In days of yore, all you needed to amp up your fitness was a wooly mammoth to run away from. Exercise was a part of daily life for hunters and gatherers, so hominids didn’t need kettlebells to carve out their abs. Nor did the Ancient Greeks—they acquired their biceps in the military centuries before the first book about physical pursuits was written by Cristobel Mendez. The fitness industry as we know it today began when a muscle-bound guru named Macfadden invented the first wall-mounted “muscle developers.” In the disco era, jogging and jazzercise were trends du jour.  If the burgeoning gym sector could make exercise fun, surely the entire world would join the dance party. Exercise trends are wont to pass, so as the Nineties dawned in all their pleather splendor, fitness centers were revolutionized yet again.

Training in the Eighties

Stair masters, elliptical cross trainers, and exercise bikes targeted muscle groups with razor-like precision. In those days, aerobic fitness and strength training were divided by a giant fitness center wall, and ne’er the two could meet. The approach was as inefficient as it was time-consuming, and gym brands only muddied the waters by designing increasingly complicated machines. If an exercise machine could play movies, count burned calories, and butter your morning toast, the industry sold it.

With time comes education. The more scientific understanding the fitness industry has gained, the better it’s become at toning wobbly bodies. Before 2010 dawned, centers focused on five areas:

These approaches were supposed to be a shortcut to larger muscles, but as the years progressed, scientists discovered that short, intense bouts of movement could target both long and short-term endurance. Fitness fiends could cut their workouts in half without suffering any negative effects. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) revolutionized the modern-day fitness center. Even Olympic athletes were doing it. Studies show that high intensity bursts increased power output by almost 10% while improving movement efficiency.

As HIIT entered public consciousness, the industry sought out inventive ways to pack power into their workouts. Wearable technology was an obvious solution. Tabata training followed closely behind, so pylo boxes became a requisite inclusion in every athletic training center.  Pylo power caught on fast, giving trainers the variety they needed to tone their bodies holistically. Add body weights, box jumps, and split squats, and you’re well on your way to fitness freedom. Pylometric boxes turn the body into a weight, allowing trainers to combine aerobic and strength training in a higher intensity workout. The higher the equipment, the harsher the training. The simplicity of it is elegant, but you can’t achieve stability with a pylo box alone.

The Emergence of the Athletic Training

Unlike Jazzercise, HIIT couldn’t be limited to one room at the back of the gym. It required too much space and had too many enthusiasts for that, so the fitness center of yesteryear transformed into an athletic training center replete with high-tech flooring and every pylo box design you could dream up. The sheer intensity of HIIT demanded a new approach to turf. Non-slip surfaces aren’t enough because the design of the surface determines the kind of strength and endurance achieved. Pylometric training on a firm surface reduces muscle soreness and even damage, but accidents must be reduced as well. Today’s centers must improve explosive power via the most effective surface, and a gym mat simply won’t do anymore. Opti-Fit approaches HIIT as an artform, carrying fitness into a distant future years ahead of its time.

For more information on designing todays fitness centers, contact one of Opti-Fit’s fitness professionals.

What more can I say about Peloton? It is “the Netflix of fitness” according to one market analyst. Peloton Spin Machines are “the best cardio machines in the world,” according to Men’s Health.
For years Peloton’s business thrived from supplying fitness equipment to community workout rooms. Apartment communities would offer Peloton bikes at a fair membership fee ($20 to $40 a month).
“The 2019 amenity survey by Multifamily Design+Construction yielded interesting findings. 19% of the survey’s participants installed Peloton bikes at least once in the past years.”
Today, the company is gearing up for a significant transition. Before going public in late September 2019, Peloton had an important major announcement. They would stop the sales of commercial products to focus on personal gear.
About two years ago, Peloton shook the industry with its futuristic bikes. These bikes came with programmable software, social media connectivity, and touchscreens. Peloton bikes had everything attractive to Millenials.

