HOW TO: MAINTAIN YOUR FITNESS ROOM ON A BUDGET
Has your budget taken a hit? How can you maintain a high-quality fitness amenity without breaking the bank? Learn about where to save, where to spend, and other practical steps you can take.
In these unprecedented times that we’re facing, many budgets have taken a hit. You want to be able to provide the same high-quality services and amenities to your customers that you have in the past but current economics make that difficult. With the right approach and careful analysis, you can maintain a high-quality fitness center on a budget. Here are some tips:
MAINTENANCE!
The primary way that you can continue to provide a high-quality fitness amenity is by keeping it high quality with proper maintenance.
Wipe everything down regularly. Even if your fitness center is currently closed, do not neglect vacuuming and dusting. When dust and dirt make their way inside the machines, they will drastically increase friction on belts and chains, causing them to break down faster. Keeping your fitness center clean can help to prevent buildup inside of your machines.
One of the more destructive elements that you should be mindful of is sweat. Cleaning the ramps of your elliptical, around and under the belt of your treadmill (carefully!), and any area where sweat collects will go a long ways towards extending the life of your machines.
Rotate your equipment. Studies have shown that every fitness center seems to have a "sweet spot” that exercisers tend to gravitate toward. This means that you will likely have one treadmill with substantially more miles than the rest. Or an elliptical that needs a new belt when the rest of your ellipticals have minimal use. If you regularly rotate your equipment, you will even out the usage and extend the life of all of your equipment. (Note: Most fitness equipment is extremely heavy. If you ask your employees to rotate your equipment, make sure that they are physically capable and understand how to do so safely.)
Have you been closed for a while? Ensure that all of your equipment is completely dust-free before you let your customers back into the fitness center. This includes removing covers from your ellipticals and bikes to clean anything that has built up on belts and chains. You will also want to clean under your treadmill belt.
If you’re not sure how to perform this maintenance effectively, give us a call or request a preventative maintenance visit here. We can do a one-time deep clean or recommend a regular maintenance schedule.
But, eventually, things will wear out. How should you proceed? Ask yourself a couple of questions.
DO I ACTUALLY NEED THIS PIECE OF EQUIPMENT?
We find that many of the facilities we work with have more equipment than they need. Today’s fitness trends are often best facilitated by open space for body and free weight exercises. For instance, what if you have a chest press that is in dire straits? You might not need to replace it. Do you have a multi-purpose unit like a functional trainer? Or heavy enough free weights? These can easily replace your need for selectorized units depending on the demographics of your customers.
A big key to maintaining a great fitness offering while reducing the amount of equipment you have in your space is providing direction. Great looking wall charts that demonstrate how an FTS Glide can be used to perform flys or the proper mechanics of a dumbbell overhead press make all the difference.
There are many factors to consider. We provide complimentary space planning and long term replacement recommendations. We’re here to help you decide if something should be replaced or eliminated based on the demographics of your customers. Let us know if you need assistance.
What about those pieces you know you need?
SHOULD I REPAIR OR REPLACE?
Does your elliptical have a strange knock? Is your treadmill belt slipping? Maybe the handle is broken on a piece of strength equipment that you need to keep. An important question comes into play: should you repair the piece or replace it?
We would love to be able to write an exhaustive list of circumstances and recommendations… But it would be impossible! We can’t cover all of the scenarios and diagnose your equipment with a blog post. Our service technicians are trained to make recommendations for when to repair and when to replace. We won’t recommend you replace a treadmill that needs a simple repair when it has years of life in it. And we won’t recommend an expensive repair on a unit that is on its last leg. Our sales and service teams work together seamlessly to recommend the best value for your business. Contact our team here.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
When it comes time to spend your precious dollars on replacing a piece of equipment, how do you choose? It’s easy to want to run out and buy the cheapest, flashiest piece of equipment that you can find. Please don’t. Choose the equipment that is right for your demographic, your usage rates, and the lowest-cost-in-use.
What does lowest-cost-in-use really mean? When you add up the initial purchase price and repair costs over the life of the equipment, you have your cost-in-use.
It doesn’t save you any money to buy a piece of equipment that will need constant repair. We don’t believe in making those kinds of recommendations.
