IndigoFitness were selected to deliver this project following several design proposals in which we worked closely with head of strength and conditioning – Ryan Blake.  Having held previous roles within Elite Sport, Ryan had a clear vision as to what he wanted the space to have and the flow he was looking to achieve. Indigo provided designs which emphasised this whilst providing options with custom manufacturing that allowed these ideas to develop. Key considerations included:

Practicality
The space has to work for individual sessions but also large numbers during lessons. The space needed to be practical to allow for teaching lessons, this included keeping open space so the coach can have visibility of all students during lessons.

Functionality
Does the layout and equipment allow the coaches to teach the fundamentals but also allow athletes to train specifically too? The right kit selection is key to underpinning the coaches training philosophy.

Ergonomically
How easy is it for the students to access certain pieces of kit? Key considerations have to be made as to kit positioning so that lessons run smoothly without kit being dragged across the facility.

Indigo opted for a zonal approach to the facility design, ensuring various training modalities were kept within specific zones in the facility. The back-to back racks and various attachments provided space for compound lifting and accessories. The free-weights area housed the dumbbells, slam balls, kettlebells and cable machines. The main open functional movement area was placed in the middle of the facility as the center piece which was visible from the mezzanine. Storage solutions around the functional area were made double sided to allow kit to be seamlessly used in both the free-weights and open areas. Turf markings allowed the space to be used as both open space or used for specific movement drills and/or sled push pulls.

The mezzanine housed the cardio, fixed machine and physio/rehab areas all of which had their own space/zone. The Physio-rehab area would be situated outside the physio office, this would house a bespoke storage solution for all the smaller items with the on/off feet conditioning pieces situated next door. A cardio offering which would space the mezzanine and include 15 wattbike’s, 2 curve treadmills and 9 concept items provide the students a whole host of different training modalities. Finally the RAZE strength pin loaded kit finished in bespoke two-tone upholstery and custom branding would provide a final alternative training method for staff and students.

St Paul’s  brand identity was considered throughout with custom upholstery, logo plates, frame colour and markings on the turf. Indigo worked closely with various St Paul’s staff to ensure every detail was considered across all aspects of the project.