Three out of the four most popular pieces of kit on the average gym floor are functional, according to ClubIntel’s most recent research report. Traditional functional equipment – such as bosu and medicine balls – are the most popular, being used by up to 76 per cent of members.
Treadmills are the most popular piece of cardio kit at 67 per cent and selectorised strength machines come in at 39 per cent. Interestingly, foam rollers are the fourth most popular piece of kit, being used by 63 per cent of members, indicating an upsurge in indoor stretching. According to Stephen Tharrett, co-founder of ClubIntel, very few people were using foam rollers five years ago.
But what does this all mean for operators? Should clubs be extending functional areas? Creating stretching areas? Cutting down on cardio kit or traditional strength machines? Can the same gains be made with functional training, or does it have limitations? We open the floor for debate.
