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FITNESS BLOG
The latest thinking from the Recharge Fitness team. Whether that is about the latest and greatest gym equipment, new products we are offering, top tips and workouts, or guest posts from the fitness community. We hope you enjoy a quick read.
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What Is Barry’s Bootcamp? Inside the Workout & the Selfridges Pop-Up Experience.
If you’ve ever stepped into a Barry’s Bootcamp class, or even just scrolled past one on social media, you’ll know it’s not your average gym session. Darkened rooms, red lighting, booming playlists, and a pace that doesn’t let up. It’s intense, immersive, and, for many, addictive. But Barry’s Bootcamp isn’t just about the workout, it’s about the environment. Every detail, from the lighting to the layout, is carefully designed to push performance and elevate the experience. So
Harry Ayres
May 54 min read


Home Gym Setup: What Equipment Do You Really Need?
Setting up a home gym has become one of the most popular fitness trends in recent years. More people are choosing to train at home for convenience, flexibility, and long-term value. Whether you have a spare room, garage, or small corner available, a well-planned home gym can provide everything you need for effective workouts. The key is choosing the right equipment. A good home gym doesn’t require dozens of machines. Instead, versatile, multi-use equipment allows you to train
Harry Ayres
Apr 263 min read


Hybrid Training: Why Combining Strength and Cardio Is Taking Over
Hybrid training is becoming one of the most talked-about approaches in fitness. Instead of separating strength training and cardio into different sessions, more people are combining both into one structured routine. The result is a more balanced, efficient, and practical way to train. This style of training is particularly useful for anyone looking to improve overall fitness, build strength, and increase endurance without spending hours in the gym. It’s also changing how peop
Harry Ayres
Apr 104 min read


Matrix Onyx Range: The Benchmark for Luxury Cardio Equipment
Full ONYX range at Matrix HQ The Matrix Onyx range represents the pinnacle of commercial cardio equipment, designed for spaces where performance, design, and user experience are equally important. Created for luxury gyms, elite training environments, and high-end home fitness spaces, the Onyx collection redefines what premium cardio equipment should look and feel like. Rather than focusing solely on raw performance, Matrix designed the Onyx range around immersive technology,
Harry Ayres
Mar 285 min read


How to Start Going to the Gym and Train Safely: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Starting the gym can feel intimidating. New environment. New equipment. People who look like they know exactly what they’re doing. The good news is this: everyone starts somewhere. Whether you’re joining a commercial gym, setting up a garage gym , or just beginning your fitness journey, this guide will show you exactly how to start training safely, build confidence, and make real progress without injury. If you’re searching for: • how to start going to the gym • beginner gym
Harry Ayres
Mar 204 min read


How to Lay Gym Flooring: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Laying gym flooring properly is one of the most important steps when building a home gym, garage gym, or commercial training space. Get it right and your gym will feel solid, professional, and built to last. Get it wrong and you can end up with uneven tiles, gaps, wasted materials, and a lot of frustration. This guide walks you through exactly how to lay gym flooring , with practical tips that professionals use every day. Whether you’re installing rubber gym floor tiles in
Harry Ayres
Mar 45 min read


Onyx: When Premium Cardio Just Isn’t Premium Enough
Last week I spent time at Matrix HQ going through the full Onyx range for a VIP customer project. And honestly, after seeing it all up close again, I felt obliged to put a proper blog post together, not as hype, but as a clear explanation of what makes this range different, and who it's actually for (chances are, if you're not absolutely minted, it's not for you!). But if youhave been looking at premium cardio kit and thought, This all looks the same once it's in a gym,

@ryananthoney
Feb 184 min read


How to Apply for a Change of Use for a Gym (UK): Tips to Strengthen Your Case
Launching a gym is exciting — but if the building you’ve found isn’t already approved for fitness use, you’ll likely need planning permission for a change of use . This guide breaks down how the process typically works in the UK, what councils tend to look for, and how to build a stronger application — specifically for gyms, studios and PT spaces. First: what “change of use” means (in plain English) Local councils categorise buildings by “use classes”. If you want to turn (fo

@ryananthoney
Feb 25 min read


New Year Fitness Goals for 2026: A Realistic Plan That Actually Works
Starting the New Year with fitness goals is easy. Sticking to them is the hard part. This guide breaks down how to set realistic goals for 2026, build sustainable habits, and create a training plan that actually fits around real life.
Harry Ayres
Jan 25 min read


Understanding Different Types of Gym Barbells
If you’ve ever stepped foot in a gym or set up a home gym, you’ve probably noticed the variety of barbells scattered around. But have you ever stopped to wonder why there are so many different types? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m going to walk you through the fascinating world of types of gym barbells . Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your fitness journey, knowing which barbell suits your needs can make a huge difference. Let’s dive in and break d

