
Introduction
Let's Talk About the Real Problem with Most Gym Layouts
Before we get to the solution, we have to be clear about the problem it solves. The old way of setting up a strength area just doesn't work for group training. A line of racks on one wall and a pile of dumbbells on another is a recipe for a bad member experience.
- The Scramble: The clock starts, and members sprint across the floor to grab the right weights, wasting energy and time.
- The Safety Nightmare: Plates get left on the floor. People trip. Barbells are dropped in walking paths.
- The Coaching Blind Spot: A coach can't effectively correct an athlete's squat form if they have to crane their neck around three other stations to see them.
The heart of any successful group training facility is the rig. It's the structural centerpiece where the majority of strength work and skill development happens. But the modern Cross training rigs and racks are far more than the simple pull-up structures of a decade ago. They are modular, multi-functional ecosystems designed to solve the core challenges of coaching a group.
The layout pictured demonstrates a key evolution in this space: the move towards individual, integrated training "pods" connected within a larger rig system. This is a direct response to the need for organization and efficiency during the chaos of a Workout of the Day (WOD). It allows a coach to effectively manage 10-15 people at once, with each member having their own dedicated, fully-equipped station. This pod-based solution is the new standard for excellence.
Integration is Everything: Built-in Storage: Notice that every single rack in the image has integrated plate storage on its rear uprights. This is a non-negotiable feature for a high-functioning group training solution. It solves one of the biggest logistical nightmares in a fast-paced class: members hunting for weights. With integrated storage, the required plates are within arm's reach, keeping transition times short and the intensity of the workout high. It also enforces a culture of tidiness and dramatically improves the safety and professionalism of the gym floor by eliminating the hazard of loose plates.
Designing the Perfect 10-Station Rig System
With our "10-person station" goal in mind, we can now design the physical centerpiece of the gym. The rig is the backbone of the entire group training solution.
Sizing it Right: Calculating the Rig's Footprint
- The 4-Foot Bay Standard: The industry standard for a single station (for one person to squat or do pull-ups) is a 4-foot wide bay. To accommodate 10 athletes simultaneously, the logical starting point is a continuous rig that is 40 feet in length (10 stations x 4 feet).
- Adding Breathing Room with 6-Foot Bays: While a 40-foot rig made of ten 4-foot bays works, a superior custom design will incorporate a mix of 4-foot and 6-foot bays. The wider 6-foot bays provide significantly more lateral space, which is crucial for dynamic gymnastic movements like kipping pull-ups, toes-to-bar, or bar muscle-ups. A great custom configuration might be: 4'-6'-4'-6'-4'-6'-4'-6'-4', giving you 9 total stations but with much more functional space. This is a premium solution that experienced clients will appreciate.
Wall-Mount vs. Freestanding: The Critical Choice for Group Flow
- The Wall-Mount Advantage: For a long, 10-station system, a wall-mount rig is often the most space-efficient choice. By anchoring the rig along a load-bearing wall, you open up the entire center of the gym. This massive open space is essential for the "Group B" athletes to perform their metcon (box jumps, burpees, etc.) without interfering with the lifting group. It creates two distinct, parallel training zones.
- The Freestanding Scenario: A freestanding rig can also work, but it needs to be placed strategically, often down the center of a long room, to create two large channels on either side. This can be an excellent solution for facilities with very high ceilings and a wide-open floor plan, as it allows people to work on both sides of the rig if needed.
When specifying a custom rig for a high-volume gym, certain features are not optional.
Integrated Plate Storage: Each station must have its own set of plate storage posts on the back of the uprights. This is the key to efficiency and safety in a fast-paced class environment. It eliminates time wasted searching for weights and removes dangerous trip hazards from the floor.
Multiple Pull-Up Bar Options: A long rig should have a mix of standard single pull-up bars to accommodate different user heights and grip preferences.
Building the Training System: What Happens Off the Rig?
- Cardio Equipment: A fleet of 5-10 rowers and/or air bikes is standard.
- Plyometric Tools: A selection of plyo boxes in various heights.
- Free Weights: Designated areas for kettlebells and dumbbells, preferably stored on mobile racks that can be moved as needed.
- Open Floor Space: This is the most critical and often overlooked element. There must be enough clear, open rubber flooring for athletes to safely perform bodyweight movements like burpees, push-ups, and sit-ups.
The Foundation Underfoot: The Integrated Platform Solution
- Durability and Protection: It must be thick enough (3/4" is a good standard) to withstand the repeated impact of dropped barbells and weights, protecting the concrete subfloor from damage.
- Performance and Protection: The wooden center of the platform provides a hard, stable surface that is optimal for power transfer during heavy and Olympic lifts. It gives the athlete the firm footing they need to move maximal weight safely. The surrounding rubber drop zones are designed to absorb the impact of a dropped, loaded barbell, protecting the expensive bearings in the bar, the plates, and the building's subfloor from damage.
- Defining the Space: An integrated platform psychologically defines the "lifting zone" for the member. It creates a sense of purpose and focus. When a member steps onto that platform, they know it's time for focused, heavy work. It elevates the look and feel of the entire facility from a simple gym to a serious training ground.
- pacing Equals Safety and Quality: The significant space between each rack is not wasted; it is essential working space. It ensures that an athlete performing a lift has a safe bailout area. It gives a coach room to move between athletes to provide tactile cues and corrections. It prevents the gym from feeling cramped and chaotic, even when a class is at full capacity. This thoughtful spacing is a key differentiator between an amateur setup and a professional training solution.
Let's Design the Perfect Group Training Solution
Contact us today to start designing a custom rig and to get a quote for your next project.