In this blog, you will discover why the PIVOT bed and gym are the perfect sleep partners, with their ability to give you the workout and supportive bed you need for an incredible night's sleep.
But what exercises are best for quality sleep? Recent studies suggest that resistance and strength training are the key. We are talking about exercises using free weights, elastic resistance bands, or even your own body weight to perform lunges, squats, push-ups, and chin-ups.
As we all know, the purpose of weight training is to increase strength. This happens by putting stress on the muscle fibres, which then prompts the body to rebuild them. According to Angelique G. Brellenthin, an assistant professor at Iowa State University, all forms of exercise have positive effects on sleep. However, resistance exercises offer better results, which could interest individuals who struggle with sleep issues or explain why those of us who strength train sleep much better.
Brellenthin was referring to a recent study conducted in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA), which is one of the most extensive and longest exercise trials to compare the impact of different types of exercise on sleep in a general adult population.
The initial findings showed that those who regularly engaged in resistance training had better quality and longer duration of sleep compared to those who did cardio exercises.
Over the course of a year, those who did muscle-building exercises slept longer than other groups. In addition, their sleep efficiency also improved, meaning they spent more time asleep when in bed, compared to those who only did cardio or did not exercise at all.
This is not the first study to investigate the connection between exercise and sleep. Previous research in 2017 examined 34 studies on the topic, with 29 of them confirming that exercise improved sleep quality and duration.
After the year of resistance training, individuals taking part in these studies reported an average of 40 additional minutes of sleep and a reduction in the number of times they woke up during the night, which increased the quality of their sleep.
The reason why resistance exercises are more effective than cardio in promoting quality sleep is still unknown, but Brellenthin has some theories. One possibility is that weight training stimulates the growth of muscle cells, resulting in higher levels of testosterone and growth hormone in the body, both of which have been linked to better and deeper sleep.
Another theory is that the tiny tears in muscle tissue caused by weight training send a stronger signal to the brain, resulting in a deeper state of restoration during sleep. Brellenthin believes that the purpose of sleep is to restore and repair the body. Therefore, if you struggle with sleep problems, it would be beneficial to incorporate resistance training into your exercise routine, in addition to other forms of exercise, to obtain long-term health benefits and improve your sleep quality.
@pivot.bed Share your bed - Share your space - Share your workout
♬ Come Check This (Quickie Edit) - FETISH
A quality bed can help promote better sleep by reducing pressure points and minimizing any aches and pains you may have. No more waking up in the morning feeling like you've been hit by a truck! Instead, you'll wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on the day.
Secondly, a comfortable bed can also improve your sleep duration as you'll be less likely to wake up throughout the night due to discomfort. This means you can enjoy longer periods of uninterrupted sleep, allowing your body to recharge fully.
PIVOT is made in the UK and crafted from British steel, ensuring a robust foundation for your mattress that surpasses standard beds. With its sturdy construction, PIVOT eliminates the risk of sagging in the middle, a common culprit of back pain. While our bed frame offers under-mattress flexibility, our main focus is on maintaining proper spinal alignment and allowing your mattress to provide optimal support by contouring to your body's natural curves.
The versatile PIVOT concept is perfect for a solid sleep: It starts with a modular bed frame that lifts and lowers to provide a bed and a gym with features such as pull-up bars, and dip-bars, on a collapsible power rack that has storage options for your weights and barbells.
We can give you the workout and bed for a perfect sleep.
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To start, that is a straight-up 2-for-1 offer on a product. But the value isn't obvious. PIVOT is the solution to many lifestyle and health challenges. By integrating a gym into the bed, PIVOT provides a seamless way to incorporate exercise into daily routines, save space and create a multipurpose home.
The innovation is not solely ours. The original Murphy bed was created at the beginning of the 20th century, and it has taken more than a century for it to be redesigned to meet the demands of today's fitness and lifestyle requirements.
Like all Murphy Beds, PIVOT comes with the price tag of a premium product. Fold-up beds have always been more expensive than a standard bed simply because they maximize usable space in a property.
