A new strength and functional training system has been unveiled by Escape Fitness, setting a new standard for fitness facilities looking to stand out amid the competition: Octagon Load.
There’s no better time, as survey after survey highlights the growing interest in strength training, putting gyms in a prime position to adapt. With Load, Escape Fitness delivers the ultimate trifecta: faster results, less equipment and a smaller footprint—leading to efficient strength training that drives revenue and boosts engagement.
The new equipment is currently being piloted at Gold’s Gym, California, and The Waterfront Leisure Complex, Greenock, U.K., managed by Inverclyde Leisure.
“Strength training is no longer the reserve of elite athletes or bodybuilders; it’s a cornerstone of fitness for people of all ages and abilities,” Escape Fitness USA CEO Matthew Januszek says. “After three years of research and conversations with leading operators, athletes and coaches, built on a lifetime of experience working in the fitness industry, Escape Fitness has created a pioneering circuit-based system for the general population that efficiently stimulates muscle.”
Designed and manufactured at its Escape Technologies facility in the U.K. and overseen by its team of specialist engineers, Load offers a new twist—combining the best of both worlds: the traditional plate-loaded concept and advanced variable resistance technology. The equipment features high-tensile resistance bands that provide continuous muscle engagement throughout movements, especially at the end range of motion. Escape Fitness points out that users also perform the movements in a standing position, activating the entire kinetic chain efficiently and safely.
“The hypertrophy benefits are outstanding,” Januszek adds. “Contributions from the variable resistance training include optimized muscle engagement, consistent muscle activation and faster muscle fatigue, all help to break through performance plateaus by challenging muscles in new ways whilst also limiting the risk of injury. The fact that all movements are performed in a standing position means glutes, abs, quads and hamstrings are also engaged – optimizing training time and providing a full-body workout.”
Load is also inclusive to fitness consumers of all levels and abilities, as its design supports multiple stance positions and grip adjustments, allowing users to target specific muscle groups. The system is equally mindful of those rehabbing an injury and is suitable for more mature fitness consumers with a variable resistance system allowing controlled load adjustments that minimize injury risks.
For gym and health club operators, Load offers five stations—Lift, Drive, Row, Squat, and Press—each of which can function as a standalone unit or be connected, with options for integrated equipment storage. Weatherproofing is available for facilities with outdoor space, and frames can be customized to reflect brand identity.
“Working with one of the world’s most experienced and respected fitness educators, Tommy Matthews, we have developed a comprehensive suite of Load education materials available both in-person and digitally,” Januszek adds. “We are also developing content for our Mars digital training system, so users will be able to access digital content anytime to help them execute movements safely and effectively.
