Equipment
Big Equipment Releases at IHRSA
The new products that made a splash at IHRSA 2016.
Tip 35: The Zero Runner from Octane
One of the biggest cardio reveals at IHRSA this year was the Zero Runner from Octane Fitness. The ZR8000 Zero Runner reinvents running by eliminating repetitive impact, creating a more joint-friendly workout for all of your members. The Octane Zero Runner offers the same great workouts as the treadmill, but without any jarring impact to the body. According to Octane Fitness, exercisers can replicate the same strides they use outdoors, where they can focus on their glutes and hamstrings more fully than they can on a traditional treadmill’s moving belt. The self-powered Zero Runner is built with innovation in mind, eliminating the use of a belt, deck or cord. Facilities using the self-powered version of the Zero Runner save 100 percent on the electrical costs of a treadmill. Finally, the Zero Runner will also save money when it comes to maintenance costs. Because the Zero Runner does not require a belt, deck or roller maintenance, facilities can save major dollars in parts and labor.
Tip 36: The Matrix S-Drive Performance Trainer
Tip 36:If you are looking to offer more High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) options at your facility, then the S-Drive Performance Trainer by Matrix could be the perfect option for you. Placed between weight or functional training stations, members can take on all-out sprints, sled pushes or resistance work with difficulty settings just right for their ability level and goals. Matrix has also created comprehensive turnkey protocols for both small and large group circuit training to show you how the S-Drive Performance Trainer can complement TRX stations, dumbbell stations, core stations, plyometric stations and more.
Tip 37: New TRX Training Zone
TRX and Aktiv Solutions, leading experts in facility design and dynamic training solutions, unveiled the TRX Training Zone. Developed in collaboration, TRX Training Zones are a highly customizable, modular system that delivers a robust functional training experience. TRX Training Zones offer a wide variety of features, including optimized training space for a range of functional training modalities, and expansive storage solutions for training tools and accessories. In addition to customizable rigging and storage, the system also features tailored floor and wall graphics to create the ultimate self-guided functional training experience. Featuring monkey bars, pull-up bars, stall bars and adjustable storage solutions, the system accommodates all types of functional training equipment in a manner that maximizes training productivity and user efficiency.
Tip 38: Functional Training Systems
New and innovative functional training systems seemed to dominate the trade show floor this year. Recently Precor acquired Queenax, a company dedicated to delivering functional training options to exercisers. Now, as a part of Precor, Queenax helps operators deliver a wide variety of functional fitness options. The Queenax has unlimited configurations based on each club’s individual needs. If you are looking for a large functional fitness set-up for Group X, there is an option for that. If you are looking for a smaller set-up perfect for small group training, there is an option for that. Fixed accessories include a pull-up bar, a boxing line, a torso trainer or a mini wall bar. Removable accessories that can be easily attached and removed to the wall bars or mini wall bars include a rebounder trampoline, abdominal bench, plyometric platform and much more.
Franchising
Tip 39: David Long, the CEO and founder of Orangetheory Fitness, shares his advice.
Be flexible. “Nine out of 10 start ups fail,” said Long. “You will find yourself failing over and over again until you find a viable solution. It is all about adaptability. Get back on your feet when you fail.”
Develop a results-driven product that works. Your customers need to see results. According to Long, Orangetheory has seen such success due to the fact that it is an excellent and effective workout that provides members with consistent results.
Do the unexpected. Orangetheroy created a high-end, HIIT boutique group fitness experience that was new to the industry. Long suggested creating a market that might not be out there yet. Determine what the customer wants and fill that need.
Ignore early detractors. “The industry said Orangetheroy would never work because the price was too high,” said Long. “People didn’t understand the workout. But we stayed focused on the product and the people.”
Take calculated leaps forward. “You need to take risks,” he continued. “Trying something new is how you overcome the unknown.”
Tip 40: Keep an Eye out for this New Franchise
SPENGA — Spin, Strength and Yoga — is the newest boutique studio fitness concepts combining the three essential elements of any fitness routine to deliver a full-body workout. Each workout starts with 20 minutes of cycling, followed by 20 minutes of high intensity strength training, concluding with 20 minutes of yoga.
“There is a huge void in the marketplace for this type of concept,” said Amy King, the vice president of fitness and co-founder of SPENGA. “We feel that every market should have this. There is that person out there who has three different memberships for various clubs. They are going to the gym, maybe cycling once a day and doing yoga once a week, so we feel that every single market should have this concept.”
SPENGA currently has one location operating in Mokena, Illinois, but began franchising in November 2015. The company already has two separate multi-unit franchise agreements for the development of 10 units through the western Chicago area and five units throughout North Carolina. The goal is to have 50 stores signed in 2016 with 10 to 12 open, and 130 to 150 signed in three years, with 90 of those open.
Tip 41: Fast-growing Franchise
CycleBar, an indoor cycling franchise, has signed more than 200 studios in 10 months. The company is on pace to reach its goal of having 100 studios open to riders by December 31, 2016. The franchise offers a high-end cycling experience, featuring exhilarating music, performance tracking, engaging atmosphere, top-notch instructors and a strong community focus. “I think from a franchising standpoint, people love health, wellness and fitness,” said Heather Harris, the president of CycleBar. “It is a great lifestyle for a franchisee because you are constantly with people who are energetic and goal oriented, so it is a great environment. But also there is a financial side that is really appealing. We have one instructor for 50 bikes, which is a nice profit margin model.”