One of the main factors contributing to the higher cost of Murphy beds is the intricate mechanism that enables them to fold up and then, in PIVOT's case, turn into a gym. This mechanism involves a complex system of hinges, springs, and arms, increasing the overall costs of manufacturing and design. Each individual PIVOT component is precisely engineered and constructed to ensure smooth operation and long-lasting durability.
The frame also needs to be sufficiently strong to support the weight of the mattress and the person sleeping on it, while the moving components must be sturdy enough to withstand the constant folding and unfolding of the bed.
The cost of a typical double bed can vary based on various factors. Budget-friendly options can start from as low as £200/ $275, while more expensive beds can be priced at around £1,500/$2,060 or even higher.
For those in search of a superior sleeping experience and a well-crafted double bed at a higher cost, top brands provide carefully designed choices using premium materials and innovative designs. The dedication and passion invested in PIVOT have allowed it to compete successfully in this market. However, it is important to note that these prices only cover the bed frame and do not include a mattress.
When comparing the benefits of a PIVOT to a luxury bed, it becomes evident that PIVOT offers great value for money. And for just a slightly higher price, the PIVOT Lite provides even more value.
Extra space is a valuable commodity in any home. It allows you to move freely, breathe, and enjoy your surroundings without feeling confined. It provides room for relaxation, productivity, and, in PIVOT's case, fitness.
Whether you live in a small apartment or a house, having extra space can make a difference in your day-to-day life.
PIVOT is a practical solution for those who want to make the most of their living space and rooms.
When not used as a bed or a gym, it can be easily folded up against the wall, giving you valuable floor space for other activities.
One of the key advantages of PIVOT is its versatility. It can be seamlessly integrated into any room, whether a studio apartment, a small house, or a guest room. By simply folding up the bed or storing away the gym, you can transform that room into a home office, a yoga studio, or a space for hosting gatherings.
The possibilities are endless.
With PIVOT, you can avoid the troubles, inconveniences, and expenses of building an additional room in your home. Instead, you can transform your existing space into a versatile area, allowing you to have a gym/guest room right in your own home.
Another option to expand your living space is a loft conversion or extension, which can be quite costly, ranging from £20,000/$25,000 to £50,000/$60,000. However, both of these options present ideal opportunities for integrating a PIVOT system, thereby increasing the value of your home.
By opting for PIVOT, you can save yourself from the hassle and financial burden of traditional home expansions. Transforming your current space into a multipurpose area provides you with the convenience of having a gym at home and adds value to your property.
Rather than spending a significant amount of money on a loft conversion or extension, consider the cost-effective solution of PIVOT. With this innovative system, you can optimize your existing space and create a functional and versatile area that meets your specific needs.
Let's look at buying a power rack. Firstly, let's discount cheap, poorly made, low-quality racks. When purchasing a quality rack, the more you spend, the better. A sensible purchase should see you spending £1000/$1250 plus on the basic frame.
The space cost of a power rack is also high. Power racks are generally larger and bulkier compared to other gym equipment, so proper planning is essential. The dimensions will depend on the specific model you choose, but a general guideline is to have a clear floor space of at least 8 ft by 8 ft. This will provide enough room for exercising within the Power Rack and allow for a comfortable and safe workout experience.
PIVOT truly is a quality power rack with all the features, build quality and strength you would expect from a top equipment brand but without the floor space commitment.
One of the key advantages of purchasing products made in Britain is the guarantee of exceptional quality. PIVOT is meticulously crafted using high-quality materials such as British Steel and precise engineering. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the product meets the highest standards, offering unparalleled comfort, longevity, and functionality. By opting for a British-made product, you can have complete confidence that you are investing in furniture and gym equipment that will endure over time.
Aside from the superb quality, British manufacturing is renowned for its innovation and design. PIVOT exemplifies this by blending style and functionality in a way that surpasses competitors from countries with lower production standards. British designers and engineers, including our team and the collaborators we work with, are at the forefront of creating inventive and aesthetically pleasing products that serve practical purposes and enhance the overall user experience.
The utilization of premium materials is another hallmark of British manufacturing. PIVOT is crafted from materials that have been carefully chosen for their durability and performance. PIVOT has been designed to withstand the test of time.