Changing Lanes

What do apartment operators think of Peloton’s latest business decision?
A perplexed Chad Christian, the Regional Manager (Avenue5), had this to say, “These bikes are greatly popular among our residents. My fitness centers have a bike or two, and I get constant requests to add more.”
“When we acquired one (Peloton bike), one resident fell in love with the equipment,” Julie Rossini, Property Manager, says. “When the others noticed, the bike began to get more use.”
Sarah Greenough thinks that Peloton’s decision is a move to make more money on sales.
“An apartment building has about 200 households,” Greenough says. “Those are 200 potential customers. Not a few commercial bikes in a fitness center.”

Responding to the Terrain

Clay Hicks, the President of TDC Management, inquired about Peloton’s commercial sales. He received this response fro Peloton’s Sales Representatives.
“The commercial sales team commits to placing our bikes in areas where our clients work and travel. We partner with multi-tenant office developments, corporate wellness facilities, country clubs, and hotels. Our members can stay committed to their workout routines while away from home.
Our showroom employees, commercial team, and web store no longer sell equipment to multi-family housing developments. Our decision returns the focus on our initial model, bringing top-shelf, instructor-led fitness solutions into the homes of our members. The best Peloton experience begins when our members purchase and exercise on a personal bike.”

Pedaling on

A month before apartment community sales ended, Cristian purchased for his Avenue5 fitness room two bikes. He spent $2,750 and $2,499 on the bikes plus a monthly subscription of $55 on a commercial membership — commercial models of the bike feature a multi-user interface and a dual pedal system.
“They ‘promised’ to still service the bikes, but I learned otherwise,” Christian says. “Constantly told, ‘we no longer service multi-family bikes. Not to say that Peloton bikes are problematic, but we have to call for service at least once every month.”

What Others are Peddling

The tech industry is a dynamic and competitive battlefield. Expresso, Technogym, and Hydrorider are all competitors within the virtual cycling space. These players and the membership-based FitterClub and viable alternatives to property managers.
“At the end of the day, our industry will be fine,” Greenough says. “Technology is always evolving. Products come and go. There are many options for on-demand streaming fitness. We liked the prestige and prominence that Peloton’s brand offered, but we have to move on.
Now, residents can experience on-demand virtual fitness programs in many ways. Synchronized phone apps, virtual fitness kiosks, and commercial display panels can deliver countless hours of self-selected training sessions. These are viable alternatives to the dynamic fitness industry.
For more information about commercial indoor cycling alternatives, contact your local Opti-Fit Fitness Professional, 888-601-4350.

Power racks and rigs are part of the growing trend of functional fitness — a type of workout that is popular for extreme sports, Crossfit and athletic training. It’s not enough to be tone and lean, your body has to work like a machine with strong muscle groups able to move together to complete a task.

Traditional weight lifting approaches fitness in an isolated way by focusing on individual muscle groups. Functional fitness utilizes exercises that combine the groups for more efficient movement. The emergence of power racks and rigs in gym equipment plays a role in this evolution.

What is a Rig?

Rigs are versatile tools that you can tailor-fit to your training style and use to create different stations. That flexibility is what makes them a standard in most weight lifting rooms. Rigs can be any shape, so they create whatever station you need and they come in different sizes, too. Take the Atlantis Rig System RS-4. Gyms can customize it to fit in and empty corner space and provide more workout options. The Atlantis Rig Rig System RS-10 is bigger to accommodate more uses.

When not using the rig for lifts, it can work as a station for:

It becomes as many stations as you need. It can serve as a spacer between activities going on at one time, too.

What are Power Racks?

power rackA power rack, sometimes called a power cage, is safety equipment that serves as a spotter for free weight barbells. It also works as a station for different exercises such as:

Power racks are not new to the market. They have been around since the 1960s, but brands like Matrix Fitness are improving on them all the time. The Matrix Magnum Series Mega Power Rack is fully enclosed with a design that changes quickly and uses retractable bands. The Matrix Magnum Series Power Rack MG-A47 has integrated foldaway spotter stands.

Power racks are must-have equipment for weight rooms, especially for athletes. They allow for:

Both rigs and power racks are practical choices for CrossFit gyms and athletic training centers. They take you further and get you there faster than other forms of commercial weight lifting equipment.