We have options for every scenario. If your facility is low-use, we might recommend a high-quality refurbished piece of equipment. Or if your equipment is really going to take a beating, we will provide you with a piece of equipment that can stand up to the impact.
One of the brands that we recommend most often is Precor. Precor has a reputation for excellent customer service (think warranty claims) and lowest-cost-in-use equipment. We have worked with them for more than 20 years, handling any repairs and warranty claims for our customers. We can say with absolute confidence that their equipment is an exceptional value. Precor has created equipment lines based on expected usage. When you have the right line of equipment, you don’t pay for more than you need and can rest assured that equipment will hold up to years of use in your facility. Precor also puts tremendous effort into designing their equipment to be the best user experience possible. Your customers will thank you for a great workout.
Our customers keep coming back to us year after year. Why? Because we carefully analyze their unique situation and made recommendations to bring the greatest value to their facility. Their equipment stands the test of time and requires minimal repairs. Their customers are happy because they are getting a great workout. And their return on investment adds to the success of their business. Let us add to your success with recommendations for an equipment purchase you can have confidence in.
We believe in being your partner, supporting your bottom dollar and your reputation. Let’s start working together on a fitness amenity that fits your budget today.
Equipment Spotlight: Octagon Frame Range
Escape Fitness has expanded its Octagon functional frames range. We’re geeking out and a little obsessed. Here’s why.
Escape Fitness has expanded its Octagon functional frames range. We’re geeking out and a little obsessed. Here’s why:
Bolt-Down.
From body conditioning to HIIT frames, the possibilities are endless.
Freestanding.
This is what we’re really excited about. What if you want to offer compelling HIIT options but your facility has limitations? You don’t have 4+ inches of concrete as a subfloor so bolt-down units are not an option. Or you don’t want to tie yourself to an exact location. Freestanding to the rescue! These units are deeper than their bolt-down cousins getting stability from extended feet. Here are some of our favorites:
MARS.
MARS is the ATM of fitness training. Walkup, learn a move and move over to try it. Add one to a frame, to a wall or to a storage unit.
Attachments.
Choose exactly what you want for your members.
Storage.
With Escape Octagon storage you have more than just a spot to put extra items. You have units that fit your exact needs. They match the rest of your equipment. They add to the look of your facility. Here are some of the configurations:
There’s still more we haven’t mentioned. Endless color options. Flooring with graphics. The incredible array of Escape accessories to load onto your unit. Let’s create the perfect setup for your facility!
Not sure if a frame or a rack is the right fit for you? Check out our post Rigs vs. Racks.
ADDRESSING THE TRENDS: HIIT CARDIO
HIIT training has been a top 5 fitness trend since 2014. How can you address HIIT training in your facility?
HIIT(High-Intensity-Interval-Training) has been identified as a top 5 fitness trend by the American College of Sports and Medicine Worldwide Survey every year since 2014. It’s a trend that’s here to stay. That’s why we recommend including options for HIIT training in many of the facilities that we design.
“These exercise programs typically involve short bursts of high-intensity bouts of exercise followed by a short period of rest. Although there are several commercial examples of HIIT, all emphasize higher intensities (above 90%) of maximum during the higher intensity segments followed by periods of rest and recovery.”
- ACSM Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends 2019
HIIT CARDIO
One of our favorite ways to “HIIT IT” is with the Assault Series from Precor:
Assault AirRunner
The Assault AirRunner is extremely popular. It’s completely powered by the exerciser. This is especially great for HIIT training because you can change speeds at will. Since HIIT training is defined by all-out effort followed by brief rests, you can see why that instant speed change is helpful. We also love that you can move it anywhere! It’s lightweight, has a convenient handle and is easy to roll on its front wheels. Since it doesn’t have to be plugged in there are no limits on where you can place it for a special event or class. You can even roll it outside in nice weather to expand your space. Whether your members are newbies to fitness or seasoned athletes, the Assault AirRunner will invigorate their workout and give them something to thank you for.
AirBike Elite
Normally using an exercise bike is just a lower body exercise. Not with the AirBike Elite. Pedal, pull or push for an unlimited variety, full-body workout. Plus, the greater the speed and force, the greater the resistance. Automatically. Once again, a perfect HIIT machine. Self-powered and easy to move, this is another piece to roll outside to expand your space.
