bespoke equipment for a new weightlifting area 

A design we're very proud of

Client Overview
TP Health and Fitness, a growing franchise in Hertfordshire, approached ADP Sports Ltd with a request to design and manufacture high-performance wheeled squat stands for their new weightlifting areas. These stands needed to be robust, mobile, and versatile while maintaining the aesthetic and functionality of a fixed squat rack.

Project Objectives

1. To design and manufacture squat stands that were mobile yet as stable and strong as traditional fixed squat racks.

2. To ensure the squat stands had counterbalance properties to maintain safety and stability during heavy lifts.

3. To include protective design features that would extend the longevity of the equipment, especially when in constant use in a high-traffic fitness environment.

4. To finish the stands with an aesthetically pleasing and durable coating to fit the modern look of TP Health and Fitness facilities.

Challenges

1. Stability & Mobility: The squat stands needed to be wheeled for mobility but also stable enough to hold the same heavy loads as a fixed rack, ensuring the stands were safe during high-intensity lifting.

2. Durability in High-Traffic Areas: With frequent use expected, the stands needed to be extremely durable, withstanding repeated movement and heavy loading. This included ensuring the protection of equipment and weight plates, as well as safeguarding the stands themselves from wear and tear.

3. Aesthetic Finish: The squat stands had to visually align with the sleek, modern design of the TP Health and Fitness facilities.

Solutions

1. Counterbalance Design: We engineered the squat stands with a unique counterbalance system to ensure stability during use, even when holding significant weight. This design allowed for the mobility the client required while maintaining the safety and strength standards of a fixed rack.

2. Load-Bearing Strength: The stands were designed to support the same load capacity as a full-sized fixed squat rack. Using heavy-duty steel, the stands were built to hold substantial weight without compromising safety or stability.

3. Wheeled Mobility: The inclusion of durable wheels allowed gym staff to move the squat stands easily between different areas of the gym, maximizing space and equipment flexibility while maintaining the necessary stability for lifting exercises.

4. Powder Coating Finish: To align with the gym’s modern aesthetic, we finished the squat stands with a sleek jet-black powder coating. This not only provided an attractive appearance but also ensured durability and resistance to scratches and damage, keeping the stands in pristine condition despite heavy use.

5. Protective 3D-Printed J-Cups: To protect both the squat stands and the bars, we included two J-cups with custom 3D-printed coverings. This extra layer of protection prevents unnecessary wear on the squat stands and bars, increasing the equipment's lifespan and maintaining its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Outcomes

1. Performance and Stability: The wheeled squat stands performed exceptionally well in TP Health and Fitness’ weightlifting areas, offering the stability of a fixed rack while providing the added benefit of mobility. Gym users appreciated the flexibility and safety of the stands during heavy lifts.

2. Durability: The jet-black powder coating and 3D-printed J-cups helped protect the stands from damage, ensuring long-lasting durability despite regular use in a busy fitness environment.

3. Client Satisfaction: TP Health and Fitness was impressed with the final product, particularly the counterbalance design and the high-quality finish. The stands not only met their functional requirements but also added a professional, sleek look to their new weightlifting areas.

4. Increased Equipment Flexibility: Thanks to the wheeled design, the gym staff could easily reconfigure the space as needed, making the squat stands a versatile addition to their facility. This mobility has provided greater flexibility in accommodating different training setups, maximizing the usability of the gym floor.

Conclusions
ADP Sports Ltd successfully designed and manufactured a set of wheeled squat stands that exceeded the client’s expectations in both performance and aesthetic appeal. The combination of counterbalance stability, mobility, and protective features has made these stands a reliable and versatile piece of equipment for TP Health and Fitness. With their durable jet-black finish and custom J-cups, the squat stands are built to last, maintaining both form and function in a demanding gym environment.