ATHX is continuing to grow, giving gyms a powerful way to offer members structured training across strength, endurance and functional fitness. With refreshed workouts for 2027, facilities now have another opportunity to build dedicated training zones that reflect the demands of the competition floor.
Creating an ATHX-ready space starts with equipment that is durable, versatile and capable of handling high-traffic use. The right setup should support heavy lifting, run-to-ski conditioning and high-volume MetCon work while remaining practical for classes, small-group training and open gym sessions.
Each ATHX zone tests a different combination of physical qualities. A well-planned equipment list allows coaches to reproduce those demands, scale workouts for different abilities and keep programming varied throughout the year.
Shop the equipment used on the ATHX competition floor.
Strength Zone
The ATHX 2027 Strength Zone introduces new rep targets and a more dynamic overhead movement:
-
0–5 minutes: 1RM shoulder to overhead
-
5–10 minutes: 2RM back squat
-
10–20 minutes: 3RM deadlift for Pairs
-
10–15 minutes: 3RM deadlift for Individuals
Athletes must make smart load selections and lift efficiently inside tightly controlled windows. For gyms, that means providing stable lifting stations, dependable barbells and plates that can withstand frequent loading and repeated drops.
Exact Equipment Used
1 Series Rack or 3 Series Free Standing Rigs
The best option depends on the size of the facility, available floor space and expected class volume.
The 1 Series Rack is ideal for smaller gyms where space efficiency is a priority. It creates a dedicated station for shoulder-to-overhead work, back squats and general strength training without requiring a large group footprint.
The 3 Series Free Standing Rig is better suited to larger facilities, high member footfall and ATHX class formats. Multiple lifting stations allow several athletes to train simultaneously, helping coaches keep sessions moving during peak hours.
Both options provide the stability and durability needed for heavy daily use and progressive strength training.
Belfast Bars
A versatile, high-spec barbell available in 15 kg and 20 kg options. The Belfast Bar is designed for durability, reliable rotation and consistent performance across shoulder-to-overhead work, squats and deadlifts.
Its versatility makes it a strong choice for mixed training facilities. The same bar can move from heavy strength work into functional sessions, reducing the need for separate equipment across different areas of the gym.
HD Bumper Plates
Shock-absorbing and built for repeated use, HD Bumper Plates help protect both equipment and flooring during high-volume training. Their minimal bounce improves control after dropped lifts, making busy strength zones safer and easier to manage.
The GripX bevelled edge and subtle knurling provide a secure grip when loading and unloading. This is particularly valuable during timed sessions, when athletes need to change weights quickly without losing control of the plate.
Lock Jaw Collars
A simple but essential part of every ATHX strength station. Lock Jaw Collars hold plates securely on the bar while remaining quick to apply and remove.
Fast weight changes matter during the 2027 lifting windows. Reliable collars allow athletes to adjust loads efficiently and lift with confidence, while helping coaches maintain a consistent safety standard across the gym floor.
Why Gyms Need It
Strength remains a core part of ATHX preparation. The change from strict press to shoulder to overhead encourages athletes to develop power and technical efficiency as well as raw pressing strength. The new 2RM squat and 3RM deadlift targets also reward confident lifting under pressure.
Quality racks, bars, plates and collars create a safe, efficient area where members can practise these skills consistently. The same setup can support ATHX classes, general strength programmes, personal training and open gym use, making it a valuable long-term investment beyond competition preparation.
Cardio Zone
The ATHX 2027 Endurance workout changes to a run followed by a max-distance SkiErg effort inside a 24-minute time cap.
For Pairs, both athletes begin the set-distance run together. The first athlete to finish can start skiing immediately:
-
Lite Pairs: 2.4 km run
-
ATHX Pairs: 3 km run
-
Pro Pairs: 3 km run
ATHX and Pro Individuals complete a 3 km run before accumulating as much SkiErg distance as possible in the remaining time.
This format rewards controlled pacing, fast transitions and the ability to sustain output when the legs and lungs are already under fatigue.
Exact Equipment Used
Running Space or BLK BOX Curved Treadmill.
Where safe outdoor running space is available, gyms can programme the competition distance directly. A clearly measured route makes ATHX sessions easy to repeat and gives athletes reliable data as they develop their pacing strategy.
When outdoor space is limited or weather conditions are unsuitable, the Woodway 4Front offers a dependable indoor alternative. It provides a smooth running experience for steady efforts, interval sessions and run-to-ski transitions without making training dependent on the conditions outside.
Concept2 SkiErg
The SkiErg is the centrepiece of the 2027 Endurance Zone. Known for accurate performance data, smooth resistance and durability, it is well suited to the long, sustained efforts required after the opening run.