@ryananthoney
Dec 17, 20255 min read


How Bespoke Gym Equipment Can Transform Your Training Space
When it comes to building a training environment that stands out, bespoke gym equipment is one of the most powerful ways to elevate your facility. Whether you are designing a commercial gym, kitting out a performance centre, or building a strength and conditioning space, custom equipment gives your gym something special that standard kit simply cannot match. Bespoke Gym Equipment we supplied for KELTX Why Bespoke Equipment is Worth it A fully branded training space gives memb
Harry Ayres
Dec 4, 20252 min read


How thick should gym flooring be?
Gym flooring should be 15mm-40mm thick, depending on use. Complete guide to choosing the right thickness for home gyms, CrossFit, and commercial facilities.

@ryananthoney
Oct 13, 20256 min read


How to Choose Gym Flooring: Complete UK Buyer's Guide 2026
Choosing the right gym flooring is one of the most critical decisions you'll make when setting up or refitting a training space. Get it wrong, and you'll face premature wear, safety issues, and costly replacements. Get it right, and you'll have a durable, safe foundation that enhances your gym's performance and aesthetics for years to come. Whether you're opening a CrossFit box, boutique PT studio, commercial gym, or home training space, this guide will walk you through every

@ryananthoney
Oct 1, 20255 min read


The Ultimate Team Challenge: Olympic Bumper Plate Deadlifts at Recharge Fitness HQ in Bristol
At Recharge Fitness, we believe that staying strong and fit isn't just about the equipment we sell – it's about living the values we promote. That's why we regularly organise team challenges that bring our crew together, get the blood pumping, and remind us all why we're passionate about fitness...it's also good to see who is top dog at different exercises.
Ryan
Sep 26, 20254 min read


Creating World-Class Training Facilities Across the UK: A Look at Our Bristol Success Stories
While Recharge Fitness serves gym owners and fitness enthusiasts across the entire UK - from Newcastle to Scotland, Birmingham to London - there's something special about working in your home city. Since relocating our headquarters to Failand in 2023 as part of our management buyout and expansion plans, we've experienced remarkable growth. Our revenue has increased by over 130% year-on-year while maintaining our commitment to exceptional customer service. Our installation te
Ryan
Sep 11, 20257 min read


Should I take creatine? Complete Guide to Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
Everything You Need To Know About Taking Creatine At Recharge, we want to share insights, add value, and to help you get into the best shape possible. There are a whole host of topics and questions which we've looked into on our own health and fitness journey, and this is one of those popular topics. Introduction Creatine is one of the most researched and effective supplements in the fitness world, yet many people still have questions about how it works, when to take it, and

@ryananthoney
Sep 4, 20255 min read


The Complete Hyrox Wall Ball Guide: Technique, Training & Race-Day Tactics
Wall balls are often the final, and most taxing station in a Hyrox race, making them the ultimate test of strength, endurance, and mental grit. Nail this segment, and you’ve not only conquered one of the toughest finishes in functional fitness but also elevated your overall race performance. With focused drills, smart pacing, and the right wall ball gear, you’ll be well-equipped to smash through those last 100 reps with confidence. Understanding Wall Balls in Hyrox In a Hyro
Harry Ayres
Sep 2, 20254 min read


The Complete Guide to Building Your Dream Home Gym
Transform your fitness journey with expert advice on creating the perfect home workout space Why Now is the Perfect Time to Build Your Home Gym The fitness landscape has fundamentally changed. With gym memberships averaging £40-60 per month and the convenience of working out at home becoming increasingly appealing, more people are making the smart investment in their own fitness space. At Recharge Fitness, we've helped hundreds of customers create their dream home gyms over t

@ryananthoney
Jul 25, 20253 min read


Can You Put a Gym on the Second Floor?
A Complete Guide to Upstairs Gym Installation Installing a gym on the second floor of your building can be an excellent space-saving solution, whether you're a homeowner looking to create a personal fitness space or a business owner considering a commercial gym setup. However, there are crucial factors to consider before moving forward with an upstairs gym installation. Structural Considerations for Second-Floor Gyms The most critical factor when installing a gym on the secon

@ryananthoney
Jul 14, 20255 min read


Gym Floor Cleaning!
Have you ever wondered the impact effective gym floor cleaning can have on your training, business and health? No? We don't blame you. It's not a fun subject, but it is important. Whether you're the owner of a gym or have a space at home for you to train, knowing the best way to clean your flooring can have many benefits. Here, we'll look at the benefits of regular cleaning and break down how to clean each type. Firstly, let's explore at those benefits: Benefits Of Regular Gy
Josh Whitemore
Jul 11, 20253 min read
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