Why create a dedicated group HIIT zone?

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Following the rise of boutique studios, many gyms are looking to create their own group HIIT zones in their facilities. The challenge is to do this without sacrificing valuable floor space.

Origin Fitness recently launched REDLINE, our high-intensity group-training concept. This package is fully developed and ready to implement into any facility looking to create a dedicated group HIIT zone.

But we don't want to focus on REDLINE (you can find all the information on that here). We want to talk about why we think creating this type of zone is an important consideration for operators.

The inspireall group HIIT zones and general functional training areas have been well received.

Why Group HIIT?

HIIT workouts have shot into popularity over the past decade, and it is easy to see why. High-Intensity Interval Training burns more calories and fat in less time compared to steady state training.

It also strengthens your heart, helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels and can lead to an increased metabolism for a period after your finished your workout

Additionally, it is infinitely versatile and can easily be scaled up or down to suit an individual's fitness level. It requires as little or as many pieces of equipment as you want, making it perfect for any size facility.

the Gym Group have started rolling out new Group HIIT zones and rigs across their estate

Short Group Classes

We have seen a sharp rise in the demand for shorter workouts in 2019. This trend has already taken hold in London, where nearly 20% of all fitness classes booked are short lunchtime workouts. (zingfit and ukactive report “Global Boutique Trends” 2019).

An advantage of hosting these shorter classes is the potential for a higher class frequency. This, in turn, brings more users in and out of the facility increasing profitability of the space, overall facility capacity and footfall.

Gymbos runs a large portion of their classes within this group training rig

A Boost in Retention

Short class times don't just suit a vast variety of members. Classes in general can have a measured impact on a gym's retention figures.

Creating a community around your classes increases facility loyalty and inter-member engagement which ultimately leads to a more social, more enjoyable workout experience.

Introducing a group HIIT Zone

You don't need to create a purpose-built space to do group HIIT, but it might be worth the effort. Here's why:

Facilitating Fast Transition Times

During high-intensity sessions, depending on the session format, you may need to move between exercises quickly.

By creating a purpose designed space, you can match your equipment layout to your session. Doing this for every class helps minimise waster time on transitions, allowing for shorted class times.

inspire all worked with origin fitness to create their group Hiit zone in several of their facilities

Variety and Storage

Creating a storage solution within this space allows you to keep everything you need to create varied sessions close by.

No longer will you need to run around the gym, stealing products from other zones on the gym floor. No more zoning off huge portions of the gym floor for your classes.

It also allows coaches to scale back movements or increase the challenge for individual users on-the-fly during sessions. Then, when the workout is finished, every piece of kit has a storage location, keeping your space tidy.

the Feelgood fitness gym, run by the owners of MyZone Heartrate software, recognised the value in creating a dedicated group HIIT zone

The Tech Revolution

There is no denying that technology and fitness have become increasingly intertwined. For classes, HR monitors have become a staple and can really enhance your member experience while doing a group HIIT session.

Some sessions rely heavily on integrated technology, timed intervals, heart rate displays etc. Designing a purpose-built space will allow you to position screens and consoles in the perfect location to let all class users engage with this during the session.

Moray Sports Centre has created a bespoke dedicated group hiit zone for their members

Specialist High Intensity Cardio Machines

To meet the requirements of this type of training, you will often want to programme using cardio machines that facilitate sprint efforts, getting users into high heart rate zones, fast.

This means curved treadmills, ski ergs and air bikes are more likely to be appropriate than traditional gym floor cardio. Designing a space with quick access to these machines will contribute to the smooth and effective delivery of hit sessions.

Nuffield health Introduced Group HIIT zones into 23 of their sites with enormous success

Open Plan Zoning

You don’t have to create your Group HIIT Zone in a dedicated studio. The advantage of hosting your classes out in the open is that seeing a class might influence other members to join in the next time around.

Participating members might feel more motivated to give 110% if they know they have an audience to impress.

Another incentive to create this type of space for your members is that it might invite them to experiment on their own without needing to join a class.

These types of spaces double up as ideal PT zones, providing them with the tools and the opportunity to demonstrate value to their clients by teaching them how to use equipment that isn’t self-explanatory.

North Lanarkshire Leisure functional training zone in their Tryst facility

Creating the Right Environment

In order to compete with boutique operators, attention must be paid to the overall look and feel of the new group HIIT zone, as well as the equipment included.

Custom graphics, coloured lights and well-educated staff will contribute greatly to providing that boutique experience to your members.

Having a dedicated zone for this amplifies the wow-factor and draws the attention of passers-by. It might just justify the allocation of redecoration-budget to a small segment of your total gym.

Low-Risk Investment

This is one of the main reasons that Origin Fitness made the decision to create our own group exercise studio.

To enable our clients to offer a unique experience to their members, without having to reinvent the wheel.

To allow them to create a specialised environment without being an expert, with us doing the legwork.

The advantage of these group HIIT zones is that the space remains relatively flexible for other uses when compared to EMS (electrical muscle stimulation), machine Pilates or fixed resistance circuits.

This also means that they are futureproofed, enabling you to change direction in the future without having to shell out for a huge refurbishment.

Interested in finding out more about group HIIT zones or REDLINE in particular? Get in touch with one of our experts who will be more than happy to shed more light on the concepts and trends mentioned in this article.

You can do so by emailing us or by calling 0333 2000 750.