You’re probably already aware of the rapidly growing interest in functional and free weight zones among students. You may have even observed that’s what students are gravitating toward in your own rec center. Though these styles of training are related and often share space in a gym, free weight exercises typically involve movements targeting single muscle groups while functional training conditions multiple muscle groups at once. Definitions aside, even if you know students are increasingly drawn to these modalities, you might be wondering how to fit functional and free weight training within your existing space.
Here are four of the best strategies for adding more free weight and functional training opportunities in a campus recreation setting.
1. Make Room
If there’s one thing both functional training and free weight exercises need, it’s open floor space that allows exercisers to complete a variety of multiplanar movements. If you already have a densely packed rec center, making room for this type of creative training may require taking a look at your existing mix of equipment and choosing to rearrange, trade-in or consolidate some items.
2. Add Turf
One great way to delineate space for functional movements is adding a turf lane or an open turf area. Not only is turf an ideal surface for pushing and pulling exercises, it also adds style. Explore custom colors and branding options.
3. Utilize Vertical Space
You may need to think “up,” not “out.” Accentuating open floor space with a functional frame that arches overhead or runs along a wall is a smart use of vertical space and can provide ample storage for a range of training accessories. Frames are configurable, and selecting one that takes up minimal floor space but still accommodates multiple exercisers is a key space-saving hack. Adding a frame with various attachments like rope pulls, punching bags and suspension straps allows students to explore many different exercises and creates group programming opportunities.
4. Offer Digital or In-person Coaching
You can stock your functional and free weight area with plenty of tools and accessories, but will your students know what to do with those tools? To overcome any gaps in knowledge, consider offering in-person instruction or a digital coaching solution within this area. Digital coaching refers to on-demand virtual guidance that leads exercisers through safe and effective ways to use the tools available in your facility. With a little instruction, you can make this space accessible to all students.
Lastly, get creative. Let these ideas serve as a springboard to help brainstorm functional and free weight training solutions that will work best in your own facility. There is great flexibility and configurability within frame sizes and accessories available to you. No matter what amount of room you have to work with, be confident there is a way to fit functional and free weight training into your floor plan. It starts with exploring your options and then crafting a custom solution tailored to your needs.
Advantage Sport & Fitness provides fitness space design consultations and premium fitness equipment from the best brands in the industry. Reach out to marketing@advantagefitness.com to start a conversation.
