GYM MAKEOVERS:
THE SOLID INFINITY SYSTEM
By Juliana Mare
Virgin Active on Collins Street, Melbourne
S
OLID Racks is the
company that has
taken the idea of
space-saving storage to a
whole new level. Juliana
Mare explains.
We’ve all come to know and love the
Smith Machine; it’s a staple in most
gyms and its versatility makes it one
of the most popularly used pieces of
equipment. However, if we’re honest, this
iconic piece of equipment is a monster
apparatus that takes up a decent
amount of floor space. And therein
lays the predicament that many fitness
centres face – wanting to have ample,
high-quality equipment but being
restricted by limited space.
Thanks to husband and wife team
Nicolle and Trevor Drake, founders
of SOLID Racks, a new and highly
innovative space-saving solution is
sweeping across the health and wellness
industries.
The SOLID INFINITY SYSTEM (SIS) is a
18
collection of customisable wall-mounted
exercise and strength conditioning
tools, designed to condense a variety
of standalone gym equipment onto one
wall.
After installing the SIS in the rehabilitation
gym of EastWest Physiotherapy in
New South Wales, Practice Principal
Gavin Johnston says it has exceeded
expectations.
‘We replaced one Smith machine for
four new exercise stations – squat rack,
TRX Olympic rings, tricep dips and bench
press. The system runs along the entire
wall… which has made our space more
efficient.’
A passionate surfer, Christopher Drake
– Nicolle and Trevor’s son – inspired the
initial concept of SOLID Racks, when he
asked his parents to design an individual
storage unit for his growing collection of
surfboards.
The very first storage racks launched
through Quiksilver in 2007 and by 2009,
SOLID Racks had made its way into the
storage markets of over 30 countries
around the world.
It wasn’t until 2012 that, again from
their son’s suggestion, Nicolle and
Trevor began the process of adapting
their individual storage systems into a
revolutionary new, multi-functional gym
wall.
Sadly in 2013, tragedy struck the Drake
family when Christopher was swept to his
death by a dangerously forceful wave
at North Curl Curl rock pool in New South
Wales. After their son’s untimely death,
Nicolle and Trevor have worked tirelessly
to bring Christopher’s innovative idea to
life and SIS has since won the Australian
ABC New Inventors award and received
numerous engineering and design
award nominations.
‘The wall mounted solution,’ says Nicolle,
‘allows users to easily customise their
workout space, accommodating a wide
variety of training methods and is more
cost effective than other systems.’
The SIS has made its mark both locally
in Australia at Virgin Active Health Clubs
and Anytime Fitness in New South Wales
as well as branching out abroad.
The first international shipment of the
WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - SUMMER 2015