To thrive in today’s competitive fitness industry, facilities must go beyond offering traditional equipment. Modern gym-goers demand more than just tools to build strength — they seek dynamic, versatile and interactive solutions that cater to their diverse fitness goals and foster long-term engagement. Meeting these demands requires innovative systems that not only provide an adaptable and engaging training experience but also maximize space.
Enter PWR Play.
PWR Play, the latest offering from Life Fitness, combines strength and functional training in one sleek and adaptable system. Designed for both individual and group sessions, it supports a variety of workout modalities, from traditional cable-based exercises to bodyweight movements. With its modular design and space-efficient footprint, PWR Play is setting a new benchmark for how facilities can create dynamic and personalized fitness spaces.
“Today’s landscape prioritizes flexibility, efficiency, and customization, seeking equipment that enables both traditional strength training and functional movements,” said Josh Johanson, Product Marketing Manager at Life Fitness. “PWR Play responds to these needs by combining compact, space-efficient design with high functionality, ensuring it fits seamlessly into modern gyms and studios where maximizing floor space is critical.”
The system also brings an engaging aspect to inspire motivation and foster member dedication and retention. “PWR Play has a sense of ‘fun’ that increases motivation and commitment to fitness goals,” says Susane Pata, Life Fitness Academy Master Trainer and Territory Sales Rep. “Research has shown that when people enjoy an activity, they are more likely to return to it, so it truly can help create commitment.”
A Solution Built for Adaptability
Versatility is a defining feature of PWR Play, making it a valuable addition to facilities aimed at appealing to a broad audience. For Johanson, the modularity of PWR Play is what sets it apart from other functional training systems on the market.
“The ability to custom configure the system with over 16 stations lets facilities tailor the product to their users’ needs, ” he says. “This custom configurability meets the unique demographics and needs for gyms, creating a more personalized experience and boosting member satisfaction and retention.”
The system’s flexibility extends beyond physical design. Facilities can monetize PWR as part of a small group training package and leverage it as a membership value-add for acquisition and retention.
Pata explains, “I am currently working with a facility looking to incorporate PWR Play to do just this – fulfill paid programming goals via attractive program offerings.”
And when it comes to designing group training programs Pata says the possibilities are endless. “It’s a fitness pro’s programming paradise. Strong, creative programming that offers variety, relevance to goals, and fun — hence, the word ‘play’ in PWR Play — results in long-term involvement and feeds into the bottom line.”
Efficiency in Compact Spaces
Space constraints are another challenge that PWR Play solves with its modular and space-efficient design.
“I can say from experience that trying to fit equipment into NYC facilities is like a game of Tetris,” says Pata. “The versatility of the PWR Play offers an advantage because of how configurable it is. If one side of the facility is restricted for space, there are options to keep users closer to the machine.”
Johanson echoes this, saying, “The product’s design allows gyms to adapt the equipment to their space without sacrificing functionality. This makes it possible for facilities to meet the needs of a diverse range of users while optimizing their ROI.”
Beyond space, the system’s thoughtful design supports operational goals. The storage options and add-ons available with PWR Play ensure that facilities remain organized and clutter-free.
As fitness trends shift toward dynamic, multi-use training environments, PWR Play stands out as a solution to facilitate all types of exercises.
“Functional training encompasses primal movements — pushing, pulling, climbing, hinging, rotating, squatting,” explains Pata. “The PWR Play offers a multitude of opportunities to train these movements. Whether it’s stabilization endurance for beginners or power training for athletes, it fits the bill for all levels.”
Johanson points to another product differentiator — Life Fitness’ patented Cable Motion Technology.
“We take pride in offering incredibly smooth, multi-directional resistance on products like PWR Play,” he says.
The technology supports natural and unrestricted movements, allowing users to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously and perform exercises that mimic real-world movements or athletic activities. “This in itself continues to be a game-changer,” adds Johanson.
Looking ahead, both Pata and Johanson see innovations like PWR Play as pivotal to the broader fitness equipment industry.
“This unique piece has a place in both strength and functional training settings,” says Pata. “Its versatility accommodates endless fitness programming and trends.”
Johanson adds, “It’s not just about adapting to current trends but leading the way in creating dynamic, engaging spaces that cater to the diverse needs of today’s fitness enthusiasts.”