AirRower Elite
To complete the trifecta is the Assault AirRower Elite. Thanks to Crossfit, rowing has long been on the rise in popularity. It targets nearly your entire body: legs, triceps, pecs, deltoids, obliques, glutes and abs. Can you see how powerful that is for HIIT training where are all-out effort is a must? And the unique fan-based resistance of the AirRower means your exercisers can’t overpower the machine, no matter how hard they try.
We love that all of these machines are built with the durability that HIIT requires. Sweatproof, corrosion resistant, reinforced, powder coated, sealed and more. All the details are taken care of. Precor knows what it takes to build a piece of equipment that will last and has earned a reputation for doing just that since 1981.
We don’t hesitate to recommend these incredible machines. We know you won’t be disappointed and neither will your members: whether they’re residents, guests, employees or students.
EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT: Escape TIYR Sport
Have you heard about the new TIYR Sport from Escape? Learn all about this awesome new product here.
“A tire represents movement. For you to move your vehicle, a tire lets you do that. It represents progress,” explains entrepreneur, Amen Iseghohi. His family history and childhood inspired him to develop a whole ethos that’s led to an exciting new partnership with Escape.
This is the TIYR Sport. Using his experience with the product expertise of Escape, they’ve added the features – colors, straps, better materials – to provide a more varied, versatile and safe training tool. Amen knows the benefits of the TIYR Sport better than anyone, through testing for over six months with clients. Now your members can discover them, too.
Amen continues: “I use fitness as a vehicle for self empowerment. The truth is: you have to be willing to fail. It’s humbling. That’s how you learn and that’s how you grow.”
With hundreds of combinations for warm-ups, stretches, HIIT workouts, strength training, and sport-specific fitness, the TIYR Sport is the ideal new fitness focus to empower members, helping gym-goers and clients of any ability to better their bodies and minds.
Could you use the TIYR Sport in your facility? We’d love to consult with you, examine your goals and space and budget, and see if this is the solution for you! See the form at the bottom of this page to get started.
EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT: Networked Consoles
What are networked consoles? Would they make a good addition to your facility? What’s the benefit?
What are networked consoles? Would they make a good addition to your facility? What’s the benefit?
To be competitive in a market that is consistently growing and modernizing, why not look into networked consoles on your Precor cardio equipment? With networked consoles, unlock increased engagement and retention, and a specialized means to monitor your facility and improve operational efficiency. Networked consoles could be a great option to meet your facility’s unique goals and objectives. Through the Preva network, operators can monitor their equipment, communicate with exercisers, and personalize exerciser experience.
Monitor your equipment
With Precor networked consoles, you gain access to a central web portal where you can observe and manage all Experience Series networked equipment with Preva Business Suite. You can track usage by model and time of day, view workout summary reports, and keep track of the life of your equipment. You can see which pieces are used the most and arrange your equipment accordingly so as to maximize your equipment’s lifespan. Receive alerts when maintenance is needed, and get explanations for error codes. These features and more keep you alert and in tune with your facility and the operations of your fitness space, keeping you in the loop with your exercisers and your facility running smoothly!
communicate with your exercisers
Send your exercisers in-workout messages about anything from upcoming events at your facility to property updates. Also, you can create custom Walk-Up screens that are designed specially for your facility. Receive feedback and understand your exercisers, keep them involved in the conversation and engaged with your offering. Here are some examples of what this would look like:
In-Workout Messages
Walk-Up Screen Customization
Preva Business Suite Reports
Personalize Exerciser experience
Networked consoles means networked fitness powered by Preva. With Preva, exercisers can save their workouts, and get access to entertainment apps and RunTV. Through automatically updated content and on-demand, personalized workouts, the exerciser has a lot of options! With apps like Netflix and YouTube, they can stream TV shows and movies and videos during their workouts. These kinds of features keep your exercisers engaged and wanting more, keeping them coming back to your facility!
