press release: Escape Fitness Ltd
Village Health & Wellness Club unveils new strength studio built around Escape Fitness’ Octagon LOAD system
Village Health & Wellness Club, Leeds North has launched a major upgrade to its fitness offering with the opening of LIFT-N-LOAD, a dedicated strength training studio built around Escape Fitness’ Octagon LOAD system. The new space transforms a previously underused former squash court into a dynamic performance environment designed to meet the growing demand for strength and athletic training across the UK.
With 33 Village Hotel Club locations nationwide, the brand continues to evolve its health and wellbeing offering to align with emerging fitness trends. Leeds North has become the pioneering site for a new strength-focused concept tailored to members seeking high-intensity, functional training options particularly younger demographics driving the surge in strength participation.
“Strength training is one of the fastest-growing areas of member demand, and the new studio enables us to deliver an elevated, bookable training experience unlike anything we’ve offered before,” commented Andy Logan, National Leisure Operations from Village Health & Wellness Club. “The bespoke Octagon LOAD setup looks incredible and performs even better. Our members love it, and we’re excited to see the wider impact on engagement and community”.
A Fully Immersive, Purpose-Built Strength Training Zone
Following a detailed site survey and collaborative design process, Escape Fitness worked closely with the Village team to reimagine the space using the Escape Octagon Configurator for precise planning and equipment layout.
The final installation features the complete five-station Octagon LOAD system including the DRIVE, LIFT, PRESS, ROW, and SQUAT, all finished in bright, custom colours and equipped with resistance bands and bespoke branded LOAD Evergreen grip discs. The studio also includes:
- A custom storage system for accessories and dumbbells
- Adjustable benches
- Olympic bars
- A flexible layout suited for functional and athletic strength training
This “box-within-a-box” transformation gives members a premium training zone with minimal setup time and maximum performance output.
Training Excellence Delivered by Escape Master Trainers
In preparation for launch, Escape Fitness and Village partnered with Escape Master Trainer Tommy Matthews to deliver an on-site coaching and education day. The Leeds North fitness team received comprehensive training on LOAD methodology and variable resistance band principles, ensuring they are fully equipped to deliver consistent, high-quality strength sessions.
Setting a New Benchmark for Strength Experiences Across Village Hotels
The Leeds North installation marks a significant step in Village Hotel Clubs’ exploration of elevated strength training experiences. The LIFT-N-LOAD studio represents a new blueprint for turning underutilised spaces into vibrant, in-demand, bookable zones that enhance member experience while supporting operational efficiency.
“It’s been a pleasure working closely with the Village team to bring this concept to life,” said Steven Sykes, Business Development and Relationship Manager at Escape Fitness. “Transforming an unused squash court into a purpose-built Octagon LOAD studio shows real commitment to innovation, and the early response from members proves how powerful this type of training experience can be.”
Matthew Januszek, CEO, USA
Ritchie Januszek, director for product and engineering
Tanya Branch, group operations director
• Snap Fitness,
• Equinox
• Anytime Fitness,
• Gold’s Gym, and
• Inverclyde Leisure
Additionally, the company is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability by further developing the Evergreen range, an eco-friendly line manufactured in the UK. These innovations solidify Escape Fitness' position as a leader in cutting-edge, sustainable, and performance-driven gym equipment.
"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.”
– Kieron Vango, CEO, Inverclyde Leisure
"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.”
– JP, general manager, Snap Fitness, Addlestone
“Working with Escape is always a great experience. The equipment not only engineered to deliver a faultless training experience, it is also extremely robust. We have some of California’s biggest, most experienced, powerlifters using our facility and the Escape equipment is more than up to the job.”
– Jason Talyor, VP of facilities.