Embrace the PIVOT way of blending space optimisation and fitness. We're here to support you in achieving your objectives, whether they involve enhancing your home, dedicating more time to personal growth, boosting wellness, increasing fitness, or mastering time management.
Revitalize Unused Spaces
In today's urban homes, where space is at a premium, PIVOT offers ingenious solutions to maximise every area. Our PIVOT bed is more than just a place to sleep; it's a multi-functional marvel, converting from a cosy bedroom into a home gym or office space with ease.
The PIVOT bed is your answer to an at-home workout haven. A simple lift transforms your sleeping area into a spacious gym, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
PIVOT lets you reclaim underused spaces like guest rooms, turning them into dynamic workout zones.
Fitness Tailored to Your Lifestyle
Join the fitness revolution with PIVOT, perfectly aligned with your active life.
In our fast-paced world, where time is precious, having a home gym is the ultimate fitness solution. PIVOT is your secret weapon, allowing you to fit workouts into your busy schedule.
With PIVOT, you control your fitness regime. Work out early in the morning or late at night – your exercise routine flexes with your life's demands, providing unmatched convenience.
Streamline Your Home Gym
PIVOT is the antidote to the messy home gym. It neatly folds into an elegant bed, hiding the clutter associated with home workouts.
A cluttered gym can cloud your mind. Clearing it not only enhances your space but sharpens your mental focus, setting the stage for peak performance. A tidy PIVOT space fosters a synergy between mental clarity and physical prowess.
This discipline in maintaining an orderly workout area transcends to other life aspects, promoting overall well-being.
Eliminate Gym Commutes
Imagine gaining an extra hour each day, saved from commuting to a gym. PIVOT turns your home into a time-efficient fitness hub, letting you maintain a full workout regime in the comfort of your own space.
With PIVOT, the journey to the gym is merely a walk to another room.
Without a commute, you can effortlessly integrate workouts into your daily schedule, aligning your fitness routine with your dynamic lifestyle.
A Tranquil Home Gym Experience
In the crowded gym environment, serenity is often elusive. That's why more people are bringing the gym home.
Home gyms like PIVOT offer a peaceful refuge, a place where stress is left behind, focusing solely on nurturing a stronger, healthier self.
No waiting for equipment, no distractions – just a personalised workout experience.
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PIVOT's innovative approach to creating space by combining a gym and a fold-up bed is why we have had many journalists contact us, wanting to test out our bed and gym and see how it transforms a small space into a bedroom and workout space.
Recently, we have seen PIVOT featured in two of the UK's biggest print and digital news outlets, the Financial Times and The Times newspaper.
The Times is one of the UK's oldest and most respected daily newspapers. It was with some excitement that we accepted coverage in the paper's Bricks and Mortar section, the property supplement of the year in the UK. To help tell the story, we put Hugh Graham in touch with a proud PIVOT owner, Ben Quarry.
In the article, Hugh focuses on Ben Quarry, who has a PIVOT in his three-bed London terraced house. Ben has his PIVOT in his spare room that acts as an office, regularly used guest room and gym.
Ben told the Times... "Before I had this, I was at most going to the gym twice a week," Quarry says. "It took me 20 minutes to get there, so if I wanted to go before work I'd end up not going because it would add too much time to my commute.
"Also, in public gyms, you have to wait for the equipment to be freed up - now I know exactly how long a workout's going to take. But the best part is, if you have a gym at home it means you don't have an excuse not to go. With this I religiously do three proper weight sessions every week."
You can find the full article here if you have a Times subscription.
The Financial Times sent journalist Rhodri Marsden and award-winning photographer, Peter Flude, to put PIVOT through its paces for a full-page spread in their HTSI section.
Rhodri started by testing out how comfy the bed is, then discovered first-hand how easy it is to lift the bed and transform it into a gym rack—despite not being the world's most experienced gym bunny, Rhodri, with the guidance of PIVOT inventor Colin, had the whole PIVOT workout experience.
Rhodri was impressed at PIVOT's lifting mechanism: "I lift the bed and mattress into an upright position against the wall. Thanks to a pair of gas struts, this task is surprisingly easy, and the mattress is held tidily in place by a pair of elastic straps."
