features
Supplier showcase: Recent leisure projects
World record
Xcite Livingston installs the world’s largest Queenax unit
Xcite has nine gyms in total and is the biggest fitness provider in the West Lothian area. In response to the growing trend for suspension and functional training, and with three other Queenax units already proving popular in its Bathgate, Craigswood and Linlithgow gyms, Xcite installed the world’s largest Queenax unit in its Livingston venue – a 15.5 metre-long X4 1500 Bridge.
The main objective was to maximise use of the fitness studio, where the Queenax is situated, without diminishing floor space, as well as to provide versatile training options and offer new classes to its customers while creating a ‘buzz’ on the gym floor.
A recent gym refurbishment created direct access from the gym floor to the existing fitness studio that now showcases the Queenax Bridge. The unit spans the total length of the studio wall, which meant that no gym equipment had to be removed.
New opportunities
Installing the Queenax has resulted in the addition of 32 new workout stations, multifaceted training options, countless new classes and the opportunity for Xcite Livingston to hold group exercise sessions. When not in use, the training accessories can be removed and stored on the rig in seconds, providing an empty studio for other classes and activities.
Robert Taylor, manager at Xcite Livingston says: “The Xcite team is hyped to have the biggest Queenax unit in the world. We wanted to be able to give everyone the chance to use this great new piece of kit on a regular basis, as well as using it for timetabled classes. By creating access from the gym to the fitness studio, customers have easy access to it and it basically doubles our gym space.
“The Queenax Bridge offers a range of new exercise and training options and will help us keep workouts fresh, no matter a person’s fitness ability. We’re looking forward to introducing new, innovative fitness classes.”
Increasing popularity
Within weeks of installing the Queenax, Xcite Livingston saw a six per cent increase in class attendances. With new classes such as aerial yoga, a new timetable and new accessories like UFO boards about to be introduced, the team expects this to rise even further.
The team at Xcite Livingston completed a two-day training session with a Precor master coach to enable them to lead Queenax classes and prepare a successful gym floor programme using the Queenax. The staff are now qualified to give advice to customers on how to use the unit effectively and can dynamically engage with them about the different exercises available to help them achieve their fitness goals.
“Reconfiguring the facility’s layout to create an open functional training area for the Queenax Bridge system in the fitness studio was a genius idea,” says Justin Smith, head of UK at Precor.
“Xcite Livingston can now offer specialised sessions and a whole range of new classes using the Queenax, improving their customer experience and giving them a competitive edge over other gyms in the area.”
www.precor.com
"Reconfiguring the layout to create an open functional training area for the Queenax Bridge system was a genius idea" – Justin Smith, Precor
Hit the bikes
Wattbike kits out BXR, the UK’s new state-of-the-art boutique boxing gym
The first branch of BXR, a new, high-end boxing-themed gym, which recently launched its exciting new concept on Chiltern Street, Marylebone in January 2017 has chosen Wattbike to be included in its kit.
The focal point of the 12,000 sq ft unit, which spans ground and basement levels, is a professional-sized boxing ring. In addition, three large group exercise studios are dedicated to technique, cardio and strength and conditioning. The site, which is supported by British IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, also hosts luxury changing rooms, steam rooms and treatment areas managed by experts from The Centre for Health and Human Performance on Harley Street.
Quality and credibility
BXR founder Neil Sanyal says: “Boxing is growing in popularity, especially amongst women, partly due to the success of Nicola Adams. I recognised a gap in the market for a new, innovative and creative concept for the UK fitness market.
“As we’re not equipment heavy, I needed to ensure that any pieces we did include at BXR were best-in-class, and of the highest credibility. Each piece was carefully considered so that it reflected our ‘Train like a Champion, Recover like a Champion ethos’.”
Sanyal continues: “I consulted with industry experts and Wattbike stood out ahead of other competitors. Their long-standing history in elite sport, popularity amongst boxing professionals and their grounding in sport science made them an obvious choice.”
