Trainingswelten

Training zones rather than equipment areas

A holistic approach to hybrid training: from product to studio design

Training zones rather than equipment areas

A holistic approach to hybrid training: from product to studio design

High-quality equipment forms the basis of any hybrid training area. Combined with the right concept, this creates a training experience that inspires people and makes gyms more successful. We provide everything you need from a single source. In an interview with bodyLIFE Medien, Perform Better CEO Marco Schubert discusses the opportunities that hybrid training concepts offer gym operators.

Marco, Perform Better has come a long way in recent years. Today, you are experts in hybrid training spaces and design complete training environments. How did this development come about?

Marco Schubert: We’ve always thought big. It became clear to us early on that high-quality equipment is the foundation of any successful training space. People can sense quality, and they expect it too. At the same time, the overall experience is more crucial today than ever before. That’s why we don’t just supply equipment, but work with our customers to develop complete training solutions. From the initial idea, through the design and space planning, right through to implementation, this creates a concept that combines training, cost-effectiveness and atmosphere.

What exactly do you mean by a hybrid training space?

For us, ‘hybrid’ means intelligently combining different forms of training. Today’s members want to flexibly combine strength training, functional training, cardio, mobility and coaching. This is precisely why we develop spaces where all these areas work together effectively. This can work just as well within a traditional gym as it can as a standalone boutique concept or in a health and wellness setting. The key is always to ensure that the equipment, the space and its use are perfectly coordinated.

Hybrid training spaces are now being created in a wide variety of settings. How different are such projects?

Extremely different. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for us. A hybrid space within a premium gym has entirely different objectives to a standalone HYROX boutique or a functional training area in a physiotherapy practice. For us, therefore, every project begins with the question: what is the space intended to achieve? Only once we understand the target audience, the business model and the spatial requirements do we develop the right solution. As a result, no two projects ever look the same.

Why is hybrid training becoming so important for gyms right now?

Because people’s needs have changed. Issues such as health, longevity, performance and community are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, operators need to use their space even more efficiently than before. Hybrid training areas combine precisely these two requirements. They create offerings for different target groups and enable a significantly higher utilisation rate of the same space. That is why we do not see hybrid training as a trend, but as an integral part of modern studio concepts.

These days, HYROX spaces are immediately associated with Perform Better. What role does this play for you?

HYROX demonstrates how the market is changing. The format combines strength, endurance, functional training and community in a unique way, bringing hybrid training to life for millions of people. That’s why we’re very proud to be the exclusive distribution partner for CENTR x HYROX in 13 European countries and to see how HYROX is establishing itself in gyms. HYROX is an important part of our expertise, but it’s not our entire DNA. Our strength lies in developing training environments, regardless of whether this results in a HYROX Training Club, a functional area or a completely bespoke hybrid training space.

Where do you currently see the biggest mistakes being made when planning hybrid training areas?

Many people are still planning equipment areas rather than training environments. Whilst people do come to train – which is why the right equipment is fundamental – they want more: people are looking for an environment that motivates them, where they can achieve their goals, and a place where they can become part of a community. That is precisely why design, atmosphere, community and the training concept are so incredibly important today. Those who take this into account create a real competitive advantage.

These days, HYROX spaces are immediately associated with Perform Better. What role does this play for you?

HYROX demonstrates how the market is changing. The format combines strength, endurance, functional training and community in a unique way, bringing hybrid training to life for millions of people. That’s why we’re very proud to be the exclusive distribution partner for CENTR x HYROX in 13 European countries and to see how HYROX is establishing itself in gyms. HYROX is an important part of our expertise, but it’s not our entire DNA. Our strength lies in developing training environments, regardless of whether this results in a HYROX Training Club, a functional area or a completely bespoke hybrid training space.

Where do you currently see the biggest mistakes being made when planning hybrid training areas?

Many people are still planning equipment areas rather than training environments. Whilst people do come to train – so having the right equipment is fundamental – they want more: they’re looking for an environment that motivates them, where they can achieve their goals, and a place where they can become part of a community. That’s precisely why design, atmosphere, community and the training concept are so incredibly important today. Anyone who takes this into account creates a real competitive advantage.

What advice would you give to a gym owner who is currently considering setting up a hybrid training area?

It’s worth investing in. But do it properly. At some point, it won’t be a question of whether you have a hybrid space or whether it pays off – the topic is already too widespread for that. Rather, it’s about how well your hybrid space and the concept behind it are planned. If it’s designed properly, it not only offers added value to your members, but also attracts new people to your studio and creates new revenue models through clever utilisation.

How does Perform Better support gym operators on this journey?

We bring three things together: high-quality equipment, well-thought-out planning and the experience gained from countless projects. It is precisely this combination that makes all the difference in the end. Every studio is different. We don’t develop standard solutions, but rather concepts tailored to the operator, the target audience and the business model. In doing so, we work closely with our clients with the aim of creating spaces that inspire people and pay off financially.

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