The Fitness Factory Totnes - Approach to Health & Wellbeing
We have no 'machines'. In most gyms, newcomers get shown the shiny machines in a perfunctory fashion (the 'induction') and are then left to their own devices. They attend a few times but by year's end realise they have spent hundreds of pounds for little return so (rightly) decide to cancel the membership.
Gyms earn the most from the 75% of members that rarely attend. Most gyms suffer 20% membership turn-over each year because they offer poor value for money and don't involve members in any commitment to change. Our 'no machines' policy does not mean we don't have strength-training activities. In fact we have invested tens of thousands of pounds in the best range of free weights to use in closely monitored instructor-led settings. It is simply that we believe that weights machines are designed by bodybuilders, for bodybuilders, who intend to isolate individual muscles in order to pump them up grotesquely.
We don't feel the need for pumping up. We believe strength is an all-body affair, like when you pick up a child, stand up from a day's gardening, or simply lift the shopping into the boot. All these activities can lead to injuries: bad backs, bad knees, bad necks, etc. Our core conditioning and strength programmes will teach you how to lift and how to move under resistance. We will help you improve your all-over muscle balance and tone.
The only machines we do have are dedicated to our indoor group cycling and sensitive cycling classes (see class descriptions). These top of the range stationary bikes are the exception to our rule of 'no machines', designed to allow any level of cardiovascular workout in an optimal, low-impact group setting. We have invested in the best bikes on the market today (Tomahawk spinning bikes by Cytech) since we have extensive experience of indoor group cycling (sometimes called SPIN or RPM) and have carefully chosen the most ergonomic, solid and expensive bikes on the market today.
Members Or Pay-As-You-Go?. Leisure centres sometimes offer cheap drop-in classes, but demand no commitment from the participant. If you don't go for weeks on end, no big deal, they don't care or even notice. For you, the end result is the same; very little (or no) improvement; a sense of failure and discouragement; a quick reversion to the bad old habits.
By adhering to our programme, whether you become a full Member or purchase Pay-AS-You-Go vouchers (10 classes for £45 / £40 concessions) you can attend several times a week, ideally three or more, choosing from one (or more) of each fitness element to achieve a balanced approach to your health management. Including regular attendance as an enjoyable part of your life's routine, participating in your favourite classes become a pleasure, not a chore. You will get to know your class-mates, people that have similar fitness objectives to you. Your exercise programme thus becomes a team-like, social activity, as well as a fun-filled workout, which will increase your desire to keep coming back.
We are small and intend to stay small. We are investing heavily to create a small, luxurious, elegant, relaxed environment. Oak floors, tiled changing rooms, powerful clean showers and members area with leather sofas and free hot drinks. We aim to make your attendance a joy, not a chore. We will know your name when you come through the door, and miss you if you don't!
The Fitness Factory involves you in your own health improvement. We will teach you to 'Listen to your Body'. Many people's bodies have become neglected vehicles that simply carry their heads around. Too many people's bodies are hidden beneath layers of loose clothing, out of shape from years of poor nutritional habits. Whatever you feel you need to do to improve your body, whether it's a little or a big weight loss, toning up, or simply increasing your 'puff' walking the hills of the South Hams, we help you to achieve this. Attaining your fitness objectives is the reason we are here. We do this in partnership, by carefully listening to each other. Your feedback is encouraged, and taken very seriously. Your progress is monitored and together we chart your progress towards your goals. You will enjoy visible improvements. We make exercising fun, painless, enjoyable, social and varied. We take a holistic approach to your health. You will want to keep coming back.