Precor organized their three consoles by the following:
WHAT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
When it comes to your decision of whether to incorporate Networked Fitness into your facility, which console to choose, and additional features to add on, that is a collaborative decision process that we can help you through. We will take into consideration your facility’s specific goals, your business objectives, and the space’s technological capabilities. These and other topics of discussion will help us tailor a solution that fits your priorities just right. To get this conversation started, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page. We look forward to hearing from you!
Does Flooring Matter?
As the most used piece of equipment, flooring should be high in priority, as well as quality! Explore the importance of flooring and how to make the best choice.
Would you say that fitness equipment matters in a fitness center? The two go together; fitness equipment = fitness center. To function properly, a successful fitness center must have well-chosen equipment. Interestingly, there is one piece of equipment that every gym goer uses every time: the flooring. With athletes spending more time on the floor performing functional training movements, the floor really becomes another piece of equipment in your gym.
The flooring of your facility's fitness center must be safe, properly durable, ergonomically sound, and have the right acoustic design. We partner with Ecore Athletic flooring because we’ve seen how their flooring meets all these requirements, and then some.
Essentials to successful flooring in a fitness center:
1.) Safety
Your fitness center should be safe for your exercisers. If your floor performs poorly, it increases risk of injury, which is the last thing you would want to happen in your facility.
Should one fall, Ecore is designed to minimize risk of injury and keep joints, muscles, and bones safer during repetitive workouts. It uses recycled rubber composite to mitigate both immediate and long-term problems.
2.) Ergonomics
Ergonomics have to do with the intricate balance between energy absorption and energy restitution, or “give-back.” Ecore has successfully struck this balance. Ecore Athletic has designed their flooring to diminish fatigue, minimize discomfort, and maximize performance. The ergonomic design of Ecore athletic flooring supports your exercisers’ muscles and joints, to sustain their passion for your fitness center. Keep your exercisers healthy and coming back!
3.) Acoustics and Sound Reduction
Acoustics are extremely important in specific environments (multifamily facilities, hotels), but in every fitness space, the feel of the room and the quality of the workout is dependent on acoustics.
Ecore athletic flooring is firm, yet energy and sound absorbing. On top of checking all physical requirements, it meets the acoustic needs of a successful flooring.
How to choose the right flooring for YOUR space:
This has to do with the balance between force reduction and energy restitution. Force reduction is the amount energy the surface absorbs, whereas energy restitution is the amount of energy the surface “gives-back.”
This infographic gives an example to help explain force reduction vs. energy restitution:
For successful flooring, you’ll need the right balance between safety (which increases with force reduction), and performance and durability (which increase with energy restitution). The “perfect” balance between the two depends on what your facility’s specific goals are. For example, if your facility will have a lot of dropped weights, you’ll want a flooring with a higher durability that can withstand the pressure of repeated heavy impact; however it needs to absorb the sound and the impact of the weights without risking injury to the exerciser. For a mixed or multipurpose space, an almost equal balance between the two would be ideal.
We’re here to help you wade through all this technical mumbo jumbo. We’re all about finding you solutions that meet all your facility’s fitness needs and goals; which is another reason why we partner with Ecore. With so many flooring options, there is a flooring solution for any need you may have. Looking for flooring for your high traffic areas? Low-impact fitness? Slip-resistance for locker rooms or showers? Ecore athletic has a flooring solution for these specific circumstances and many more.
We can help in directing you to the flooring that provides the solution you need. Contact us and we can get started on meeting your goals for your facility and help find you a flooring to exceed your expectations!
EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT: QUEENAX
As functional training deepens its influence on the fitness industry, know what you’re up against by educating yourself on the Queenax functional training unit.
Increasingly, as functional training grows in its impact on the fitness industry, people are walking into the fitness center of your facility and expecting to see a setup for functional training. Functional training is a type of exercise that holistically trains the body in the way we naturally move. A unique proprietor of functional training is the Queenax, a fantastic functional training tool that advocates a new and exciting way to include functional training in your facility.
What Is It?
The Queenax is, as it says on the Precor website, a “unique functional and suspended bodyweight training system.” It can be used for both individual training and group training. Accessories (or “Optionals”) can be added onto the unit to create more optional activities.
There are multiple models of Queenax (The One, The Corner, Wall Solution, The Open Format, and The Bridge), all varying in size and customization. However, all share similar traits that make the Queenax a practical addition to your facility.