Contact Opti-Fit for more information on power racks and customizing rigs for your fitness facility.

Just 10 years ago, the gym at an apartment complex consisted of free weights and a treadmill. The industry is changing to meet the needs of potential renters and that means bigger and better fitness centers with even more perks.

The New Fitness Centers

Today’s potential renter demands a better standard of living that includes connectivity and flexibility. Millennials, which are the bread and butter of rental communities, are looking for complexes that offer resort-like fitness amenities. They are non-traditional and tech-savvy and driven by engagement. To accommodate them, what was once a closet with some free weights is now the onsite fitness center. The fitness center is a large space with training areas with both cardio and strength equipment. There may be a seperate space for everything from fitness classes to yoga to meditation. As multi-family complexes have to compete more and more, they are finding ways to engage potential renters and a functional fitness center gives them an edge.

The Demand for High Tech

Many fitness centers focus on integrating technology into the fitness environment because of modern renters:

Adding high tech features takes fitness centers up a notch but what’s next?

The Wellness Center

The next step in multi-family housing is the wellness center. A survey conducted by the National Multifamily Housing Council found that 40 percent of respondents didn’t use the onsite fitness center because they wanted to work with a trainer. Management companies can look to bring in concierge trainers who are there on demand for residents. Respondents in the survey stated they also wanted virtual/on-demand classes and classes with instructors like yoga and high-intensity training.  Wellness centers are not fitness centers, though. They move beyond exercise to wellness amenities:

Related Midwest’s One Bennet Park tower in Chicago features:

The real estate industry is taking wellness by the horns to create luxury amenities for renters to the tune of 134 billion dollars. It’s not just a gym anymore. Today, multi-family rental communities are integrating wellness into their fitness centers to stay competitive.

For more information on multi-family fitness centers contact Opti-fit, 888-601-4350

Strength equipment is the heart and soul of any fitness center. Not all brands are created equally, though, Some have a well-deserved reputation as the top in the industry. Consider two that meet that standard.

Matrix Fitness

Matrix is a child company of Johnson Health Tech founded in 1975 by Peter Lo. Today, Matrix is an award-winning manufacturer of strength training products. In 2017, they won the FirtProf brand of the year award and in 2018, the Plus X Best Customer Satisfaction award.

Matrix Fitness offers both residential and commercial strength training equipment. They make single-station and multi-station products along with free weights, plate-loaded and accessories.

What Makes Matrix Stand Out?

It’s the intuitive design that puts Matrix strength equipment at the fore the front in the industry. There are five series and each comes with distinct features. The Ultra and Versa series offer ergonomic grips, for example. Aura, on the other hand, is known for its aesthetic designs and Urgo Form cushions. With the Magnum series, you’ll be impressed by the Breaker Benches which eliminating the need for assistance to break the bar.

Atlantis Fitness

For 35 plus years, Atlantis has been making only strength equipment. That singular focus has made them one of the best in the industry. The company was founded by Canadian bodybuilding champion Raymond Sansoucy and today it is Canada’s largest commercial strength equipment manufacturer.

There is a broad range of Atlantis strength equipment choices, most made with welded frames, heavy gauges of steel and high resistance levels. Each unit is designed to help you find the perfect blend.

What Makes Atlantis Stand Out?

Atlantis is known for its ergonomic designs and expert biomechanics. Their line is so extensive they list it by body part to make it easier to navigate.

The Atlantis’ Performance series offers sturdy machines that come with standard and heavy weight-stacks. The Power series features adjustability and user profiles. Natural Motion is made up of 12 units with enough freedom to allow the user to define their own path.

Each one of these companies manufacturer strength products designed to give you flexibility as you select your equipment.

For more information contact Opti-fit.

The smoother a multi-family fitness center runs the more value it offers. How do you get to that level, though? Programming your fitness center is about getting the most value out of it. Here are some suggestions.