We have invested much R&D into making PIVOT a robust and sturdy gym rack that should last years. So it was reassuring to read his description of PIVOTs quality and construction. "It's a serious piece of equipment, a world away from the exercise equipment that people buy cheaply on impulse, leave to gather dust and ultimately throw into a skip. PIVOT is mighty."
As we knew he would be, Rhodri was impressed with his PIVOT experience: "I can see how PIVOT could appeal to dedicated gym freaks as well as someone like me. It's ultimately about creating space in your home for a serious piece of exercise kit without needing a dedicated room for it."
The change in season also changes habits from outdoors to indoors, with our bodies keen to stockpile food and take on fat for the colder months.
These factors challenge our motivation, and the fitness versus hibernation struggle becomes real. The options for outside exercises become fewer and less appealing, and the dark, wet walk to a busy gym is less than desirable.
In this blog, we will look at what we can do to stay motivated.
Before we look at what we can do, let's examine why winter causes a drop in motivation.
Cold temperatures and reduced daylight hours can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm and negatively impact mood, reducing the desire to engage in physical activity.
Lower exposure to natural light can lead to lower levels of vitamin D, serotonin and dopamine, affecting motivation and overall well-being.
Dressing in multiple layers and braving the harsh weather conditions can act as deterrents to leaving the house, as the body perceives these obstacles to the goals.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can further exacerbate these issues, with symptoms of depression often diminishing motivation to exercise.
The psychological aspect of motivation can also be influenced by the perception that it's harder to exercise during the winter. Negative thoughts about the weather and the effort required may discourage people from starting or maintaining a workout routine.
Some individuals may experience reduced energy levels in the winter due to factors like lower vitamin D levels, inadequate sleep, or a lack of physical activity. This can lead to decreased motivation to exercise.
During the winter months, reduced exposure to natural sunlight can lead to lower vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Vitamin D is a crucial hormone that plays a significant role in various physiological functions, including bone health, motivation, immune system regulation, and overall well-being.
Consume foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, trout), egg yolks, and fortified foods like dairy products, orange juice, and cereals. These all can contribute to your daily vitamin D intake.
Whenever possible, try to get outdoors during daylight hours, even in winter. Exposing your skin to natural sunlight is the most effective way to boost vitamin D levels. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of sun exposure on your face, arms, and hands without sunscreen, preferably during midday when UVB rays are strongest.
If you feel good and healthy, you are more likely to maintain your motivation to work out and stay fit.
Setting a fitness goal or challenge for the summer is a strategic move that can significantly boost motivation during the winter months. With the promise of warm weather, outdoor activities, and the desire to look and feel amazing in your beach wear, having a concrete goal serves as a powerful incentive.
This long-term plan creates a sense of purpose, providing something to work towards, especially when outdoor exercise may be less appealing due to cold and inclement weather. It offers a beacon of motivation, helping individuals stay on track with their fitness routines and overcome the winter blues.
A summer fitness goal will help establish a structured plan, ensuring that you remain consistent with your workouts and nutrition throughout the winter.
Focusing on home workouts during the winter offers several advantages. First and foremost, the cold and inclement weather can be a significant deterrent to outdoor exercise, making home workouts a convenient and accessible option.
By eliminating the need to brave unpleasant weather conditions or travel to a gym, you are more likely to maintain a consistent fitness routine throughout the winter months, ensuring that your health and well-being don't take a seasonal hiatus.
Home workouts provide flexibility in terms of timing and personalization. With a quality home gym, you can choose exercises and routines that align with your fitness goals and preferences.
Home gyms like PIVOT offer flexibility, allow for efficient time management and ensure that workouts can easily fit into busy winter schedules, fostering a sense of control and empowerment over your health.
PIVOT gives you two rooms in one, with its unique gym that folds into a bed. Or a Bed that folds into a Gym, depending on your perspective.
Our high-quality rack can help you maintain your motivation to work out by transforming your spare room or bedroom into a gym in seconds without you having to leave your home.
PIVOT is perfect for strength and resistance training, and once you are done exercising, you can pivot back to hibernation mode.
