Since its launch earlier this year, Technogym’s SKILLMILL™ has been taking the fitness world by storm - putting power, speed, stamina and agility at the heart of both elite and regular training

rom the corporate gym at The Body Coach HQ, to Chelsea FC’s training ground and Team GB stars such as Dina Asher-Smith, Technogym’s SKILLMILL™ is taking the fitness world by storm. Following a successful worldwide launch in March this year, SKILLMILL has been placed in many settings: providing a versatile functional offering on the gym floor, as a PT-based product, and for group training. SKILLMILL has also been installed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Village, where the world’s most elite athletes will use the product throughout the Games.

Born from Technogym’s Olympic heritage, SKILLMILL has Athletic Performance Training at its heart and is the first ever non-motorised product capable of training all the body’s energy systems in a single solution. From sprinting to power development, it enables every day users to elite athletes to improve their Power, Speed, Stamina and Agility. Content and education surround SKILLMILL with a built-in QR code allowing the user to obtain programmes to follow or exercises to try, along with a dedicated functional training app and bespoke on-site training from the Technogym® Master Trainer team.

THE RISE OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
Fitness facilities, from major health clubs to strength and conditioning studios, continue to invest in functional training areas and equipment including SKILLMILL to meet the increasing needs of their members, offer unique programming and provide a setting that motivates and encourages interaction between trainers and members.

SKILLMILL AS AN ADDITION TO THE GYM
Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) has grown into the UK’s leading operator of local authority leisure facilities, managing more than 200 sites. One of the first GLL sites to install SKILLMILL was Better Gym Connswater in Belfast, where two SKILLMILL were recently installed as part of a major investment.

For Deaglan O’Hagan, general manager for GLL Belfast, investing in innovative solutions such as SKILLMILL is the cornerstone of the business. “We needed something to create clear water between us and the surrounding competition, and to meet the demands of customers. SKILLMILL ticked all the boxes by adding a different dimension to the functional spaces within the gym,” says O’Hagan.

GLL predominantly uses SKILLMILL for gym floor based fitness classes and PT. “Positioning SKILLMILL by the Omnia 8 functional frame means our fitness team can add a cardio option to Omnia group training classes. We also have an excellent team of PTs who are testing the boundaries of the SKILLMILL on a daily basis.

SKILLMILL is truly versatile. Not only is it suitable for our elite GLL Sport Foundation athletes, from marathon runners to weight lifters, but also for the first-time gym-goer. It’s vital for us to continue investing in this kind of technology to help improve the customer experience.

Working with an innovative company such as Technogym provides us with that all-important edge.”

SKILLMILL AS A PT PRODUCT
The Fitness Space opened in 2010 in Ascot, led by former Olympic Athlete, Tim Benjamin.  Following the great success of the first site, The Fitness Space has now opened five franchise operations with a further six planned for 2016. 

Inspired by his experience in athletic training methods, Tim was keen to add SKILLMILL into the equipment offering at each of their clubs.

“As soon as I was introduced to the product I was hooked, and knew it would be great for our model. The diversity of its use suits the commercial side of our business: the requirement for education around the product is supported by our unique service offering,” says Benjamin.

The Fitness Space incorporates SKILLMILL for all aspects of their programming including small group training, PT and classes. Member response to the new equipment has been really positive: “SKILLMILL has been the best-received piece of equipment in our clubs. Its adaptability and variety in programming options allows use for all levels from first-time gym-goers to sports professionals.

The Fitness Space’s success is largely down to our unique member journey process, complimented by our comprehensive technological offering. The blend provides a 360° customer experience, ensuring we stay closely aligned to our mission statement: ‘Creating an environment where results are inevitable.’ Our dedicated partnership with Technogym has allowed us to provide our customers with a model unrivalled in the UK.”

SKILLMILL FOR GROUP TRAINING CLASSES
Launched in April 2016, HIGH45 is a new Amsterdam-based fitness studio offering highly effective 45 minute HIIT classes. The whole concept is based around the installation of 12 SKILLMILL, with all programming utilising 3 key products: SKILLMILL, plyoboxes and free weights.

“Boutique fitness is the fastest growing trend in the fitness market, so I saw a big opportunity to set the bar in the Dutch boutique fitness market with a new concept,” says Barbara Den Bak, founder and owner of HIGH45. “HIGH45 focuses on all fitness levels, with the aim of creating a real community of followers.”

Offering five scheduled classes a day, HIGH45 sees 15-20 attendees per class. “We invested in SKILLMILL as it is a unique solution offering a huge variety of exercises, which makes it a great combination with body-and free-weight exercises for the best full body workout.

HIGH45’s success stems from a combination of elements: a high-end club feel, premium service levels, the customer experience and the very best 45 minute workout which delivers serious results.”