The fitness industry is experiencing a renaissance. The machines have gone, the floor has been freed, and people are turning to functional training for an effective, modern workout. One of the most influential fitness trends in the past decade, functional training works multiple groups at once, whilst allowing you to tailor your training towards a specific sport or activity.
Gym design has therefore adapted, focusing on producing equipment to fit these new needs. Rigs have now become the cornerstone of functional training, for both performance facilities and commercial settings alike. Offered with bespoke designs, custom branding, colours and configurations, these pieces of equipment very quickly become the focal point of the facility.
Versatility is one of the major benefits of a rig, allowing facilities to create highly adaptive spaces and grow as your business goes. When considering a rig for your facility, it can be overwhelming. In this article we have highlight a number of considerations we recommend to our clients, which helps both parties work together to design the best configuration possible. This isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ scenario.
1. FREESTANDING OR WALL MOUNTED?
The first consideration we present to our clients is choosing between a free standing or wall mounted rig. Both have their own selling points, but it will come down to the type of building we’re working with, the space available, and how you want the facility to flow.
Wall mounting depends your building requirements. If your structure allows this to be a viable option, then these rigs are excellent for space efficiency, keeping your gym floor free for other equipment or exercise space. Alternatively, free standing rigs are a great focal point for your gym. They offer twice as many workstations as the wall mounted option, meaning simultaneous workouts can take place.
2. HOW DO YOU PROGRAM?
Another major consideration is the type of programming you execute in your gym. Will be it a small group or personal training setting? Will group members perform the same movements at the same time? If so, this will require a duplication of stations, making a free-standing rig more appealing. If the class is programmed in a circuit format, where members rotate to different stations, the rig will choice will not be as much of an important factor. The coach’s ability and coaching style will be important, as you want to ensure the coach have clear visibility of every participant in the class.
3. IS STORAGE A PRIORITY?
The third factor in the consultation processes is storage, and whether or not you want to integrate shelving into your rig. We are huge believers that clutter can kill performance within the gym, and that smart storage is vital. Integrating storage into the rig allows equipment such as kettlebells, balls and bumpers to be easily accessed an arm’s reach for both client and coach.
4. WHAT SPACE IS AVAILABLE?
The forth consideration will be determined by the exercises your members will be performing. If ring muscle ups, rope climbs and other exercises that require taller uprights are often programmed, you must ensure you have enough height clearance for them to be performed safely - we recommend 500mm. If wall ball throws also appear in your programming, please consider the height and placement of the targets. If battle ropes are a popular exercise, you must ensuring you have enough room around the rig for this exercise to be performed safely.
Designing and equipping your facility is a bit like solving a puzzle. We're here to help co-create and visualise it with you, from concept to final delivery. Our team will listen to your ideas, and share our knowledge from the hundreds of successful projects we have competed globally. Once we have an understanding of your requirements and budget, our team of designers and engineers will help turn your vision into a reality - from 3D rendering, right the way through to installation.
