Functional Training Equipment: A Buying Guide

Functional training is a popular exercise style that many fitness facilities are still working to effectively accommodate. Functional training involves exercises designed to ready and strengthen the body for everyday tasks and natural movements. When it comes to buying functional training equipment, you want to ensure you find the right solutions for your gym or fitness center. We have put together a complete functional training equipment buyer's guide with 9 considerations you need to make informed decisions.

1. Understand Your Gym's Functional Fitness Goals

Before you dive in, ensure you fully understand your facility's goals and needs. Consider asking yourself a few questions:

Which equipment stations need an upgrade?
Is this functional training equipment intended for your group fitness classes or independent gym goers?
What gaps are there in your existing equipment selection?

*Gym Design Collab: ASF + Escape Fitness*

You might consider surveying your exercisers for input on the most desired equipment in your facility. This insight will help guide your upgrades and prioritize functional training purchases.

2. Assess Your Available Fitness Space

Consider the space you have available in your gym for new equipment. Functional training equipment can starkly vary in size, ease of storage, and portability — so you will want to ensure you have the space needed to accommodate new purchases. There are surprisingly compact solutions available, and gym planning and design experts can help you make the most of your available space.

3. Professional Equipment Delivery and Assembly

Evaluate the delivery and assembly needs of each new piece of functional training equipment you are considering. For functional fitness frames, it is worth hiring professionals for equipment delivery and installation. For instance, our in-house team of installation technicians have the tools and experience needed to safely deliver, place, and assemble new equipment.

While it might require some upfront allocation in your budget, this investment in professional installation can be crucial in saving you money. Avoid financial losses or liability if your team breaks new equipment, damages your facility during delivery, or experiences any injury.

4. Maintenance of Functional Training Equipment

Some functional training equipment requires regular maintenance to protect equipment performance, longevity, and any applicable warranty. Before you buy pieces that require ongoing care, understand that you will need a reliable gym equipment maintenance professional in your area. Here’s the good news — if you work with ASF, we will connect you with certified service technicians local to you!

5. Equipment Adjustability and Versatility

As you know, fitness is not a "one size fits all" journey — and this is especially true for functional training. By nature, many functional training routines tailor exercises to an individual's greatest needs outside of the gym. Unlike a more traditional strength training routine, almost every functional training circuit will look different for equipment users. Find equipment that is adjustable and versatile, allowing exercisers to modify workouts and target different muscle groups.

6. Functional Safety Features

Ensure your functional training equipment meets your gym's safety standards. Some features to look for include:

Non-slip gripping surfaces
Sturdy frame construction
Durable materials
High weight capacity ratings

7. Equipment Brand and Warranty

You want to invest in functional training equipment that will last. Choose reputable brands known for quality materials, design, and equipment durability. Additionally, check if the equipment includes a warranty for defects or issues. Escape Fitness is a leader when it comes to functional training equipment brands. When you invest in Escape Fitness functional, strength, and group exercise accessories at your gym or fitness center, you can draw in more exercisers and upgrade the workouts of anyone who walks through your doors. From complete functional frames to smaller accessory sets, they have it all.

8. User Reviews for Functional Training Equipment

You want to ensure your exercisers will enjoy the functional training equipment you buy. Read user reviews and seek recommendations from fitness facility design professionals to get insights into the equipment's performance and user experience.

9. Professional Gym Planning and Insight

You can help your functional training investment go further with professional insight. Expert support can help you understand the latest gym industry trends so that you don't waste money on equipment that falls apart or quickly becomes yesterday's news. Professionals can also help you avoid costly oversights and mistakes when making your fitness center visions come to life.

Functional Training Equipment from ASF

Advantage Sport & Fitness (ASF) is your functional training equipment expert. We have partnered with the top brands to bring high-quality fitness equipment to your facility and even offer financing options to help you upgrade your equipment. Paired with our leading design services and delivery + installation support, our specialists are ready to take on your functional fitness project. Contact our team of fitness experts to schedule your complimentary site visit and consultation today!