Why Incorporate in Your Facility?
Here are a few great reasons:
1.) Fully Utilize your space
While it is a large unit, the Queenax is highly space efficient. Every foot of the space it takes up is functional. In addition, it has functional storage; you can store medicine balls, kettlebells, dumbbells, and more, and all at easy access. The varying of size between different Queenax models also allows for the Queenax to find a place to fit in most facilities and spaces.
2.) Increase Member Attraction and Retention
Gyms that cater to current fitness trends attract new members and tenants, and make sure people stick around. More and more, members are demanding versatile training options. When they walk into your facility and see the Queenax, it meets and exceeds that demand. It means you will get a great return on your investment, adding long-lasting value to your facility.
3.) Offer a fitness experience that sets your facility apart
Engaging your tenants or members is essential for increasing business, and for setting you apart. Beat the competition by creating a space that, not just fulfils the needs of your targeted clientele, but surpasses their expectations. The Queenax offers not just solutions, but a fitness experience.
And so much more; to find out more, visit https://www.precor.com/en-us/commercial/strength/queenax, and read all about this fantastic piece of equipment.
How Can You Incorporate It?
Work with us! We will help you figure out what unit will work best for your facility and your goals, and we will install and maintain the unit. Through Precor, we can also offer education for training on the Queenax. Follow the prompts below to request an assessment. We look forward to hearing from you!
EDUCATION: RIGS VS RACKS
This post is all about the differences, benefits, and limitations of rigs and racks.
RIGS VS RACKS
Fitness trends are changing. Have you noticed how much functional fitness has grown in popularity over the last 10 years? This, and the tendency towards training general population students like athletes, have changed the needs of a school weight room. Since most schools don’t have an opportunity to do a major update on their weight room more often than every 10-15 years, it’s important to make the right decision... You’ll be living with it for quite a while. This post is all about educating you on the differences, benefits, and limitations of rigs and racks.
What is a rig?
Rigs are so versatile they are difficult to define. For the purpose of our discussion today we will define a rig as a versatile frame with the ability to reconfigure your “stations” to your needs of the day. It can be anywhere from 4’ all the way 24’ and beyond. It can be just about any shape you want with almost any type of station you want. We will assume you would be wanting your rig with as many lifting stations as possible.
Here are some examples of rigs:
What is a rack?
We’re talking half racks, power racks, and ¾ racks. They can be “doubled” back to back, they can be annexed with storage and there are even a few accessories that can be added. Often you can expect to get not only a lifting station but also a pull-up station.
Pros of Rigs
Rigs are a great solution to getting the maximum amount of users in a tight space while providing a way to transition to other modalities. What does that really mean? Versatility. You could have a tiny 4’ wall-mounted rig, you could have a 24’ self-standing rig in the middle of your space or anything in between.
This means that you can tailor your rig to your training style and the number of students you want to train simultaneously. One option we love is a 6’ by 24’ rig. A setup like that means that you can have 6 lifting stations that you can monitor by walking down the center of the rig.
When you’re not doing lifts you have an unending amount of stations you can set-up such as dips, glute/ham, pull-ups, TRX, ball targets, battle ropes, etc. Maybe you even want to have turf down the center so that your students can be pulling a sled in the protected space in the center of the rig while other stations on both sides of the rig are being utilized.
All of this versatility adds up to space-saving. Training more students in the same amount of space.
Another benefit of rigs is they tend to be budget-friendly. For example, it is about 30% less to get a rig with 6 lifting stations than 6 free-standing half racks.
Cons of Rigs
While rigs can be configured to fit the needs of powerlifting and/or sports specific training they tend to put athletes closer together and not provide as much privacy as a power rack can. This makes monitoring even more important.
Rigs tend to be really basic in style, you could even describe them as raw. This may or may not fit with your vision for the room. The style and “feel” of the room need to be considered.
Another difficulty with rigs is that they need to be bolted to the ground. This requires certain conditions and sometimes it’s just not possible to do that. Rigs also tend to be tall and require a taller ceiling height. Plate storage can also be less functional and more cumbersome depending on the setup you select.
And then there’s the issue of space. Rigs are hugely space-saving but if you really have only a very small amount of space to work with, you may not be able to get a rig in that really adds to the value of your space.
