features
New Kit: Kit Rigs
Eye-catching on the gym floor and on-trend with current training methods, functional training rigs are fast becoming a must-have for forward looking gyms. HCM gets the low-down from the key suppliers
Keith Smith Life Fitness
“Rigs are a great way for gyms to enhance small group training and we know from adherence specialists that a successful group exercise offering can be fundamental in the battle for member acquisition and retention. Therefore, if operators are using training rigs effectively, they can become a real USP and an integral part of the club’s offering.”
About the RIGS
The Life Fitess HD Athletic Rig allows gyms to build a rig system unique to their space and training programmes. Life’s Hammer Strength range also offers versatile, space saving kit systems with a range of configurations.
Ben Steadman EXF
“Functional training rigs have gone through some major changes over the last few years. It started with lots of free-standing or wall mounted rigs, then moved towards more CrossFit style rigs.
“Going forward, we’ll start to see more attachments available to be fitted to rigs and different ways to attach them. to create new workout options”
About the RIGS
Tailor made to the client’s needs, EXF can customise every element, including style and colour.
Making the rig part of the surroundings, blending into the training space, is a current trend, as seen at the latest Third Space gym in the City of London.
Matt Gleed Matrix
“Thanks to adaptable rig set-ups, even the smallest gyms can now offer this type of training.
“It also has the potential to become more interactive, through visual aids, syncing electronic devices to embedded screens and linking ready-made workouts, such as the Matrix MX4 programming for trainers, to the tracking programmes.”
About the RIGS
The Matrix Connexus is available in four sizes: Free which allows 360-degree access; Perimeter which is a wall-mounted system; Expansion, which anchors directly to Perimeter; and Connexus Compact which attaches to flat walls and corners. Connexus rigs enable broad training opportunities using bars, bands, med balls, boxing bags and TRX straps.
Steve Carter Precor
“Queenax accessories from Precor for the Queenax rig include a suspended platform and hanging silk hammocks which allow for a variety of exercise possibilities, all with a big fun factor.
“The unit can be effortlessly converted and adapted and is supported by the online Precor Coaching Centre which has videos and documents to show staff how to use the equipment and run group exercise classes.”
About the RIGS
Wall Solutions are ideal for facilities looking to take advantage of wall space which is often under utilised.
The Corner provides space-constrained facilities with the functionality of a much larger structure, but which can fit into a corner. The Open Format is a free-standing system which can accommodate functional and suspended bodyweight training accessories.
Zak Pitt, Jordan
“Education is key to making the rig work for you. It makes sense to have a dedicated functional rig workout on your class timetable, to educate your members and make sure your PTs know how to use it.
“It’s all about imagination, so a bodyweight suspension training course or general functional workshop can help generate ideas.”
About the RIGS
Available in two sizes, the Ignite Rig is Jordan’s flagship octagonal rig, featuring a full-length monkey bar run, pull up bar, attachment loops, boxing bag fixing, ladders and plenty of storage. Vision Fitness in Henham has an outdoor rig, ideal for incorporating into bootcamps.
James Anderson, Physical Company
“This type of training brings the fun of playgrounds back into fitness. Increasingly we’re seeing functional training rigs used for circuit training classes, which allows for more small group training offerings on the gym floor, rather than using the studio space.”
About the RIGS
Physical Company distributes an extensive range of rigs, storage and accessories by Exigo, which offer versatility, quick assembly and installation.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, designs can be created to match corporate identity or brand colours.with a variety of attachments configured to training needs.
Dave Flynn, Podium 4 Sport
“Functional training rigs promote a wide range of body-weight training movements which demand the use of key muscle groups. These exercises – known as compound movements – are proven in many studies to burn more calories and as such are very beneficial to the user.”
About the RIGS
The Hex rig can be adapted into different configurations. It has squatting and pressing stations, along with a range of accessories, which can be incorporated into the design.
Integrated storage for kit, such as kettlebells and ropes keeps the area clutter free.
Matthew Januszek, Escape
“Escape’s newest rig, the HIT HUB offers a space efficient frame-based, training solution.
“It comes in a range of sizes to suit different footprints, from the Single which is ideal for small studios, to the Quad which has multiple workout stations and a choice of attachments.”
About the RIGS
All HIT HUB frames are available in both freestanding and fixed structures.
Part of Escape’s Octagon range, the HIT HUB is developed in modules which attach and expand to any size. Hand-crafted with high-grade steel, the HIT HUB is strong and durable.
Jamie Taylor, Indigofitness
“Rigs allow operators the opportunity for more engagement with their members – helping them to understand the training potential and also to run small and large group classes on the gym floor.
“With the right training and support for gym-goers, we see the trend for rigs continuing.”
About the RIGS
The modular Black Series has extendable lifting stations and muscle up bars. The Monster hub training systems feature
integrated storage.
Andy Loughray, Dyaco
“Dyaco manufactures and distributes UFC-branded fitness equipment globally.
“Some members aren’t sure which exercises to perform with the attachments and accessories, or how to do progressive training.
“We provide programming packages to support instructors and ensure members enjoy a varied workout.”
About the RIGS
The Power Rack and Half Rack suit clubs with limited space. Punch and Thai bags are available and the multi-tier Modular Rig has a striking monkey bar system.
Dale Beech eLeiko
“Overall, rigs are designed to help users of any age, training ability, and gender achieve their fitness goals in a functional and diverse way. It’s a great tool for trainers to work with clients and an ideal way for any type of fitness facility to optimise its floorspace.
About the rigs
All rigs can be customised for the space, attachments and training tools to support different exercises.
J-cups and safety arms support a variety of barbell strength training exercises, wall ball targets allow for full body endurance or strength training.
Members can train grip and upper body strength with a variety of bar attachments and grip knobs. Trawler arm attachments introduce ring training and rope climbing.