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If you struggle to keep your workout commitments going due to the lack of space and time in your daily life, keep reading.
Now imagine a piece of stylish furniture that provides a comfortable night's sleep and doubles as a fully functional home gym.
For anyone living a busy, time short lifestyle, this could be the game changer that keeps you one step ahead of your peers in fitness and health.
This isn't something out of science fiction. With some creative design and innovation, PIVOT has made this a reality.
First, let's look at how a home gym can help you maintain or improve your existing fitness and strength levels.
A home gym offers convenience, time efficiency, and privacy, eliminating the need for commutes and wait times at public gyms. It accommodates various schedules, ensuring consistent workouts that can be customized to your fitness goal.
Health Benefits: A home gym is a powerful tool for improving your fitness and overall health, especially if you have a busy life. Convenient access to regular exercise contributes to improved fitness, reduced stress, and enhanced overall well-being.
Convenience: With a home gym, you eliminate the need to commute to a fitness facility, saving you time and energy, which you can invest in your health.
Time Efficiency: The flexibility of exercising at any time that suits you ensures you can make the most of your limited free time, making regular workouts easier to integrate into your busy schedule.
Privacy: A home gym provides a private and judgment-free space to focus on your fitness goals, reducing any self-consciousness that might hinder your progress.
Variety and Customization: You can equip your home gym with a variety of exercise equipment. This variety allows you to perform a wide range of exercises tailored to your specific fitness needs and goals that your local gym may struggle to accommodate.
Now, let's take a look at how a fold-up or Murphy bed can have an impact on people with busy lifestyles.
Fold-up beds are a versatile space-saving solution for small homes and busy lives.
They are ideal for individuals who need to balance work, fitness, and entertainment within their living space. In small homes or apartments, they help streamline living arrangements and optimize every square foot.
The convenience of easily accommodating guests without the need for a dedicated guest room is a significant advantage for those with unpredictable schedules. Additionally, the storage solutions they provide contribute to a more organized living environment, simplifying life for busy individuals.
Space Efficiency for Busy Lifestyles: Fold-up beds are a valuable solution for people with hectic schedules, maximizing space when not in use.
Multi-Functional Living: They enable the transformation of a bedroom into a versatile space, perfect for individuals who need a home office, workout area, or entertainment space during the day.
Streamlined Living: In the hustle and bustle of busy lives, every square foot matters. Fold-up beds help create an efficient living environment, making the most out of small apartments or studios.
Guest-Friendly: For those with unpredictable schedules, fold-up beds provide a convenient way to accommodate guests without dedicating an entire room to a guest bedroom.
Storage Solutions: Some fold-up beds come with integrated storage features, helping busy individuals keep their belongings organized in limited spaces.
How PIVOT helps individuals with busy lifestyles
The PIVOT bed seamlessly integrates a fold-up bed and gym, catering to busy lifestyles by offering a convenient and space-efficient solution that maximizes living spaces for both restful sleep and effective workouts, all within a single piece of furniture.
PIVOT eliminates the need for a dedicated workout area or the hassle of commuting to a gym. Instead, it brings your fitness routine to your bedroom, making it incredibly convenient and time-efficient.
Your cosy bed magically transforms into a fully equipped gym in a few simple manoeuvres. You'll be amazed at how effortlessly your sleeping haven morphs into a fitness oasis. The clever design also ensures that most of the gym equipment can be stored under the bed for a clutter-free experience.
PIVOT is not just a piece of furniture; it's a lifestyle upgrade. In small homes or apartments where space is at a premium, it optimizes your living area by merging two essential functions into one.
It's an ideal solution for those with hectic schedules, ensuring you can squeeze in a workout whenever you have a few minutes to spare.
The future of compact living is PIVOT, and it's all about maximizing your space and improving your health.
With a PIVOT, you can enjoy the convenience of a home gym and the comfort of a cosy bed, all within the confines of a single room.
It's time to let PIVOT help adapt your home to your lifestyle!
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Welcome to our PIVOT Guest Post on Osteoporosis by expert physio, Chris Tiley.
