WNiF Magazine - Autumn 2018 Edition | Page 32

SMART

By Bryan Green

RIGGING :

4 CONSIDERATIONS FOR TODAY ’ S TRAINING ENVIRONMENT

Rig … Functional Frame … Jungle Gym – call it what you will . If you operate a commercial health club or boutique studio and you don ’ t have one , you ’ re probably not deep in the functional fitness game .

Programming space for functional fitness really begins with creating open space for movement . Incorporating efficiently configured and purposeful frames can certainly be a big part of the equation . However , many facilities fail to achieve what I refer to as “ Smart Rigging ”. The goal : select structures that facilitate programming , safety , occupancy , and preservation of space .
Get smart
It ’ s rare today that one would consider a purchase of a non-Smartphone or non- Smart TV . You would largely be leaving the vast majority of technological advancement behind . The same holds true for Smart Rigging .
Selecting equipment with wide appeal that can adapt well to your facility ’ s programmatic requirements from session to session is key .
CrossFit – HIIT , Ninja Warrior , Core Training , Obstacle Course , Suspension Fitness , Aerial Arts , the list for verbiage used interchangeably to describe functional training exercise thematics goes on and on .
Storage and Suspension
Breaking it down , you ’ ll quickly find that the storage of equipment and suspension of devices , including your clients themselves , are the common denominators in selecting appropriate structures for your facility .
Functional training is largely executed by the use of various handheld equipment : Balls , Bands , Mats , and Kettlebells make it fun and effective – you ’ ll need lots of them .
Multiply that by the number of clients you wish to service simultaneously and now storage and its accessibility is critical . Furthermore , these accessories vary in size and can change over time depending upon the flavour of your programming or proficiency of your audience . Choose a quality storage solution designed to scale for the space and establish a system of flexibility for on the fly adjustment .
Invest in efficient utility and presentation reflective of the style of your facility , not a mishmash of assorted racks better suited for a garage style boot camp .
Next , focus on the creation of safe and simplified structures to support movements for pulling up , pushing on , and the ability to suspend various toys , from punching bags , to straps , to aerial hammocks .
When planning for the dimensions and form factor of your training rig , think first about your intended simultaneous occupancy . Detail the types of training activities that will appeal to the majority of your clients . Perhaps most importantly , contemplate your staff ’ s ability to coach the activity in the safest and most efficient way , when limited , or perhaps no supervision may be present .
Invite not Alienate
The masses want to experience and exercise effectively , just like the hardest core of fitness fanatics .
32 WHAT ’ S NEW IN FITNESS - AUTUMN 2018