Functional training encompasses a variety of elements, but what really makes a facility stand out is how it is used creatively to enrich the member experience.
Whether encouraging members to incorporate functional fitness into regular exercise sessions, or incentivising new members to join, it’s all part of making the most of a functional fitness training unit like a Queenax™ rig from Precor.
Providing a versatile use of space, the Queenax™ enables gyms to offer small group training sessions and when not in use, space underneath can be used to hold additional classes, efficiently maximising the floor area.
The Queenax™ showcases a variety of accessories that can easily be attached, removed or reconfigured, allowing the unit to be effortlessly adapted to offer fun, versatile exercise options that encourage participation. When not in use, accessories can be stored away in the built-in storage units, optimising the floor space available.
Fitness facilities across the UK are demonstrating the versatility of the Queenax™ rig, introducing innovative classes, organising specialised sessions for younger members and working with those in need of extra personal attention or rehabilitation.
The next generation
Leisure at Cheltenham has introduced twice weekly junior sessions for 11-15 year olds on the Queenax™, where supervised circuit-style sessions guide the youngsters through a variety of fun, structured activities, inspiring them to try new exercises. For example; ladders are used for pull-ups and participants are encouraged to cross the monkey bars without touching the floor, creating a lighthearted, but effective environment.
Bankole comments: “Attendance is growing all the time. Kids love using the Queenax™ and they get to try an array of bodyweight exercises, under supervision and in a safe environment.”
Hutton Moor has weekly timetabled sessions with Broadoak Community School and Western College Academy (North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College), where small groups of students have supervised usage of the Queenax™ on a weekly rotational basis; so a new group can learn its versatility and capabilities each week.
White says: “The unit's versatility has helped motivate students who aren't as athletic or may not enjoy the gym, and has even contributed towards students joining as members after they've graduated.”
Family-friendly circuit training is actively encouraged at Salt Ayre with children and their parents/guardians using the Queenax™ and its accessories in fully booked, back-to-back classes on a Saturday, to meet demand.
Rehab and Active Ageing
Facilities are also using the Queenax™ to enable less mobile or ageing participants to become more active and engaged.
Leisure at Cheltenham boasts extensive rehabilitation and active ageing programmes, including an exercise referral scheme (EOR), falls prevention programme, an NHS physiotherapy group, and a respiratory group.
EOR participants use the superfunctional attachment to develop core stability to help with day to day activities and improve their level of stability.
Similarly, falls prevention programme participants hold on to the unit and superfunctional attachment to do a variety of exercises designed to strengthen the core, encourage leg strength and help with shoulder mobility. The aim is to progress to doing the exercises without holding on to anything.
The respiratory group, which uses Precor treadmills, ellipticals (EFX) and adaptive motion trainers (AMT) to promote endurance, has now progressed to all the gym equipment including the Queenax™.
A lift at Hutton Moor gives injured or wheelchair-bound members access to the Queenax™ studio, enabling them to work out in privacy and focus on the exercises without distractions.
White says: “The Queenax is a versatile tool that enables us to offer exercises not achievable on the general gym floor; the band attachments and bars provide stability and can be used to help wheelchair-bound members stand up – a very effective use of the rig.”
Salt Ayre’s Queenax™ is booked for small group sessions by local services focused on adults with disability and excluded students. These popular bespoke sessions, run by one of the PTs, further cement Salt Ayre’s vital role in enriching the health and wellbeing of its community.
Business is Booming
Glover says: “Our Training Zone, with the Queenax™ as the centre piece, has undoubtedly enhanced the member experience and we receive so much positive feedback from our members.”
With memberships, usage and revenue continually rising, Salt Ayre, Hutton Moor and Leisure at Cheltenham are great examples of how, done well, functional training can transform a business.
