features
Functional zones: fitness-kit.net special
We round up some of the latest product news and launches in the area of functional training
Origin originals
Origin Athletic is a specialist fitness brand launched by Anytime Leisure in January 2014 to cater for the fast-growing functional, free weight and studio training sector.
Anytime Leisure has designed, developed and tested the range over the last 12 months with a view to providing a premium, robust, reliable product offering backed up by extensive stock and service support based in the UK.
The range for 2014 includes an extensive free weight range, strength and conditioning, gym accessories, studio accessories and a wide range of floor mats, as well as functional rigs and power racks.
Anytime has also formalised a UK distribution agreement with Rephouse to hold extensive stock of the full specialist range, from CrossFit tiles, through strength and conditioning, to specialist colours of rubber functional flooring. Bespoke designs are available.
Over the next 12 months there will be a number of key additions to the range, as well as additional support in the areas of functional design, training and branding.
Star Trac has signed a deal to supply Origin to its UK customers.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Anytime Leisure
Absolutely branded
Functional equipment specialist Absolute Performance has seen a huge growth in the number of facilities wanting customised branding, says managing director Tony Buchanan. As a result, the company has put even more focus on its ability to deliver this to a high standard, with the most recent installation being the England Rugby high performance training centre.
At this newly installed centre, dumbbells carry the England rose, plates and plyoboxes are all branded with ‘England Rugby’, and machines such as benches and power racks are all red and white.
“When it comes to bespoke branding, really anything can be done, from dumbbells and plyoboxes to turf for sled runs and functional zone flooring, which can carry a brand name, colour scheme and even messaging,” says Buchanan.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Absolute
‘Karen’ comes to gym floors
‘Karen’ comes to gym floorsPhysical Company has added the Wall Ball to its functional kit range. Larger than an average medicine ball, Wall Ball is just as tough but slightly softer, making it perfect for throwing and catching-based exercises.
Wall Balls are most commonly used in the CrossFit exercise known as ‘Karen’ – a squat-throw and catch combination performed continuously. Operators can now bring the essence of CrossFit to the gym floor and enhance the functional training experience for members, with the ball available in 10 sizes: 1kg–10kg.
The Wall Ball is designed to be a fun way for members to add resistance to a range of core, upper and lower body functional exercises. It’s also an excellent tool for personal trainers
who wish to add a partner element to their clients’ workouts.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Physical Company
Outdoor offering
Life Fitness has launched SYNRGY BlueSky, an extension of its SYNRGY360 small group training system designed specifically for outdoor use. SYNRGY BlueSky offers 12 bodyweight training stations for exercisers of all abilities, and comes in 12 colour options.
It has been designed to combine the benefits of outdoor exercise – which is proven to enhance an exerciser’s mood and energy – with small group training. It’s engineered to meet outdoor safety standards, withstand harsh weather conditions and provide a wide range of customisable configurations to fit a variety of spaces and exercisers.
Stations can be used separately in a circuit, or combined to create more consolidated training spaces. A QR code on each station gives access to exercise tutorials.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Life Fitness
Addressing functional imbalances
Jordan Training Academy has launched five new courses designed to bridge the gap between medical and alternative healthcare intervention and injury prevention, by teaching healthcare and fitness professionals to identify, assess and train certain functional imbalances.
The Functional Rehabilitative Training courses were designed with clients and patients in mind, bridging the gap between medical knowledge and exercise expertise.
Senior tutor Ben Boulter says the courses are designed “to create a new generation of professionals focused on treating and preventing acute biomechanical pain and dysfunction with the use of exercise in conjunction with continuing professional manual care”.
The five courses must be taken in order, as follows: Posture & Muscular Control, Core Stability & Torsional Control, Motor Pattern Assessment, Functional Gait Analysis, and Training Dysfunction & Imbalance.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Jordan
Functional group exercise
FitPro has launched a new group exercise concept for its ViPR functional training product.
ViPR Group Fitness adopts the already well-established Loaded Movement Training workout, but in a new 30- to 45-minute group exercise format. The first two programmes are ViPR 3D, a pre-choreographed, music-based class, and ViPR Athletic, for higher intensity.
fitness-kit.net keyword: FitPro
Hard core training
GRAVITY UK has introduced Total Gym Core Trainer. This single station unit is designed to train the entire core, as well as the pelvis, back, hips and shoulders to improve functional strength, enhance abdominal definition and improve overall stability of the trunk.
The easy to use piece of equipment facilitates a range of core exercises. Built on an incline, the core trainer makes it easy to begin at the user’s ability level and progress as required. The user can make a plank more dynamic and increase difficulty by moving the lower body and foot position, for example, or by bringing the knees to the chest to perform a ‘Scrunch’.
Total Gym Core Trainer is simple and safe to use, with an intuitive, non-intimidating appearance, and can be given a fixed, designated position on the gym floor.
fitness-kit.net keyword: GRAVITY
Getting TIYRD
The Escape TIYR has been designed to maintain the rawness of flipping strongman tyres, and delivers all the original fitness challenges, but with none of the downsides of scrap tyres. The TIYR is soft but strong and very tough – like the ‘real’ thing.
Ergonomically designed handles allow for lifting, carrying and flipping while simultaneously creating anchor points for attachments like ropes, speed resistors and power bands for an even greater variety of functional workouts.
fitness-kit.net keyword: Escape
