High-Intensity Interval Training has maintained its status as one of the most popular training styles over 2020-2021. The trademark short and punchy class structure fits a wide variety of gym-goer and has therefore secured its position at the top of many gym timetables.
Now that gyms are back to running their usual frequency of classes, we look at five ways gyms can make a real statement with their HIIT studios in the coming year.
Virtual options
Great gyms can offer their members the classes they want, at a time best suited to them.
Introducing virtual class options through on-demand and scheduled timetables is a feature many members will start expecting from their operators.
Platforms like Fitbox Virtual offer convenient ways to host great quality virtual classes from content creators like Les Mills, Fiit and Wexer without having to add extra staff to fill those added slots.
Engaging graphics
Taking inspiration from cult-status indoor cycling studios, we are seeing more HIIT studios incorporating oversized, animated graphics in their class designs.
Displayed on digital signage, large video walls or projections, these graphics can help encourage and engage members, or can be linked into the overall AV system to visualise timer countdowns, rest periods and words of encouragement throughout the class.
Projections can be surprisingly cost-effective, or similar effects can be achieved by synchronising multiple screens across the studio space.
Immersive studios for HIIT
One step up from video walls are wrap-around projections, which can cover 270° or even 360° of a given space. What might have been considered a passing-fancy two years ago has now found a strong foothold in studios across the UK, for those looking to offer their members an immersive experience.
This trend brings all the focus to the content displayed, enhanced with solid sound installations and maybe even scent diffusing machines, without distraction from flashy lighting.
A past downside of these types of projections used to be a lack of specialised content available, but as this trend continues to grow content producers are partnering with gyms to develop specially designed visuals for their members.
Reactive feature lighting
We are seeing a real uptake in the integration of reactive feature lighting for HIIT Studios. These, like the reactive graphics, help immerse the members during the class and can give real-time feedback and motivation throughout the duration of the class.
Gyms with multi-purpose studios have been taking advantage of these types of feature effects, due to the control it provides over the studio's atmosphere. Perfect for when the space needs to transform from HIIT to wellness and back in the space of an hour.
Data-driven, real-time feedback
The global uptake in wearable fitness technology has offered a huge opportunity to those fitness facilities willing to take advantage. Tapping into member gadgets to display heart rate, calories burned or reps completed, and displaying those across the studio creates a sense of personal accountability and point of motivation for the instructor.
We expect continued growth in studios offering real-time feedback through data-driven training for their members inside HIIT studios, as well as on the gym floor.
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In summary, we see the lines between technology and physical exercise blurring, particularly for HIIT studio spaces. Members will continue to want the most out of their short sessions. By fully immersing their senses, using their own data to motivate, and opening up the timetable to suit their individual needs, operators can stay at the head of the game.
Hutchison Technologies use years of industry experience and the latest tech innovations to create memorable customer experiences. If you're looking for design inspiration for your studio, why not download our Studio Solutions Brochure, or speak to our team to discuss your project.