Hire a Management Company

The organization is an absolute in the fitness industry but not that an easy thing to accomplish. A multi-family fitness center management company can help a several areas.  They can provide social programming, group exercise class, staffing and operational hours, pool operation and more.  These additional services will enhance the residence expierence and increease retention. The management company also understands the local regulations and how to follow them.

Personal Trainers

Why would someone consider joining a gym instead of using your fitness center? Two words: personal trainer. Once upon a time having a personal trainer was a luxury but today’s fitness consumer expects it.
Adding one or two personal trainers to a fitness center is just one more amenity that stands out. If they can save money and get the added benefit of a personal trainer, they will throw away the gym pass forever.
Consider partnering with personal trainers. They provide their clientele and use your space for the workout. They generate revenue for the business without adding to your labor costs.

Take it Online

Online apps like More Active , My Fitness Pal, Fitbit and more, provide fitness centers with everything they need for success in one place. Set residents, frequent travelers and center members up with a personal online fitness plan. They can access nutrition plans and workout guides, too.

Apps will offer business tools, as well, like website design and a full array of marketing tools. Set up an email campaign and center newsletter. Create class schedules and event notifications. Build plans for training and fitness that target your audience. Access a content management tool that will have you blogging in no time. While you are at it, create a new logo fo the center that makes the brand stand out and use it on all your marketing material.

Take a multifaceted approach to programming your fitness center try all three. Individually or in combination, they will give you what you need to build, run and grow your facility efficiently and effectively.

For more information concerning multi-family fitness centers contact your Opti-Fit professional near you.

The pool isn’t just about swimming anymore. A multi-family environment can introduce new amenities into the community by turning the pool into an aquatic gym. Water workouts are trending right now and promise to be something that will turn potential residents’ heads.

Flow Motion

They said it couldn’t be done. They were wrong. Make your next community yoga class one that happens in the pool with Flow Motion fitness mats. They are inflatable and easy to store. When in the water, the mat is stable enough to allow residents to workout doing sit-ups, yoga poses — whatever you would normally do on a yoga mat. FlowMotion also comes with teacher training and certifications as well as programs like:

Floaty fun while you exercise.

Spin Class in the Pool

Aquacycling is the newest water-based fitness craze. It takes the low-impact benefit of bike riding and adds the resistance that comes with moving underwater. The combination is a workout that is easy on the joints and won’t leave you with sore muscles the next day.

Water Workout Tools

Both the mat and the bike are an investment that any residential complex will find beneficial but if you were thinking about something smaller then water resistance training tools are a cost-effective option. Think kettlebell that goes in the pool. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For instance, the Push Plate by Speedo is an all-in-one workout tool that uses water resistance to build muscle. Speedo also offers the Hydroshredder that channels the water to provide the most resistance. You put one on each hand and push to turn the water into weights.

Aquatic

Of course, you could go old-school and offer Aquatic classes to the community. Aquatics is simply exercising in the water. Residents can learn to do everything from water walk to water dance. Aquatics is a good cardio workout that also uses water resistance to safely tone muscles. Today’s apartment dweller wants more, so put that pool to work and add more fitness options to your amenities.

Contact Opti-fit for additional information.

The key to filling up a fitness center with the right fitness equipment is finding a balance. Your goal is to consider what someone might look for in this particular fitness center. What are some things you should consider when buying fitness equipment?

Know Your Target User

The most important part of strategizing your fitness center inventory is your audience. If you cater to a younger group, focus on high-tech, state-of-the-art equipment. An older crowd will want user-friendly workout resources. One thing you do know is most people will look for cardio equipment and a strength training section first.

Block Out Your Space

Design for function based on your users’ needs. What should go near the front of the room and what should be near the windows, for example. Ask yourself what else your gym user might need. For example, do you want to make room for lockers, a water station, classes or personal training spaces? If you want the room to do more than hold equipment, plan on using 60 percent for actual exercise machines. Block out percentages for equipment space next. Do you want to divide the equipment area 50/50 for cardio and strength training or is it going to be more like 60/40? Older targeted users might want more strength training equipment than cardio.

