Articles
ARTICLES
Industry insights, equipment guides, and updates from the BTB team.
Why Fitness Amenities Are Becoming Essential for Canadian Multifamily Developers in 2026
As Canada's rental market shifts into a new phase marked by rising vacancy, moderating rents, and increasing supply, multifamily developers—particularly those operating in Calgary and Southern Alberta—are rethinking which amenities truly matter.
Vendor Spotlight: Why Professional Sports Teams Rely on Woodway Treadmills
When professional sports teams invest in training equipment, the stakes are high. Every piece must support performance, reduce injury risk, and stand up to relentless daily use. That's why, across professional leagues and Canadian Olympic training centres, one treadmill brand consistently shows up: Woodway.
Fitness Trends for 2026
The fitness industry has always evolved, but 2026 marks a more meaningful shift. The conversation is no longer dominated by aesthetics, high-intensity extremes, or novelty programming. Instead, fitness is being redefined by longevity, healthspan, personalization, and experience.
2025: A Year of Adaptation, Partnership, and Momentum
As this year draws to a close, we reflect on just how much we've collectively navigated, built, and accomplished together.
Air Compression Boots: The Post-Exercise Recovery Tool Your Body Will Thank You For
Recovery used to be an afterthought — something squeezed in after a workout, if time allowed. But as training loads rise and more people prioritize long-term health, recovery tools have evolved from "nice to have" to "essential." Among the most effective: air compression boots.
Building a Peloton Space: How to Design for Engagement, Community, and Wellness
Peloton has long been synonymous with motivation, energy, and connection. What began as a revolutionary way to bring boutique fitness home has now expanded into workplaces, universities, residential communities, and hospitality venues.
Building the Complete Pickleball Performance & Recovery Zone
How facilities can help players move better, perform longer, and recover faster.
Foam Rollers for Recovery, Physiotherapy and Athlete Use!
Foam rollers have gained significant popularity in the realms of fitness recovery, physiotherapy, and among athletes. These cylindrical tools, made from dense foam, are designed to help with myofascial release, a technique that alleviates muscle tightness and enhances overall performance. Their effe
How to Choose, Maintain, and Replace High-Quality Exercise Balls in Your Fitness Facility
When outfitting a fitness facility, selecting the right equipment is crucial—not just for member satisfaction, but for safety and longevity. Exercise balls are versatile tools used in functional training, rehabilitation, core strengthening, and group fitness classes.
Balance Training
Balance training is an essential component of physical fitness that focuses on enhancing stability and coordination. It involves exercises that improve the body's ability to maintain its center of gravity over its base of support. This type of training offers numerous benefits across various age gro
Train Your Brain and Body: The Functional Benefits of the Gibbon SlackBoard
Gibbon slackboard balance training harnesses an intentionally unstable platform to dramatically challenge and refine postural control mechanisms—inviting users of all ages and fitness levels to engage in targeted balance work.
Fitness Equipment Evolution: How Western Canadian Gyms Are Embracing the Future
It's amazing to look back and see how far fitness equipment has come. Fast forward to today, and we're surrounded by high-tech strength and cardio systems that track performance, adapt to individual needs, and connect seamlessly with digital fitness platforms.
The Benefits of Leg Training
Building Strength, Enhancing Performance, and Promoting Overall Health
Dual Selectorized Machines: Space-Saving Strength or Design Compromise?
When floor space is limited but you still want to serve your exercisers well, dual selectorized machines offer an appealing solution: two distinct exercises in the footprint of one.
Why Your Gym Needs a Belt Squat Machine: Smarter Lower Body Training Without Spinal Load
If you're looking to enhance your gym's strength training zone with equipment that delivers serious results while supporting member safety and inclusivity, a belt squat machine should be at the top of your list.
Why Reformer Pilates Is a Smart Investment for Your Studio or Health Club
If you're looking to increase member retention, stand out from competitors, and offer results-driven programming, it's time to take a closer look at Reformer Pilates.
Fitness Equipment for Bodybuilders
When professional sports teams invest in training equipment, the stakes are high. Every piece must support performance,…
Best Practices for Designing Military & First Responder Training Facilities
Understand the unique training needs of military and first responders. Learn best practices for gym layout, equipment selection, and maintenance when designing high-performance facilities.
Creating Truly Inclusive Fitness Spaces: A Guide for Operators
Guest post by our friends at Level Playing Field Inc. — A Canadian-owned, women-led, and disability-owned accessibility consulting firm specializing in creating spaces where everyone can thrive.
Enhancing Wellness / The Benefits of a Recovery Space in Your Fitness Centre or Corporate Space
Enhancing Wellness / The Benefits of a Recovery Space in Your Fitness Center or Corporate Space
Why Glute Training Is About Way More Than Aesthetics
Glutes are the powerhouse muscles behind explosive movement—and glute training matters for athletic performance, injury prevention, and longevity for everyone from office workers to elite athletes.
The Benefits of a Recovery Space in the Workplace
A recovery space in the workplace that includes Hydromassage beds offers numerous benefits for employees. Here are some key advantages of having such a space:
How to Design a High-Performance Personal Training Studio That Maximizes Results
Great personal training studios don't happen by accident—they're designed for results. Every square foot should serve a purpose, whether it's boosting performance, streamlining workouts, or keeping clients motivated.
Leg Press Machines
Commercial Leg Press Machines: Revolutionizing Lower Body Training
Why Preventative Maintenance Matters for Your Equipment’s Longevity
The importance of preventative maintenance for gym equipment cannot be underestimated. Fitness facilities invest heavily in high-quality equipment—protecting that investment is critical.
