Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby Case Study

WHERE: Edinburgh

TYPE: Sports Performance

OVERVIEW

In July, Edinburgh Rugby partnered with Origin Fitness to complete the installation of a cutting-edge strength and conditioning gym. Head of Strength and Conditioning, Mark Robertson, shared the excitement surrounding the new gym.

Mark highlighted the enthusiasm players felt upon returning to see the upgraded equipment. The facility's main focus is on enhancing athletic performance, with a design that supports players in reaching their physical goals, whether it's strength, endurance, or injury prevention.

THE CHALLENGE:

Preparing for the physical demands of professional rugby, especially facing the aggressive style of South African teams in the championship, is central to the club's training philosophy. Robertson highlighted that strength in the shoulders and neck is crucial for tackling.

To build this resilience, the gym is equipped with a range of strength machines designed to enhance shoulder stability and neck strength, including the cable machines provided by Origin Fitness.

The focus is not just on strength but also on how quickly muscles can react to stabilise joints, reducing the risk of injury during high-impact collisions.

THE SOLUTION:

The gym installation, completed just before the players returned for the start of the rugby season, is equipped with state-of-the-art functional and strength training equipment. The standout features include:

Performance Series Racks

One of the key elements of the gym is the bespoke Performance Series Rack system that allows for multiple training setups. These racks enable dual-use, with one player working on movements like Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs) or bench presses on the outside, while another can perform squats or deadlifts on the inside.

The inclusion of J-hooks and safety straps ensures that if a squat fails, the weight is securely caught, preventing any damage to the gym floor or risk of injury.

Durable Urethane Dumbbells

To address past issues with dumbbells breaking, Edinburgh Rugby selected robust Origin Fitness UD2 and UD3 Dumbbells, ranging from 2kg to 70kg. These are securely stored on multiple Origin 5 Pair 2 Tier Dumbbell Racks.

Mark emphasised the durability and consistency of the dumbbells, which have proven ideal for heavy lifts like bench presses and overhead presses, with several players lifting close to the 70kg mark.

High Impact Gym Flooring

To ensure players have no issue pushing their limits with heavier weights, 40mm High Impact Tiles we're installed. This type of gym flooring suits S&C facilities as it limits impacts and vibrations which can damage underflooring and equipment, especially with the weight these players lift and drop.

Functional Fitness

The gym also has a range of accessory equipment available for the players including the Origin Soft Plyo Box. This piece of kit allows players to work on explosive plyometric movements to build power and increase speed. Both are key for professional rugby players in the modern game.

Cardio Equipment

The facility is stocked with high-performance cardiovascular machines such as SkiErgs, Air Bikes, and Rowing Machines, used to push players to their limits.

Robertson explained how this cardio equipment plays a vital role in preparing athletes for high-intensity activities where heart rates often soar beyond 180 beats per minute. The competitive environment among the players helps keep them motivated through these challenging sessions.

THE OUTCOME:

The new gym is already making a measurable difference. With an emphasis on players improving over last season, the facility has provided an environment where players are eager to train. This improvement extends to the junior academy players who are already making good use of the new facility.

As a result, players have seen improvements in lean muscle mass, fat reduction, and overall physical outputs on the field. Robertson credits the quality of the gym and its equipment for helping athletes train confidently, knowing they have the best tools available.

The gym has been a game-changer for us. The equipment is safe, easy to use, and perfect for the intense level of training we require. The racks, in particular, have added flexibility to our training, and the dumbbells have proven incredibly durable. We've seen tangible results in the players' physical condition and performance, and we're confident it will continue to give us a competitive edge.”

- Mark Robertson, Head of Strength & Conditioning, Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby’s new gym has significantly improved the team’s strength, conditioning, and overall performance. Thanks to the high-quality installation by Origin Fitness, the facility ensures players are well-prepared to meet the demands of elite rugby, both on and off the field.

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