Visualize Your Cardio

Now, block out the cardio section. This will allow you to visualize the types of equipment you want for each. For example, how much space do you have for treadmills and how many treadmills will fit into it.  If the answer is not many then maybe you want to consider a more diverse inventory of cardio equipment. Leave room for one or two treadmills and then figure out what you could put around them like ellipticals or steppers. Consider high-intensity equipment that takes up less room like an S-Force Performance Trainer if you plan to service younger people.

Visualize Your Strength Training Area

Free weights are a given, so figure out where they will go. Plan for one or more:

Diversity is the best policy when it comes to strength training equipment, so a multi-use station combined with targeted pieces for the core, legs and upper body makes sense. To find out more about what equipment works best for your target audience contact Opti-Fit at 888-601-4350 or info@opti-fit.com for a FREE consultation.

Whether you have purchased or plan to buy high-performance gym equipment from Matrix, you should know that Matrix equipment makes it easy for you to maximize your ROI. Most of the equipment out there will eventually earn its keep over time, but there are very few manufacturers that will further help you make the purchase worth the effort.

Asset Management

Many gym owners don’t bother to think about the life of their equipment. They hope that it will last for a long time and they repair it when something is broken. Matrix equipment will monitor itself for you. As your machine ages, it will alert you as to when you need to think about updating something, or if a part is nearing its expiration. The monitoring function will also tell you when something is wrong or not functioning properly. You can also get instant access to the product information for the equipment. Here are some handy tools that you will have when you purchase Matrix equipment:

Of each piece and your gym as a whole. This feature will tell you which pieces are members favorites, it can also tell you what product mix you should keep on the floor.

Marketing

Your Matrix equipment will even do some of the marketing work for you. Members that sync up to use the workout-tracking and personal training features will receive messages when new workout tracks, trainers, or classes are uploaded to their favorite machines.

You can also allow members to personalize their experience, or you can customize it for them. These are just some of the ways that Matrix will help you to keep your gym on your member’s minds. The ore that they are thinking about it, the more likely they are to post something about it to their friends on a social media platform like Instagram or Facebook.

Matrix equipment has a lot to offer as far as maximizing your ROI on the pieces that you purchase. We strive to make our high-end workout experience the best on the market so that your members stay fit and happy at your gym. Give us a call today to find out more about maximizing your ROI.

Contact Opti-Fit for more information on high performance fitness equipment.

Healthy cities have healthy people that create a healthy economy. Obesity costs money directly and indirectly. Influencing people to want to take better care of themselves will lower costs, create a more vibrant population, and increase tourism.

The Cost of Obesity

Direct Costs

The direct costs of obesity are medical treatments and examinations that people receive directly due to their condition. This will cost the city when municipal workers are being treated for being overweight. It will also cost the city when people need emergency or ambulatory care due to their obesity and are unable to pay for it.

Indirect Costs

Insurance 

Insurance for the municipality will cost proportionally more the larger the number of obese people. Local businesses will also have to pay more in insurance costs, which is less money they have to put into their establishments and give their employees.

Wages

Wages in areas with large obese populations tend to be lower than in areas where more people are fit. This has to do with insurance costs as mentioned above, as well as lower overall productivity due to missed work and premature death.

Lost Work

Obese employees miss more work on average than employees that are not obese. They also use more short and long term disability. Overweight workers are also said to have higher rates of presenteeism, resulting in lower productivity.

As you can see, the costs of obesity are high to the entire population of any area. Municipalities with large populations of obese citizens should work to help the community become healthier. Doing so will increase productivity and juice up the economy in the medium to long-term.

Current costs are a concern, but another thing to keep in mind is that healthcare costs will continue to rise as they have been. Spending increased 3.9% over 2017 and 4.1% over the year of 2018. These are massive year over year cost increases. Can your city afford not to get healthy?

A healthy population will be less of a drain directly and indirectly on the wealth of a city. A healthy community can help a city to grow and attract more business than a population of people that are not taken care of. Think about the future and encourage health!

Contact Opti-Fit for more information about how they can help your city become healthier.