Coaches can use distance, pace, stroke rate and split data to monitor progress and teach athletes how to manage their output. The SkiErg also has a relatively compact footprint, making it easy to include several stations in a class environment.
Why Gyms Need It
The run-to-ski format develops aerobic capacity, pacing awareness and repeatable power under fatigue. It is straightforward to understand but difficult to execute well, making it accessible to newer members while still challenging advanced athletes.
A measured running option and reliable SkiErgs give coaches a conditioning zone that is easy to programme and simple to scale. Distances, time domains and work-to-rest ratios can all be adjusted without changing the core equipment setup.
MetCon X Zone
The 2027 MetCon X workout combines rowing with dumbbell and sandbag movements before finishing back on the rower:
-
Calorie row
-
Dumbbell ground to overhead
-
Dumbbell bench press
-
Sandbag squats
-
Sandbag carry
-
Burpees over a soft bench
-
Calorie row
The workout has a 25-minute time cap, with repetitions and loads adjusted across Lite, ATHX and Pro categories. Pairs complete a higher overall volume, while Individuals work through a shorter but equally demanding version.
Exact Equipment Used
Concept2 Rower
The rower opens and closes the 2027 MetCon X, demanding power at the start and composure at the finish. Concept2 rowers are an industry standard for functional conditioning thanks to their accurate data, smooth resistance and ability to withstand heavy daily use.
They are ideal for calorie targets, intervals, partner workouts and high-volume class formats. Consistent monitors also allow athletes to compare results across sessions and build a clear picture of progress.
Hex Dumbbells
Hex dumbbells are used for ground-to-overhead work and dumbbell bench press. Their flat-sided design helps prevent rolling, keeping equipment stable during transitions and reducing disruption in fast-moving sessions.
A broad weight range allows coaches to scale the workout for Lite, ATHX and Pro athletes. Dumbbells are also among the most versatile pieces of equipment in any facility, supporting strength work, unilateral training, carries, lunges and a wide range of conditioning movements.
For Pro training, gyms should ensure they have enough matched pairs to support dual-dumbbell ground-to-overhead work during busy classes.
Strongman Sandbags
Strongman Sandbags bring an awkward, shifting load into both the squat and carry sections of MetCon X. They challenge the trunk, grip and upper back while teaching athletes to maintain position when the load is less predictable than a barbell.
Multiple weights make it possible to reproduce the different category standards and scale sessions to suit a wider membership. Outside ATHX preparation, the same bags can be used for carries, cleans, shouldering, loading drills and team workouts.
Soft Bench
The soft bench serves two roles in the 2027 workout: a stable surface for dumbbell bench press and a safer obstacle for lateral or forward-facing burpees over the bench.
Its padded construction helps reduce the impact risk associated with fast transitions while still providing the stability athletes need when pressing dumbbells. The format also gives coaches an easy way to scale burpee height and movement speed for different ability levels.
Why Gyms Need It
The MetCon X Zone turns a small selection of versatile equipment into a complete full-body training circuit. Rowers develop repeatable power, dumbbells support both explosive and controlled upper-body work, sandbags challenge functional strength and the soft bench creates a practical station for pressing and burpees.
Together, these pieces allow coaches to recreate the competition sequence while also offering dozens of alternative class formats. The setup is easy to scale, simple to reconfigure and valuable for members with goals far beyond ATHX.
How Gyms Benefit from an ATHX 2027 Setup
Investing in a purpose-built ATHX setup helps gyms deliver training that is measurable, progressive and connected to a clear performance goal. With the right equipment in place, facilities can:
-
Attract performance-focused members looking for structure and challenge
-
Create dedicated ATHX classes and competition-preparation programmes
-
Expand programming beyond traditional strength and conditioning formats
-
Build clear progression pathways that support long-term member retention
-
Train beginners and experienced competitors side by side using scalable equipment
-
Make more effective use of equipment across classes, personal training and open gym sessions
-
Host in-house simulations, benchmark workouts and community events
An ATHX-ready space gives members something tangible to train towards. It also gives coaches a repeatable framework for building strength, aerobic capacity and functional fitness throughout the year.
Build Your ATHX 2027 Training Space
The 2027 workouts reward athletes who can lift with confidence, pace intelligently and keep moving under fatigue. For gyms, the equipment requirements are focused and practical: dependable lifting stations, a run-and-ski conditioning setup, and versatile MetCon equipment that can handle high-volume use.
By investing in competition-ready racks, barbells, plates, SkiErgs, rowers, dumbbells, sandbags and soft benches, facilities can offer a more authentic ATHX experience while improving the quality and variety of everyday training.
Shop ATHX equipment from BLK BOX.
Better Starts Here. Build for ATHX 2027.