Safeguard open spaces and don’t crowbar them in at the end of an equipment-centric design
squeeze more into every session, as Matt Gleed from Matrix Fitness explains: “Gone are the days where members used to spend hours in the gym doing an hour of cardio, then some strength, before heading poolside, they want the most effective workout in the most efficient timeframe. This is why combining, or fusing training techniques has become popular, especially for small group training.” The mass appeal of fusion fitness is also thought to be contributing to the growth. “It’s suitable for all ages, genders and abilities – fusion fitness offers something for everyone,” says Ben Steadman, from Pulse. “Couple this with great locations and venues and the fusion market is thriving. Amazing lighting and sound, combined with an engaging experience are driving this market forward.” Don’t forget the bigger picture, says Physical Company’s James Anderson, who believes fusion offers the variety people crave: “Functional training is also fusion fitness. While many see it as a series of strength exercises, it’s a catch-
all term that encompasses a wide variety of exercises and disciplines, making it the ultimate full-body, fusion workout. “We’re encouraging operators to shift their mindset,” says Anderson. “Free weights, group exercise, functional, and small group training are the styles members are increasingly looking for, and this demands a new approach to facility design. You have to safeguard open spaces and not crowbar them in at the end of an equipment-centric design.
Strength and group ex
The list of strength training benefits is long – increasing bone density, metabolism and lean muscle mass while improving body mechanics and decreasing the risk of chronic disease. However, statistics from ukactive suggest only 24 per cent of women and 34 per cent of men aged 19 to 65 are performing two strength training sessions a week, as per the government’s guidelines. The question is, why?
Ben Steadman
Strength training used to be maledominated, but fusion fitness has made it a free for all
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