Competitive fitness events are booming and the health clubs adapting to this demand are creating highly-engaged communities, Dan Barker from BLK BOX explains

What’s your view on the rise of fitness events such as Hyrox?
They do a great job of making people really feel as though they’re athletes, giving them a real, tangible reason to train, way beyond aesthetics or health.

It also means gyms are shifting their focus towards performance-based training, which creates a more engaging and purpose-driven experience for members. Fitness facilities and gyms are becoming teams, where members get to travel to different events to participate alongside their community.

From my experience, events such as Hyrox also act as a gateway into the wider world of competitive fitness. For many people, it’s their first taste of structured, goal-driven training and once they’ve done one, they want more. I’ve seen people go from Hyrox to marathons, triathlons, even ultramarathons and Ironmans. It’s sparked a real shift in mindset around performance and personal achievement.

How has this trend been developing?
Initially, functional fitness was very niche and limited to CrossFit boxes and strength and conditioning spaces. But over the past few years, with the rise of Hyrox and ATHX, we’ve seen a huge uptake in more mainstream gyms adopting this style of training.

I’ve seen PT studios – whose USP was personalised one-to-one training – introduce group training models and classes to accommodate the trend and we’ve even seen leisure centres innovating and investing in spaces to specifically support this type of training and competition preparation.

What’s currently in demand?
At BLK BOX, we’re seeing high demand for sled tracks, turf, ski and row machines, wall-ball targets, sandbags, functional rigs with attachments and storage that keeps the space clear for multi-modal training. People are looking for an event-style community experience, so choosing equipment that mimics what they’ll face in competition is key.

Beyond that, it’s about creating spaces that feel dynamic and aspirational, but that are also welcoming.

Can a gym layout attract new members?
The right layout doesn’t just support the training; it sells the experience. A well-designed space signals to potential members that the gym understands the demands of modern functional fitness, and that it’s serious about helping people train with purpose.

We’ve designed spaces with clear flow and open areas for coach-led sessions, made to accommodate the demand of larger class numbers without compromising on the experience.

What advice would you give to operators looking to offer this type of training?
The key is to design a space that’s accessible and adaptable, while still delivering the performance and functionality expected by members who are committed to serious training.

It should be suitable for everyone – from those just starting out to more experienced gym users – and support a wide range of training styles and goals.

Create Hyrox-ready zones, but not Hyrox-exclusive. That means ensuring enough open floor space to perform key movements properly. Don’t just squeeze in a 1m x 10m sled track, for example, but allow room for transitions, group sessions and event-style flows.

Future-proofing is also critical. Flexible layouts, durable flooring, and smart storage solutions help create a space that can evolve with training trends while keeping the environment safe, clean, and efficient.

Offer intro sessions, skill workshops and scalable programming to meet all ability levels. And most importantly, ensure your coaches are well-trained and genuinely passionate, because the sense of community is what keeps people coming back.

How can operators provide for core members as well as niche groups?
Through balance, zoning and communication and also by creating designated areas that serve different training styles.

Most members will still want access to strength, cardio and floor space, so keep those areas intact, but creating functional fitness zones that all members can access will go a long way to keeping everyone satisfied.

It’s important to communicate clearly with members, so they understand it’s an addition and not a replacement. Done right, it can help retain members by giving them new ways to stay motivated.

Danny Barker is business development manager at BLK BOX

More: www.blkboxfitness.com