Three Wattbikes have been installed on the top tier, overlooking the boxing ring. The bikes will be used by the UK’s best boxing and strength and conditioning coaches within cardio studio classes, for one-to-one and group personal training and for boxing-specific sessions.
High impact
Explaining the benefits of Wattbike training in relation to boxing, Ray Redman, regional sales manager at Wattbike, adds: “Wattbike has a rich history within elite sport and boxing is no different. Adopted by British Boxing and chosen by Anthony Joshua, Vladimir Klitschkio and numerous other world class boxers, the Wattbike provides some respite from the high impact training while allowing boxers to push themselves to their maximum intensity. BXR will provide best-in-class, authentic training and as part of this the Wattbike will be a fantastic tool for power training, explosive movements and improving stamina, as well as for cool downs, warm ups and rehabilitation purposes.
“The bikes provide accurate data and in-depth performance measures so that progressions can be tracked, something that is key for BXR’s membership of beginners through to professional boxers. We’re delighted that amateurs and enthusiasts can now train like the pros at BXR.
“We’re really excited to see this unique studio launch and we’re also very proud that Wattbike has been chosen to be a part of it.”
www.wattbike.com
"The bikes provide accurate data and in-depth performance measures so that progressions can be tracked, something that is key for BXR’s membership" – Ray Redman, Wattbike
High performance
The University of Bath sports village gets a refurbishment from Matrix
Students at the University of Bath have been benefitting from the latest state-of-the-art cardiovascular, strength, resistance, studio and group training fitness equipment since a partnership with Matrix began in 2015.
The partnership has gone from strength to strength, with Matrix recently giving the sports village a complete redesign and refurbishment, which was completed in September 2016.
A new-build gym extension at the sports village is now underway, which will be equipped with a Connexus functional training rig as well as other group fitness training facilities.
On opening the redesigned gym facility in September 2016, sprint and hurdling champion Colin Jackson CBE, who is an alumnus of the university, said: “I’m so jealous of the students having this amazing equipment.
“I’ve seen what Matrix has done in the past – the equipment is really at the top end. They talk to elite-level athletes about the practical side of training, then develop equipment that meets those needs.
“That also means the general public gets a massive benefit too.”
EXPECT the unexpected
Miles Peyton, sales manager at the University of Bath, says that from the outset the university was looking for a partnership that was more meaningful than just great fitness equipment.
“Having a reputation for high performance sport, our customer groups are very demanding when it comes to the fitness equipment provided.
“Fundamentally they want machines that are robust and able to deliver, and that can cope with the physical pounding and intensity of their training.
“Matrix demonstrated a real desire to work with us, get under our skin and deliver outstanding service whilst providing great added value activities.”
Through an enlightening host of connected solutions, Matrix has equipped the university with a bespoke app, which has been a great way for students and members to track how busy the gym is, book group exercise classes effortlessly and track their physical activity during fitness challenges. It also allows the university to communicate with members via push notifications.
Part of the team
In addition to providing premium quality fitness equipment and connected solutions, Matrix continues to support Team Bath’s strong cohort of dual career student-athletes. The Matrix Scholarship – new in 2016-17 – has been awarded to current British Indoor Rowing champion Laura Macro, providing her with the financial backing she needs to maximise her potential.
“I have been totally blown away by Matrix’s generosity and friendly support; they have made me feel part of their team, and have provided links to high-level athletes who can provide key tips for successfully juggling high-performance sport with everyday life!”
Miles maintains that it is Matrix’s endeavours, coupled with other joint initiatives in the pipeline, that are helping the university to create and inspire the next generation of Olympic athletes.
“I have great confidence in the future of fitness at Team Bath knowing that we have Matrix by our side,” he says.
www.matrixfitness.com
"Having a reputation for high performance sport, our customers are very demanding when it comes to the equipment provided" – Miles Peyton, University of Bath
