Quick! Ideal "training area" setup for gym.

[Charlie S]

I got a call from the general manager of my local gym asking for input on a training area which is probably going in early next week as part of their revamp process.  Woohoo!

I asked for a general size of the area, and anyway, I'm meeting tomorrow morning to go over some potential designs.  The obvious things I'll be requesting:
Campus board with Moon half-spacing
Several hangboards with pulleys/weights
He mentioned a horizontal beam with a number of items on them (I think like Atomik bombs and missiles, pegboard, etc.)

But now for the more obscure things:
A treadwall would be SWEET, but not sure if they can procure one (for ARC training)
A systems wall for Max R and PE training.  Pretty big question on this one...best angle?  Better to go for more horizontal space and shorter, or taller and less horizontal space?  Adjustable angle, perhaps?
Or if not a systems wall, at least a big woody with every T-nut used in some fashion.

Input greatly appreciated!  I'll have to share the results when its built out.

[jessebruni]

IF they were to acquire a treadwall I wonder how effective it would really be in getting in ARC training such that you can actually train multiple sets? It seems like getting in one set would be easy enough, but once you get off it someone else gets on then you maybe have to wait an hour or more to get back on again. I wonder if this could be resolved by setting up some kind of treadwall reservation system?

[MarkAnderson]

Dec 19, 2014 14:01:58 GMT -7 Charlie S said:

Several hangboards with pulleys/weights

You really only need one hangboard   Seriously though, if you can talk them into an RPTC, I would strongly recommend a French cleat or some other adjustable-width mounting design.

I would ask for some gymnastic rings (maybe 2 or 3 pairs if possible) and racks of dumbells.

If you have plenty of space, consider a Moon Board.  I also like the idea of just a steep wall littered with holds, that you can use to create your own problems.  If they do that, ask them to lay it out in a grid, with coordinates marked on the board, so you can write down your made up problems (A4 - B6-E7-D9 = V5).  Maybe mount a whiteboard near by so people can share their made up problems/grades with the rest of the gym.

Actuated adjustable angle "systems" walls are all the rage now, but I imagine they are expensive.  If you could get walls at 15, 30, and 45 degrees overhanging for the same cost I would take that every time.  Of course, the adjustable angle saves space, and you have the benefit of the fact that nobody ever uses them, so in that sense they keep the crowds down. 

[Chris W]

If you can't afford a rack of dumbbells or don't have the space, try a set of power block dumbbells. I've been using and abusing mine for years and they're holding up very well.

[Charlie S]

Dec 22, 2014 11:25:07 GMT -7 MarkAnderson said:

You really only need one hangboard   Seriously though, if you can talk them into an RPTC, I would strongly recommend a French cleat or some other adjustable-width mounting design.

I did request the RPTC up there. They have space for several. I also recommended a cleat system so that will be cool. (I'm also going to vouch for a trade for a RPTC hangboard in exchange for the design work.)

As it stands now, there will be:
Vertical wall
15 degree wall (14' wide, 10' tall)
30 degree wall (8' wide, 10' tall)
40 degree wall (8' wide, 10' tall, essentially a Moon Board)
Campus board with the PVC rungs FAR AWAY so you don't clip your elbows
Rock rings/regular rings section
And toying around with the idea of a Century Crack simulator a la the Wideboyz.