If you've ever wondered how to begin your journey into strength training for better bone density, we've got you covered. Let's dive into what bone density is and why it's crucial, especially as we age.
Inside our bones, different cells work harmoniously. They remove old bone tissue while simultaneously generating new bone tissue. However, with age, this balance shifts, favoring bone tissue removal, resulting in reduced bone density. This decline makes our bones more susceptible to fractures.
The encouraging news is that bones respond positively to the stresses we put on them. This means you can enhance your bone density. On the flip side, avoiding physical activity can worsen bone density. But engaging in regular exercise can bolster your bone health, leading to sturdy bones less prone to fractures.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society (THEROS) identifies two top exercise types for preserving and boosting bone density:
However, individuals with osteoporosis or low bone density might shy away from these exercises due to fear of fractures. This avoidance only exacerbates the issue. THEROS reassures us that "physical activity and exercise are not associated with significant harm, including vertebral fracture." They suggest starting with caution but emphasize that the benefits outweigh the risks.
One fantastic way to incorporate these exercises into your weekly routine is through strength training, also known as resistance training. To build muscle strength effectively, you must challenge your muscles sufficiently. By the end of a set, you should find it challenging to perform many more repetitions. Struggling with more repetitions after a set means you're on the path to increased muscle strength. Aim for muscle fatigue within 15 repetitions to achieve this strength boost. Instead of increasing repetitions, focus on maintaining the same number of repetitions against higher resistance. Resistance can come from weights (dumbbells, barbells) or resistance bands.
Most go-to strength training exercises meet the criteria of being weight-bearing with added load. These exercises often involve standing while holding a weight, providing weight-bearing benefits. They can also be adapted to include a touch of impact, enhancing their bone-strengthening potential.
And here's where PIVOT comes to the rescue. Accessing weights from the comfort of your home eliminates barriers to starting. The fold-out squat rack and safety spotter arms create a secure space for your barbell exercises, allowing you to approach muscle fatigue safely. The pull-up and dip bars enable weight-bearing exercises through your arms, ensuring your arm bones also benefit.
Incorporating strength training into your routine 2-3 times weekly is a proactive step toward maintaining and boosting your bone density. Additionally, relish the multitude of other health perks that stem from being stronger and more physically active. Remember, this journey isn't solely about bone density – it's about overall wellness.
So, take charge of your bone health with PIVOT and embrace the transformative power of strength training. Your bones will thank you for it!
Chris is a physiotherapist who has developed a particular passion for introducing strength training to ageless adults. He loves seeing the results that they achieve, how much their confidence grows and just how much it brings back their everyday lives. As a result he has created Never Too Old to Lift to try and inspire even more people to take action and get started with resistance training.
]]>The people have spoken. The PIVOT Trustpilot has a lot of 5★ reviews from our customers who are based all over the world. The PIVOT average score is a massive 4.8. Something we are immensely proud of.
The goal of PIVOT was to build a bed that turned into a functioning gym and workout area. We wanted to solve the problem of being able to workout at home without compromising space and losing the functionality of a bedroom or a guestroom.
We knew we had to deliver a solid gym for strength and weight training that could quickly transform into a bed. The bed had to be as comfy as any leading traditional bed on the market. It also had to fit into a bedroom physically and be visually stunning. Once the bed was down, we wanted the room to feel like an actual bedroom where you could relax and get a good night's sleep.
Reading through our Trustpilot page shows that we have successfully delivered on our high-concept idea.
Often our reviewers have answered many of our regular FAQs in a way that we couldn't. So we have compiled the PIVOT reviewer's frequently asked questions blog.
Click here to read all our reviews in full.
Our reviewers live in a variety of properties. Here is a small sample of the homes we sent PIVOT to.
John is really pushed for space and lives "in a one-bedroom shoebox condo, where space is very limited". Matthew in the US has a bit more space, but his spare room was his gym, and guests were regularly sleeping on the couch.
Robert lives in a Boston condo and has used PIVOT to transform his spare room into a gym, office and guest room. Jack from the UK lives in a "relatively small 2-bed city flat", and there is Andrew, who lives in London where floor space is a premium along with the gym membership prices.
