When Bannatyne acquired a former DW Fitness site in Broadstairs, Kent, it was with a view to creating a brand new model: a fitness-only, dry-side offering that would complement its portfolio of spa clubs. Just Fitness by Bannatyne was born.

Plans for the inaugural site included two group exercise studios and a full gym floor, as well as a 12m x 4m open studio that presented a wonderful opportunity to innovate.

The Bannatyne team began to explore value-adding options for this space and brought TRX and longstanding partner Power Plate into their discussions.

It wasn’t long before a new concept emerged: a space for activation, mobility and recovery that would support a new flow around the gym floor, starting with pre-workout activation and ending in the same space for post-workout recovery.

This Activation & Recovery studio is a collaboration of complementary brands.

Alongside three Power Plate pro7 machines, the space features three TRX suspension trainers, Warehouse lockers containing Power Plate Pulse massage guns, two MiComfort massage chairs, Tanita body composition and Myzone screens that display relevant exercise content from Power Plate and TRX. There’s also a small mat area for more traditional stretching.

“We delivered ‘train the trainer’ sessions before the club opened on 1 July, with more to follow, and will run member evenings and events too,” said Davide Ferreira, Power Plate’s head of key accounts UK & EMEA.

“We’re also developing small group training programmes, which will be a great addition to the club’s GX timetable. We’re here to help Bannatyne maximise the impact of this fantastic space.”

He concluded: “With this new concept, Bannatyne is leading the way in activation and recovery. It’s a wonderful example of long standing partners working together to embrace new and emerging trends and needs, to ensure members get the most out of every workout.”

Further Just Fitness by Bannatyne clubs are already in the pipeline, with Activation & Recovery studios set to be an integral part of the offering.