THE ‘ELITE STUDIO KIT’ FOR INDEPENDENT CLUBS

PURE MUSCLES GYM

A 50% increase in average class participants, happier instructors and significant cost savings – these are just some of the benefits Pure Muscles Gym is enjoying after choosing LES MILLS Equipment. 

The timetable a Pure Muscles Gym may not be stacked with LES MILLS™ classes, but their studio is stacked with LES MILLS Equipment – and it's adding value for their members, their instructors and their bottom line. We spoke to Club Owner, Imran Vali, to find out how setting their studio up with LES MILLS Equipment has paid dividends across the board

Tell us about what makes Pure Muscles Gym unique?

“We are effectively five gyms in one; with a space dedicated to body building, Crossfit, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, boxing and calisthenics. We offer up to 30 bespoke classes per week that range from strength to yoga. With the class space and equipment range we have, it enables us to offer HIIT, boxing, calisthenics, yoga, HYROX, strength and conditioning and pre/post natal classes.”

How has LES MILLS Equipment made a difference in your group ex studio?

“We used to have a lot of dumbbells and a lot of weight plates … and it was always a disaster! It was hard for the staff to organize logical numbering on the dumbbells, we had a huge volume of weights and it was always difficult to efficiently store and efficiently use – which can be a massive problem in the gym. 

Moving to LES MILLS Equipment has made our studio much more efficient. The SMARTBAR setup ticks all the boxes. The weight plates can be used on their own, with the barbell or as a dumbbell, so you’re getting rid of the need for weight plates, barbells and dumbbells. Floor space is key in the gym, and it has allowed us to reduce the size of our equipment footprint by about two-thirds. I equate this shift to a 66% cost saving. 

The storage solution is particularly good. We now have a really tidy linear rack taking care of our storage needs. It’s so much more efficient than having dumbbell racks in the studio. When we don't have classes, our staff no longer have to spend time cleaning up and reorganizing the equipment. Being able to lock the rack means that our instructors can feel confident that when they walk in all the equipment they need is there, and that it’s easily accessible for the participants.”

How have class numbers improved?

“We were stifled by our previous equipment because of the big six-foot barbells we were using. Now, with the unique SMARTBAR size and the way it works, we can fit more participants into the studio. Our class size has gone from 8 participants to 14 participants, that’s a 50% increase which is massive. We’ve also been able to offer a lot more HIIT and weight classes, so our class offerings have expanded, which means even more participant numbers.”

How have class numbers improved?

“We were stifled by our previous equipment because of the big six-foot barbells we were using. Now, with the unique SMARTBAR size and the way it works, we can fit more participants into the studio. Our class size has gone from 8 participants to 14 participants, that’s a 50% increase which is massive. We’ve also been able to offer a lot more HIIT and weight classes, so our class offerings have expanded, which means even more participant numbers.”

How have classes changed since introducing LES MILLS Equipment?

“We now offer a much better class experience. Before the class, it’s easier for participants to pick their weights, with the range of weights catering for a variety of members. During the class, the members get more efficient training. The gator technology, which you can unlock and lock really easily, means our members can move from one exercise to another quickly – or rest for longer if they want more recovery time. At the end of the class, there’s a nice designated storage station with stickers so everyone knows how to put their equipment away in the right places.” 

What do your members say about LES MILLS Equipment?

“Our members love it! I have had absolutely no negative feedback. I know they value it because they ask to use the LES MILLS Equipment when classes are not on!”

What do your instructors think?

“Our instructors have actually thanked us. They are really grateful to now have an elite studio kit that makes class set-up so much easier. Even though our instructors don’t teach LES MILLS classes, they appreciate the LES MILLS Equipment, which is fantastic evidence of how universal LES MILLS Equipment is. Despite being an independent club that has no affiliation to the live LES MILLS classes we chose LES MILLS Equipment because we could see the value – and I think that says it all.”