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Recovery: Unlocking potential
Vibration and percussive therapies are growing in popularity, but many health clubs have yet to capitalise on this science- backed technology. Steph Eaves explores the opportunity
Vibration training and therapy can be easily integrated into an existing gym floor experience – from percussive massage, vibrating foam rollers or whole-body vibration – to create new and engaging spaces and services.
Recovery is no longer just a passive activity. The concept of active recovery, or ‘working in’, as well as working out means members and clients are encouraged to attend the facility more frequently during the week. Rather than simply resting and doing nothing, active recovery solutions can increase attendance, improve retention and present secondary revenue opportunities, as clients may wish to purchase products for their own self-care routines.
There are several formats in which the services can be offered and establishing if the intention is to have the service coach-led or user-led can help shape the right space and product procurement decisions.
Designated zones and spaces allow a complete experience to be created and may include multiple vibration or percussive tools, plus other complementary modalities. These zones can be designated as Recovery or Activation Zones and so consideration of where this space is located within the facility is paramount to the member journey and success of the concept.
The products can be offered in a user-led format before and after existing group exercise classes or gym use. Delivering small group or PT sessions for recovery, injury prevention, rehabilitation and pain management can offer powerful experiences and create exciting and engaging experiences to showcase the concept.
From my personal experience over the last 20 years, introducing these therapies for preparation – ie warming up faster – and for quicker recovery, has been the most successful strategy to date.
More: www.powerplate.com
Vibration and percussive therapy has become a trusted addition to the toolbox of health, wellness and physical practitioners. It’s also used by many of the best athletes and physios in the world to help with preparation and recovery while ultimately assisting longevity in physical activity and sport.
The technology can be a great addition to a warm-up and cool-down or can be used to prime muscle tissue before performing resistance exercises during a session.
These products are an excellent way to enhance the customer experience by providing an enjoyable, science-backed solution to wellness, which individuals can either administer themselves or be guided through by a fitness professional. Ultimately, this demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to wellness and provides time-efficient solutions to customer needs.
There are a number of peer-reviewed scientific studies now available related to vibration and percussive therapy, demonstrating enhanced recovery, performance and overall wellness. Some of the specific benefits include increased circulation, reduced soreness and stiffness, increased removal of metabolic waste products, assistance with lymphatic drainage, increased range of motion and mental relaxation – particularly when used for a longer period, such as 15-20 mins.
Ultimately, these products are easy to use and have a positive influence on health. For health clubs, the offering can encourage more customers and sign-ups, and further educate customers on wellness recovery and all the benefits that come with it. It’s also a great way to increase valuable touch points between members and staff, whether that be through queries, education, demonstrations or application.
Third Space’s Moorgate club in London offers Hyperice products in its first dedicated recovery room, where members can sit back and relax with Normatecs – dynamic air compression boots – Hypervolt massage guns and many more items from our product range.
These type of recovery areas could be introduced into any health club for members to use pre- and post-workout and on recovery days. They could also be incorporated into recovery-style classes so members can be led by a professional trainer on how to use the products.
To really maximise the benefits for staff and members, education is key. My job as a master trainer for Hyperice is to provide education on how to best utilise the products, by taking a deep dive into their benefits and applications through bespoke staff training sessions. This ensures operators get facility-specific guidelines on how to best harness the power of wellness technology to enhance the member experience.
More: www.hyperice.com
Vibration and percussive therapy can help members be more active more often. Pulseroll products are scientifically proven to help increase circulation and decrease DOMS by up to 22 per cent and improve mobility by up to 14 per cent.
Pulseroll recovery stands and portable wagons have built-in self-charging stations, allowing members easy and simple access with minimal daily maintenance needed by the health club. We have two sizes of stands and a portable wagon that can be moved on and off the gym floor or studio that are easy for members to engage with. We also offer bespoke Stretch and Release classes that can be added to health club timetables.
Offering vibration products is a great way to increase member engagement. It gives clubs an edge over rival operators that don’t have a recovery area. It can also provide an extra revenue stream when clubs sell vibration products directly or indirectly, through affiliate discount code to members. This offering clearly shows your members that you continue to invest in the latest technology and benefits.
More: www.pulseroll.com
Recovery specialist Therabody, which is backed by celebrities Rhianna and Shawn Carter, among others, closed its most recent growth equity round with backing of US$165m from North Castle Partners, HartBeat Ventures and Rx3 Ventures.
The funding is driving a new product line as Therabody continues to extend into the wellness market with innovations and upgrades to existing devices.
The second generation of the percussive therapy device, Theragun Pro, now comes with a EQ-150 motor that’s 20 per cent quieter than the previous version. It also has a colour OLED screen that makes application easier for the user. The Theragun Mini has also undergone a transformation and is now 20 per cent smaller and 30 per cent lighter. Both connect to Bluetooth to provide users with customised routines when used at home and in-club.
In addition to the percussive devices, Therabody’s SmartGoggles incorporate the proprietary technology SmartSense, which uses a biometric heart rate sensor with vibration, heat and massage to enhance relaxation and provide relief for areas of tension. It can also improve sleep quality.
Working alongside SmartGoggles is TheraMind, which uses science-backed sound therapy content to improve wellbeing across the three areas of focus, relaxation and sleep. TheraMind integrates with Therabody’s connected products.
Cupping device, TheraCup, mixes heat, vibration and digitised cupping for localised relief and recovery, while RecoveryTherm Hot & Cold Vibration Knee (currently in the US only) enhances healing, circulation and rehabilitation around the knee area by delivering a combination of heat, cold and vibrations. It uses proprietary Cryothermal technology and germanium fabric which emits far infrared light. There’s a Hot Vibration Back & Core version, which targets lower back pain and discomfort associated with minor muscle tweaks, injuries and menstrual cramps. It has two levels of heat and three vibration modes.
A user feels vibrations made by sound waves during a session on the Therabody lounger (currently in the US only) and can transition into a meditative state.
More: www.therabody.com
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