towards ADA compliance.
You can assist your residents/guests/members who are taking full advantage of this trend by providing a few key items. A mat and resistance bands are a must. Plus a spot to do pull-ups. A great solution that allows the most amount of exercises per footprint is a functional trainer.
Additionally, you can help your members/residents/guests to get the most out of the facility by carefully choosing workout posters. The more they see the benefits, the greater their satisfaction with your facility. It’s a win:win for everyone.
A solution we love is the Trainer Series by SKLZ. Provide workout direction and inspiration right on the accessories! Additionally, the workouts are designed by EXOS and they’ve been training some of the best professional athletes for years.
Plus we’ve got them in stock so call us today to get them coming your way!
Feeling like your space is a little too crowded but don’t know what to drop? Give us a call or email to take advantage of our complimentary layout services.
ADDRESSING THE TRENDS : WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
Wearable technology is the #1 trend for 2017... but how can you address it in your fitness facility?
Whether it be time or money, we’re all interested in making good investments. Chasing the latest fads can waste both our time and our money, quickly sabotaging our goals. This is why we design fitness rooms around trends, not fads.
“Now in its eleventh year, the survey was completed by more than 1,800 health and fitness professionals worldwide, many certified by ACSM, and was designed to reveal trends in various fitness environments. Forty-two potential trends were given as choices, and the top 20 were ranked and published by ACSM.” -American College of Sports and Medicine regarding the 2017 Worldwide Fitness Trends Survey
By addressing trends in your facility instead of fads you can have confidence that your investment will add value for years to come.
#1 TREND FITNESS TREND FOR 2017
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
What is it? Wearable technology includes activity trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors and GPS tracking devices.
How long has this trend been identified in the ACSM survey? Wearable technology was #1 in the 2016 ACSM Fitness Survey.
“Some business analysts have predicted that sales of the Apple iWatch® alone will exceed 485 million devices by the year 2018 (https://www.abiresearch.com/). Trending in this part of the industry now are smart glasses, with a predicted $1.5 billion in sales (http://www.juniperresearch.com/home), and smart fabrics and interactive textiles reaching sales approaching $2.6 billion by 2017 (http://www.strategyr.com/). It is unpredictable how wearable technology will advance through the next decade.”
- ACSM
Why is it such a big deal?
Whether we’re recovering from a heart surgery or just looking at improving our performance, tracking our heart rate can have some real benefits. It gives us clues on how hard we’re working, if we’re allowing enough recovery time during a HIIT workout, how well are we sleeping or if we’re getting in better shape.
Tracking our activity helps us to track whether we’ve got the right priorities. Are we spending enough time moving each day? Are we making progress on our fitness goals? How did we do compared to last week? Wearable technology can help people to keep health and fitness at the front of their minds, instead of putting it on the back burner.
“Technology is now a must-have in our daily lives. Everyone can easily count steps taken or calories burned using a wearable device or a smart phone,” said Walter R. Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM, the lead author of the survey and associate dean in the College of Education & Human Development at Georgia State University in Atlanta. “The health data collected by wearable technology can be used to inform the user about their current fitness level and help them make healthier lifestyle choices.”
How can I address this trend in my facility?
This is never and should never be a “one size fits all” question. Factors such as space allotment, budget, goals, etc. should be considered and weighed. Here are a few ideas:
Get creative! Honestly, this is a tough trend to address and it’s been a subject of much discussion. The first thing to do is identify potentials benefits:
Multi-family & HOA: Increase community feel with motivating social interactions
Perhaps a board, whether it be a physical or virtual one, where residents can post their workouts or share a shot of their activity data for the day.
Hospitality: Enhance guest experience
Can you take fitness outdoors with wearables? What if you provided guests with a wearable with built in routes to explore the city?
Health & Rec Centers: Provide motivation for members to increase member retention
Accountability is huge and wearables up accountability. Combine that with social accountability and the motivation factor goes up exponentially.
What about other areas? What if you’re a fire or police department: Can you use wearable technology to track your department's training? Medical and wellness: Are you taking advantage of the increased accuracy and comfort of heart rate monitors to monitor your patients?
How can you address wearable technology in your unique facility? Post your ideas below.
Give us a call or email if you’d like a little help!