functional training
STEVE JACK, CONSULTANT
to use on their own, for trainers only, for free classes, for a higher-tiered results-based membership? Each of these purposes would require a different design rubric. Educate staff on getting the best
D
use out of the zone, otherwise it will be a white elephant. But train them for concept, not equipment – focus on programming in the zone, not just how to use certain pieces of kit. Indeed, your members want solutions, and you should offer programming to solve their problems. Develop ‘plug and play’ group programmes covering everything from weight loss to athletic conditioning and rejuvenation.
esign with the end in mind: is your functional zone meant to be for members
Locate your
functional zone in a place where members feel comfortable exercising on it. I’ve travelled to 20 countries in the last couple of years and have never seen a functional zone with high use located as the centrepiece of a gym – members don’t like to feel they’re in a goldfi sh bowl. Put your zone in a low transit area that still has visibility, but that’s not the centrepiece of the gym. Choose your equipment carefully.
Functional training equipment is relatively inexpensive to buy, but the real art is in the design and layout so it may have multiple applications. The fi nish should also add visual appeal to your gym fl oor.
Functional areas: Best situated in visible but low transit areas – not as a centrepiece – says Jack
GAVIN ATTORE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & PROGRAMMING, FITNESS RETREAT F
unctional training tools, exercises and programmes have started to become a big
part of the industry. However, how these tools and systems should be used can be confusing. Let’s take a look at tools such as
TRX, ViPR, BOSU, stability balls, kettlebells, the CoreStick, CoreTex… the list could go on and on. The point is, there are so many tools – with a plethora of associated exercises – that it can be overwhelming to work out what to use, at what time, for what client. So what ends up as the
chosen exercise? The sexiest, toughest exercise, as it makes everyone take notice and provides entertainment. This isn’t a bad thing all the time, as
clients can have lots of fun doing these exercises, but I’ve found that creating groups with similar goals, integrating tools using specifi c programming, is the best approach. I create eight- to 12-week group training packages – semi-private (three or four people) or small group training (six to eight people) – where the training is more outcome-focused. For example, they might want to lose weight or body fat – two completely
PETE BANBURY, MD, FASTER FUNCTIONAL EDUCATION
– a great opportunity for members to enjoy themselves, and an invitation for PTs to make a skills leap. Attend to both of these and operators could be onto something special. Most people spend money in order
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to have fun – be that eating out with friends or going on holiday. What I’m seeing in the best functional areas taps into this sense of innocent enjoyment and community. They are colourful areas offering the
he rise and rise of the functional training zone in clubs signals a couple of things
opportunity for members to interact – small clusters of three or four people exercising in a social way. I’ve seen more smiles on faces
than ever before where trainers are engaging and motivated by the member’s enjoyment, rather than by the latest equipment and techniques. Trainer skills are the cornerstone here: operators will get unlimited mileage out of these zones if they populate them with personal trainers who are driven by helping others – who leave the old-school PT ego behind and operate with a high level of technical knowledge and capability.
Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital Functional
training is hugely accessible to the member. However, bearing in mind that much of it involves moving equipment through big ranges and with signifi cant momentum, the trainer has to be pretty hot on movement biomechanics to avoid injuring them. So, functional training zones – a
great trend. Now it’s over to trainers with both the technical and social skills to make them fl y.
january 2012 © cybertrek 2012
different goals. Once I know this, I can select the right tools and create a progressive programme to help them reach their goal, realistically and within a given timeframe. By setting realistic goals that members/clients are able to achieve, motivation stays high. Every tool can be used, but taking
this strategic approach ensures that not only are the sessions fun, but more importantly, the customer is also happy and satisfi ed.
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