Pros of Racks
Racks have been the go-to item for weight rooms for years. Power racks and half racks are fairly specific to the needs of the coach and the athletes performing the exercise.
If you’re doing Olympic lifts they are the gold standard. They provide adequate space to provide lifters with a safe, controllable environment. Collegiate athletics are going to lean towards a rack because they are more accommodating with power-lifting, better for moving a lot of heavy weight, and for linear strength programming. Plate storage is easy to access and efficient.
Plus a robust rack is going to look strong, it’s going to create a substantial feel in your weight room.
Cons of Racks
The biggest con on racks is that they are just not as versatile as a rig. You have a very limited movement plane to work with. When using a rack you know the lifts you can do and there’s not much of an opportunity to go outside of that.
They are not going to give you the same access to versatile dynamic/functional movements as a rig. The accessories and attachments that you can use on a rack are very limited. When putting multiple racks in a room you have the potential for a lot of “dead space” that would be utilized if it were a rig.
What should I use?
By now you might know exactly which option you lean towards. We feel these factors are the big 3:
Training Style: Are you performing just Olympic movements or are you wanting to provide more functional training like suspension training and room for dynamic movements?
Amount of students you want to train: Are you working with a small group(or with multiple coaches) that you can monitor easily or do you need to be able to monitor more students in the program simultaneously?
Budget: Do you have space and dollars to spread out or do you need to keep it really efficient?
Honestly, there are even more factors to consider than what we have mentioned in this article. For instance, when you add in the right flooring you can have the equivalent of lifting platforms in every square inch of your space. Is that beneficial for your space? That is exactly why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to fitness room design.
We’d like to get to know your training style, your team, and your space so that we can help you to consider all the factors and assist you in building a facility for your students and athletes that will serve your needs for years to come. Get started on your project here.
EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT: Expresso GO
Is the Expresso GO a good solution to meet your goals?
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Expresso GO Bike
Whether we are looking to draw new clients or retain the ones we already have, we have to work hard to design a fitness facility that stands out and keeps people engaged. Having an old treadmill and multi-gym is no longer enough. We’d like to help you to find high quality, reliable products that “wow” and engage so that you will stand out from the competition.
What is it?
You could say that the Expresso GO bike is an upright bike and that is accurate. However, it is so much more. This bike comes with a 26.5in HD touchscreen that offers your residents/guests/members the ability to road race, take a cycling class or game, HIIT style. Handlebars that turn and resistance that changes automatically based on the terrain make it so much fun.
Why is it such a big deal?
We all know we need to get exercise and we want help to stay motivated. Being totally immersed in our exercise makes it enjoyable, keeping us motivated to do more. Enter the Expresso GO bike. What could be more motivating than racing your best time last week? Or better yet, racing your neighbor or coworker? What about chasing down a dragon to earn coins? Maybe an intense cycling instructor reminding you to give it all you’ve got? All of this is available on the Expresso GO bike. Can you see the appeal?
Click here to see a video of the bike in action.
With 300+ miles of interactive road racing courses, studio cycling classes that are updated every week and “off-road” HIIT gaming( HIIT training was identified as the #1 fitness trend of 2018 by the ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends Survey, we are really excited about this bike and the value that it adds.
How is this relevant for my facility?
Let’s paint a scenario. You’ve got a room to build your fitness amenity but space is at a premium. Most of the time you’re going to want to offer a treadmill, elliptical and a bike but you don’t have room for much more. How do you make your facility compelling and unique in that circumstance? Make one or more of those pieces of cardio stand out. And make sure that piece appeals to a large demographic.
What if you’ve got more room and a pretty robust offering? You’re probably only going to update your fitness room every 5-7 years(3-5 if you’re a high-use facility). Are your residents/members/guests getting tired of the same old setup? By incorporating an ExpressoGO bike in your facility you’re going to have fresh workouts and activities each week to keep people engaged and satisfied.
We know that this bike isn’t for every situation but it can add real value in many circumstances. We’d love to assist you in assessing your facility, budget and goals to see if the Expresso GO bike would be a good fit. And if it’s not, we’ll help you find the right piece to make you stand out.