With the advice of Technogym, Odyssey has changed its gym layout to improve engagement
Odyssey Health Club’s Stevenage site has been home to a club since the 1970s, but the venue you'll find there today has been thoughtfully developed to offer the true health club experience.
Ian Riches, club director at Odyssey Health Club, tells us how the vision for the business has been brought to life.
“Odyssey Health Club was launched in the late 90s, and I came on board in 2004 to help consolidate the business to focus on the core elements of a health club,” he says. “Although we have a gym and group exercise classes, we’re not just a gym – we offer leisure, relaxation, food, and the spa, which is a huge part of the business.
"It was important that we offer a true health club experience by creating a social environment to differentiate us from other leisure facilities.”
Enhancing the member experience Last year Riches thought it was time to modernise the gym floor offering to enhance the total customer journey.
Once he started to look at the digital experiences on offer, Ian sought the guidance and support of Technogym and soon discovered how new innovative formats and a change in layout can create more engagement on the gym floor.
“Technogym gives us expert advice on design, layout, and on how to get the most out of the equipment and digital," he explains, “They’re interested in understanding what we need – we feed them ideas, and they give us great advice.”
With the help of Technogym, Odyssey has changed the gym layout to improve uptake of gym floor classes, and to increase staff and member engagement.
“We run small group sessions using the Technogym Skillbike, Skillrun, and Skillrow Classes," says Riches. “The Uptake of group exercise has increased significantly. Having central areas to run classes helps us engage with all members. Having the equipment in the middle of the gym has brought different people into the group element, because they can see what is going on and feel encouraged to have a go.”
Reaching different demographics Odyssey Health Club has two distinct types of members: what Riches calls the day time and the evening members. He explains how the Technogym digital solutions helped Odyssey connect with all types of members.
“Since installing the new zones we decided to change the way we deliver our inductions, focusing on really showing people what the Skill Line equipment can do,” he says.
“Technogym Skill Line is very different, so we run workshops where we educate members on each element of the equipment, including its features and benefits. Uptake has been great, and feedback shows people really appreciate knowing just how much they can do on the equipment.”
Offering gym floor classes focusing on a specific product is appealing to a wider variety of member. “For example,” says Riches, “we ran summer Skillbike classes which replicated Tour de France hill climbs. These were led by cyclists, and brought in a new group of customers who would usually prefer to exercise outside. We've never had the ability to do this before.”
Pleasing the crowd The feedback on Odyssey’s recent upgrades show that they continue to strengthen the health club brand.
“We have great communication with our members,” says Riches. “We’ll always question what we do. The quality of our customer experience drives our commercial decisions. Ultimately, we want to be a great health club where people get results, enjoy their visits, and improve their health.”
“We combine listening to our members with watching what’s developing in the industry. We make sure new purchases are future-proofed so they will still deliver value when we make inevitable changes to our gym and studios.
“We never sit still, and with support from Technogym, we know we’ll always offer the best health club experience.”
As Odyssey has discovered, changing the layout of a gym’s space can revolutionise the offering and transform customer engagement, instructor input and the entire member journey.
Partnership with Technogym This round of investment is the latest in a long relationship between Odyssey Health Club and Technogym.
“We come back to Technogym not just because they develop market-leading equipment, but because of their support and training,” says Riches.
Ready to launch a successful new club format?
Technogym provides support during the roll-out of any new format, so you can maximise its implementation and success.
To find out more about the many ways you could deliver a Club 4.0 experience, to your members, contact Technogym today on 01344 300236 or email
[email protected]
With the advice of Technogym, Odyssey has changed its gym layout to improve engagement
Odyssey Health Club’s Stevenage site has been home to a club since the 1970s, but the venue you'll find there today has been thoughtfully developed to offer the true health club experience.
Ian Riches, club director at Odyssey Health Club, tells us how the vision for the business has been brought to life.
“Odyssey Health Club was launched in the late 90s, and I came on board in 2004 to help consolidate the business to focus on the core elements of a health club,” he says. “Although we have a gym and group exercise classes, we’re not just a gym – we offer leisure, relaxation, food, and the spa, which is a huge part of the business.
"It was important that we offer a true health club experience by creating a social environment to differentiate us from other leisure facilities.”
Enhancing the member experience Last year Riches thought it was time to modernise the gym floor offering to enhance the total customer journey.
Once he started to look at the digital experiences on offer, Ian sought the guidance and support of Technogym and soon discovered how new innovative formats and a change in layout can create more engagement on the gym floor.
“Technogym gives us expert advice on design, layout, and on how to get the most out of the equipment and digital," he explains, “They’re interested in understanding what we need – we feed them ideas, and they give us great advice.”
With the help of Technogym, Odyssey has changed the gym layout to improve uptake of gym floor classes, and to increase staff and member engagement.
“We run small group sessions using the Technogym Skillbike, Skillrun, and Skillrow Classes," says Riches. “The Uptake of group exercise has increased significantly. Having central areas to run classes helps us engage with all members. Having the equipment in the middle of the gym has brought different people into the group element, because they can see what is going on and feel encouraged to have a go.”
Reaching different demographics Odyssey Health Club has two distinct types of members: what Riches calls the day time and the evening members. He explains how the Technogym digital solutions helped Odyssey connect with all types of members.
“Since installing the new zones we decided to change the way we deliver our inductions, focusing on really showing people what the Skill Line equipment can do,” he says.
“Technogym Skill Line is very different, so we run workshops where we educate members on each element of the equipment, including its features and benefits. Uptake has been great, and feedback shows people really appreciate knowing just how much they can do on the equipment.”
Offering gym floor classes focusing on a specific product is appealing to a wider variety of member. “For example,” says Riches, “we ran summer Skillbike classes which replicated Tour de France hill climbs. These were led by cyclists, and brought in a new group of customers who would usually prefer to exercise outside. We've never had the ability to do this before.”
Pleasing the crowd The feedback on Odyssey’s recent upgrades show that they continue to strengthen the health club brand.
“We have great communication with our members,” says Riches. “We’ll always question what we do. The quality of our customer experience drives our commercial decisions. Ultimately, we want to be a great health club where people get results, enjoy their visits, and improve their health.”
“We combine listening to our members with watching what’s developing in the industry. We make sure new purchases are future-proofed so they will still deliver value when we make inevitable changes to our gym and studios.
“We never sit still, and with support from Technogym, we know we’ll always offer the best health club experience.”
As Odyssey has discovered, changing the layout of a gym’s space can revolutionise the offering and transform customer engagement, instructor input and the entire member journey.
Partnership with Technogym This round of investment is the latest in a long relationship between Odyssey Health Club and Technogym.
“We come back to Technogym not just because they develop market-leading equipment, but because of their support and training,” says Riches.
Ready to launch a successful new club format?
Technogym provides support during the roll-out of any new format, so you can maximise its implementation and success.
To find out more about the many ways you could deliver a Club 4.0 experience, to your members, contact Technogym today on 01344 300236 or email
[email protected]
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
