Inverclyde Leisure collaborated with Escape Fitness to develop the F.A.S.T (Functional Athletic Strength Training) Studio at the Waterfront Leisure Complex in Greenock, Scotland. This facility is the UK's first to incorporate Escape Fitness' innovative Octagon LOAD system, aiming to offer an advanced functional strength training environment accessible to all fitness levels.

The project's objective was to create a contemporary training space that appeals to a wide audience, providing a safe and results-driven setting suitable for small group and one-on-one sessions. Recognizing the increasing global interest in strength training, Inverclyde Leisure sought to combine functional training benefits with strength development. This approach encourages purposeful movement, efficiently achieving training goals while delivering an exceptional fitness experience. Additionally, the facility was designed to visually and conceptually distinguish itself from other high-end boutique studios in the region.

The solution centered around Escape Fitness' Octagon LOAD system, which features five standalone stations: SQUAT, DRIVE, LIFT, PRESS, and ROW. This system integrates advanced variable resistance technology, combining high-tensile resistance bands with traditional weight plates. This design allows for precise and seamless resistance adjustments between sets. All exercises are performed in a standing position, engaging the entire kinetic chain and ensuring an efficient full-body workout. Complementary equipment, such as sled tracks, battle ropes, cable stacks, and various functional accessories, enhances the dynamic training space, allowing it to adapt to evolving fitness trends and future-proofing the investment.

The studio's aesthetic features dynamic lighting effects and modern design elements, creating an immersive environment that motivates users and enhances performance. Since its inauguration, the F.A.S.T Studio has surpassed expectations, with group sessions consistently reaching full capacity. This success underscores the effectiveness of combining innovative equipment with thoughtful facility design to meet the diverse needs of the fitness community.

On the installation, Kieron Vango, CEO, Inverclyde Leisure adds: “LOAD takes strength training to a new level, providing a training experience that is a truly unique concept allowing customers to stand, using the strength stations with resistance bands and weight plates. This setup provides a highly effective full body training experience, allowing members to lift, push, and pull with controlled resistance that challenges traditional strength workouts.

This is the first time this level of adaptable, resistance-based strength training has been integrated into a group studio setting, bridging the gap between functional strength and high-intensity circuit training. LOAD has allowed us to expand our programming potential. Its versatility is helping us develop new sessions that cater to both total strength development and performance-based training, ensuring our offering continues to evolve to meet customer demand.

Working with Escape Fitness throughout the design and installation process has been a fantastic experience. Their attention to detail and expertise helped us integrate LOAD in a way that enhances both functionality and member experience, providing a turnkey solution and setting a new benchmark for group strength training.”

To find out more visit www.escapefitness.com

Snap Fitness Addlestone partnered with Escape Fitness to transform a limited space into a vibrant, multifunctional training zone that offers a premium and flexible experience for both trainers and members. The primary objective was to design a high-functioning, performance-driven area that encourages engagement and delivers an unparalleled training experience. This involved meticulous space planning to optimize flow, functionality, motivation, and performance, creating an environment where members are inspired to train.

Central to the solution was a custom wall-based Octagon HIT Hub frame, strategically positioned to maximize space utilization. This bespoke frame, built at Escape’s UK Technologies Centre, incorporates versatile functional storage, a boxing training bag, battle rope attachments, pull-up bars, and a squat rack. The design team collaborated closely with Snap Fitness to ensure the space met brand standards and catered to the needs of personal trainers conducting group exercise classes and individual sessions. The cohesive aesthetic combines energy, vibrancy, and practicality, guiding members toward their training goals, whether preparing for dynamic challenges like HYROX and CrossFit or aiming to improve general health and mobility.

In addition to the Octagon HIT Hub, the facility was equipped with a fully loaded dumbbell XRACK 2.0, Corebags, kettlebells, branded SBX dumbbells, and medicine balls. The project progressed from concept to completion within a few months, resulting in an open, stylish, and multi-purpose area that maximizes functionality. The premium feel and bespoke, branded equipment have elevated the training environment, positioning Snap Fitness Addlestone as a future-proofed functional training powerhouse.

“From the initial planning stages to the final installation, working with the Escape Fitness team on the transformation of our Addlestone training space has showcased their creativity, professionalism and a deep understanding of our vision” explains JP, General Manager, Snap Fitness, Addlestone.

“The team didn’t just provide equipment—they designed and delivered an entire training environment that perfectly addressed our brief and matched the needs of our personal trainers and members. The standout design and tailored solutions have not only enhanced our gym’s aesthetic appeal but also elevated the training experience for our members.”

To find out more visit www.escapefitness.com

Octagon LOAD Makes US Debut at Gold’s Gym SoCal, Fullerton, California

INTRODUCTION
Gold's Gym SoCal in Fullerton, California, is renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge fitness experiences. Now it has set a new benchmark by becoming the first facility in the US to install Escape Fitness' new Octagon LOAD training system.

This pioneering system redefines functional training by combining advanced variable resistance technology with traditional plates to create a training system that delivers results, fast. Installed as the centrepiece of the gym’s new ‘box within a box’ dedicated training environment—Octagon LOAD creates a premium training environment that accelerates performance results, alleviates congestion on the gym floor, and drives additional revenue through membership upgrades.

THE PROJECT
Owned by Angel and Willie Banos, like many other gyms, Gold's Gym SoCal was facing overcrowding in its high-demand free-weight area, negatively impacting the member experience. To overcome this, the team worked with Escape Fitness to transform an under performing children’s club room into a dedicated functional training space. The room integrates Escape’s unique next generation athletic strength training system - Octagon LOAD and members are charged an additional fee to access this pioneering training concept.

The high-performance, fully immersive training space is designed to enhance strength, power, and speed. By anchoring the room with Octagon LOAD, the environment delivers an unparalleled training experience that draws members away from congested areas, optimizes space utilization, and delivers fast, effective results.

The Octagon LOAD system isn’t just a piece of equipment; it's a complete training solution, catering for all levels of fitness and ability. Complemented by a range of carefully selected Escape Frames and training aids, the new training ‘box’ provides personal trainers with the perfect space for one-to-one and small group training. Following success in Fullerton, this model is set for rollout across other Gold's Gym SoCal locations.

THE SOLUTION
Octagon LOAD links five bolt-down, stations: SQUAT, DRIVE, LIFT, PRESS, and ROW, powered by advanced variable resistance technology. By integrating tensile bands with traditional plates, the system delivers seamless and precise resistance transitions between sets. Unlike conventional equipment, all exercises are performed in a standing position, fully engaging the kinetic chain for a comprehensive, full-body workout that’s faster, safer, and more space-efficient.

The installation is finished in Gold’s Gym’s iconic black and gold color scheme, creating a visually striking, high-energy environment that embodies Gold’s Gym’s dedication to performance-focused training.

By placing Octagon LOAD at the heart of its new training zone, Gold's Gym SoCal has set a new standard in functional fitness and athletic strength training, attracting a loyal member base while delivering operational efficiencies and new revenue streams. As the first U.S. location to debut Octagon LOAD, Fullerton’s Gold’s Gym is truly leading the fitness revolution.