Introducing the Woodway Vive Treadmill
For fitness enthusiasts and elite athletes in Western Canada, finding the right treadmill means balancing performance, durability, and long-term value. The Woodway Vive Treadmill stands out as a premier choice.
Hip Thrusters – Glute Drives
The Atlantis Hip Thruster and Nautilus Glute Drive are two very popular pieces of exercise equipment used for developing the glutes and hip muscles. Both machines are designed to isolate and target the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back muscles, making them ideal for anyone looking to improve their
Functional Trainers
Functional trainers have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for efficient and effective ways to improve their fitness and overall health. These machines are designed to mimic real-life movements and activities, which can help individuals improve their strength, flexibility, b
Bone Density and Power Plate
Vibration training on the Power Plate has been found to have a positive impact on bone density, stimulating the production of osteoblasts responsible for bone formation.
Certified Service Technicians
Five reasons why having your fitness equipment repaired and serviced by certified fitness technicians is important:
Hack Squat Machines
Hack squat machines are a popular piece of gym equipment that offer a variety of benefits for those looking to build lower body strength and muscle mass. The hack squat machine is a specialized piece of equipment designed to mimic the traditional barbell hack squat exercise, but with added safety an
Precor Resolute Strength Equipment
If you are looking to build strength and improve your fitness, the Precor Resolute Strength Equipment is an excellent option to consider. Precor is a trusted and reputable brand that has been providing high-quality gym equipment for over 30 years. The Resolute Strength line offers a variety of equip
Fitness Equipment Service Technicians
Fitness equipment service technicians play a crucial role in ensuring that exercise equipment is functioning properly. One of the most important aspects of their job is preventive maintenance, which involves regularly inspecting and servicing equipment to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan.
Smith Machines
The Smith machine is a versatile piece of gym equipment that offers numerous benefits to fitness enthusiasts. It is a weight training machine that consists of a barbell fixed within steel rails, providing a guided range of motion for exercises such as squats, bench press, and shoulder press.
Squat Racks
Commercial squat racks are essential equipment for any gym or fitness center. These racks provide a solid foundation for weight training exercises and help individuals achieve their fitness goals. Squat racks come in various shapes and sizes, but all share the same purpose of supporting weightliftin
Fitness Equipment Calgary
Fitness is an essential aspect of today's lifestyle, and it is crucial to keep our bodies physically fit and healthy. Regular exercise is an excellent way to achieve this, and fitness equipment plays a vital role in ensuring that we maintain our physical fitness. Calgary is a city that has embraced
True Stryker Slat Treadmill
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise, and for good reason. It’s a great way to improve your cardiovascular health, burn calories, and reduce stress. However, not everyone has access to safe and comfortable outdoor running spaces, or may prefer to exercise indoors. That's where treadm
Precor Commercial Treadmills
When it comes to commercial treadmills, the Precor brand is considered the best in the industry. From their sturdy construction to their advanced technology, there are several reasons why Precor treadmills are the preferred choice of fitness professionals and gym owners alike.
Atlantis Belt Squat
The Atlantis Strength Belt Squat is a Plate Loaded Machine that is a highly specialized piece of gym equipment designed to target the lower body muscles, specifically the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, without putting any pressure on the spine. It is a great alternative to traditional barbell s
The Echelon Reflect Touch Smart Mirror
TheEchelon Reflect Touch Smart Fitness Mirroris a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts and gym-goers. This innovative piece of equipment offers a personalized workout experience that adapts to individual fitness levels and goals. Whether you're a fitness facility owner or a home gym enthusiast, the
Spin Studios / Indoor Cycling
Schwinn spin bikes are a popular choice for spin studios due to their high-quality design, durability, and versatility. Indoor cycling studios use Schwinn spin bikes to provide a challenging and engaging workout for their clients.
Incline Treadmills
TheTrue Fitness Alpine RunnerCommercial Incline Treadmill is a top-of-the-line piece of fitness equipment that is designed to deliver a challenging and effective workout. This treadmill is ideal for both commercial gym settings and for individuals who want to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality tre
The Atlantis Viking Press
The Atlantis Strength Viking Press is a piece of equipment used in strength training that is designed to mimic the movement patterns involved in lifting and pressing heavy objects overhead. It is a popular tool used by powerlifters, strongmen, and other athletes to improve upper body strength and bu
Ellipticals
Commercial Precor ellipticals are some of the most popular exercise machines in gyms and fitness centers across the world, including Calgary. Precor is a well-known and respected brand in the fitness industry, known for producing high-quality equipment that offers a challenging and effective workout
Atlantis Pendulum Squat
TheAtlantis Pendulum Squat MachinePW212is a popular piece of gym equipment designed to strengthen the lower body muscles, specifically the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. It is built with a heavy-duty frame and a unique pendulum mechanism that allows for a natural and smooth squatting motion. These m
THE AMENITY WAR IN WELLNESS LIVING REAL ESTATE
THE AMENITY WAR IN WELLNESS LIVING REAL ESTATE
How Beyond the Basics FItness began
The exciting world of Fitness and how Beyond the Basics Fitness began...
5 Top Tips for Buying Commercial Fitness Equipment
Beyond the Basics Fitness knows there’s more to creating and maintaining a successful fitness centre than equipment, but equipment is usually the core element.
Why Your Fitness Facility Layout and Design is So Important
Design and layout are key factors for optimal use of your fitness facility. Regardless of whether the facility is a conventional gym or located in a hotel, condo complex, hospital or rehabilitation centre, here are some basic tips for designing and maintaining a layout that keeps your users coming b