In the Netherlands, Axel has fitted PIVOT into his small home. "My room is 450cm deep and 244cm wide". He appreciates how PIVOT has scaled the gym but left nothing out regarding gym versatility.
Despite being based in the UK, where many of our customers live, PIVOT is fast becoming a global brand. As is evident from our reviews, PIVOT customers live all over the world. A big part of our community lives in the US and Canada, many of them in densely populated cities.
There is a lovely review from Artur, one of our European customers that we regularly ship to. Due to their age, he and his wife decided to invest in a PIVOT. "We are an elderly couple that needed a place for stretching exercises." It's great to hear a story about how PIVOT has helped a couple looking for a way to fix their rehabilitation equipment.
PIVOT is designed for lifting, squats, pressing, hanging and more. It has been very cool to find out how everyone uses PIVOT in their homes.
Richard and his partner are clearly very active people and use PIVOT and the space for "weights, yoga and HIT." David from the UK has been using his PIVOT for dips and pull-ups, but he also uses the floor area created when the bed is up to use his Whipr rowing machine.
Another customer has stopped going to the Gym as "Pivot has helped me do all my big lifts at home with ease. Squats, Bench Press and Deadlifts."
As you scroll through the reviews, you will see phrases such as "Bomb Proof", "PIVOT will be here long after I'm gone", and a personal favourite of ours ", This thing is a work of art."
A user called Peter had previously been using a cheap rack from Amazon that didn't allow him to lift anything with confidence. With PIVOT set up for benching weights, he feels that he can "truly train to failure, even when I'm the only person in the house."
Alex left us a really long review about how PIVOT has saved him so much time in gym commutes, but he was most impressed with "The exceptional design, quality of materials, and attention to detail."
The answer is a resounding yes from all individuals who have taken the time to write about PIVOT. Axel signed off his review with, "It looks good, feels good, is good."
While others were more literal, like John, "I've been using PIVOT for a couple of months now, and it has lived up to my expectations of what I had hoped it would be. PIVOT has delivered on their promise." Joseph has a similar response "The product has exceeded every expectation I had."
"Pivot is everything I was hoping for!" This reviewer hoped he could continue working out at home but not lose his guest room. As for Jack, "PIVOT has been a game changer."
That feeling doesn't go away. After 6 months, Steph is "still as impressed as we were on day one."
It is easy for us fitness addicts to see the rack as the essential part of PIVOT, but if it is your primary bed or one for guests, it's super important that it looks good and feels comfy.
The news from our reviews is good. One impressed customer wrote, "When in bed mode, it's a perfectly normal-looking elegant bed", and Sebastien has declared the bed "really comfortable".
Lisa was one of our earliest customers. She waited 9 months before dropping her review. This gave her time to do a thorough test. The purchase was originally her husband's idea, but she has been surprised at how much use she has gotten out of the gym. As for the bed, she declares it "amazingly sturdy, and the bed is very comfortable."
Remember Jack from the small city 2-bed appartment? He tells us that he uses a lot of weights as part of his training and stores them on the frame to keep the room tidy. With all the extra weight, Jack informs us, "the bed is still so easy to lift and get into place thanks to the lifting arms".
Another user had a similar experience "The gas shocks help a lot with lifting the bed."
First, there is this comment from Lee, "Team Pivot really need to give themselves a massive pat on the back because this product is second to none." We have followed Lee's suggestion, and we have well and truly patted our backs.
A user with the name Cbrtim has seen the future savings he will make now he has a gym set up at home. "Although it's a big investment, I no longer pay £500 pa gym membership, so it will pay for itself in a few years."
Many reviews have concluded PIVOT is a game changer, like Iain, who used that as his review heading. With that, we will let Iain sum up what many others have expressed in his short but concise review. "PIVOT has cut no corners, it's top quality, and I now have a guest bedroom and a complete home gym."
If you want more examples of how PIVOT has transformed lives and homes, check out all the reviews on our Trustpilot page.
Read more from our featured Trustpilot reviewers.
John - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/6479e05ab9257a0012218eaa
Matthew - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/644855de12e4c6001365a65f
Robert - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/643615e22fd48000129d14d5
Lee - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/6194e10de5ed310012ee4764
Jack - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/6321ad1c452b9d00132af449
Michale - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/62bae38838461700135cee31
Richard - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/5fc79565e4791c0019c3f975
Axel - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/508e726f00006400012555b3
Matt - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/643e23ff612df50012c3501a
Peter - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/6272b8884412db0012dba47c
Steph - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/636043466286c80012754f1a
Joseph - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/642c49984afec200129dc39b
Lisa - https://www.trustpilot.com/users/58c7dde60000ff000a8166e4
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Strength training is a fitness practice that involves lifting weights or using resistance to build and tone muscles. It's not just about bulking up; it's a versatile approach that can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels who participate in mainstream sports.
In this blog, we'll explore the many advantages of strength training and how it can boost the skills and performance of any amateur and professional sportsperson.
We have identified some of the most popular global sports. We will examine how they can benefit from strength training and suggest some beneficial exercises.
This blog will focus on football, golf, tennis, cycling and American Football and show you how strength training can help you improve your game.
Strength training is a game-changer for players looking to elevate their performance on the pitch. It's the secret weapon that enhances key aspects of their game, starting with speed and agility. The Beautiful Game demands lightning-fast sprints and rapid directional changes, and strength training equips players with the leg power and agility needed to leave opponents in the dust.
Additionally, it builds endurance, a critical asset in the world of football, enabling players to maintain their peak performance throughout a match. With stronger legs, players can unleash powerful shots and headers, contributing to goal-scoring opportunities. The reduced risk of injury is a significant advantage, as strong muscles and joints are less prone to common football-related injuries.
Squats for Leg Power: Squats build leg power by targeting quads, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. Maintain form and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Add weights for added challenge.
Lunges for Agility and Stability: Lunges enhance agility and stability, working quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Step forward, bend your knees to 90 degrees, and return to start. Variations and added weights increase versatility.
Deadlifts for Total Body Strength: Deadlifts boost overall strength, targeting hamstrings, glutes, lower back, and core. Maintain proper form when lifting a barbell from the ground. Gradually increase weights for continued progress and injury prevention.
Strength training is perfect for golfers looking to improve their performance on the course. Strength training can unlock more distance off the tee. Building strength in your core, legs, and upper body can translate into a more powerful golf swing, sending the ball farther down the fairway. A stable core is crucial for a consistent and precise golf swing.
You can enhance your balance and control during your swing by strengthening your core muscles, resulting in more accurate shots. Strength training can boost your muscular endurance, helping you stay sharp and focused throughout your round and reducing the risk of late-game fatigue affecting your swing.
Core Rotations for Swing Power: Core rotations are a golfer's best friend. They target the abdominal and oblique muscles, helping you generate power in your swing while maintaining balance and control. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, hold a weighted object (dumbbell, medicine ball, or even a golf club), and rotate your torso from side to side, mimicking your golf swing. Engage your core and maintain proper form throughout the exercise.
Squats for Stability and Distance: Strong legs are key to stability and distance in golf. Squats target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. To execute a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, lower your body as if sitting back into a chair, and then return to a standing position. You can add weight by holding a dumbbell or a barbell for added resistance. Squats enhance your swing stability and contribute to powerful drives off the tee.
Pull-Ups: for Swing Control: Pull-Ups strengthen the latissimus dorsi muscles in your upper back and shoulders, which is crucial for maintaining control during your golf swing. Hang from a horizontal bar with your palms facing away, then pull your body upward until your chin clears the bar, and slowly lower yourself back down. This exercise will help you maintain proper posture and control throughout your swing.
Strength training is the ace up a tennis player's sleeve to improve their game. This is about fine-tuning your body to handle the specific demands of tennis. Firstly, strength training can supercharge your power and speed, giving you the upper hand in rallies and serving.
Stronger leg and core muscles mean you can move across the court faster, pivot swiftly, and generate more force in your shots. A stronger body promotes better balance and coordination, ensuring you're always in the correct position to return that tricky drop shot or smash a winning volley.
Power Rack Squats for Explosive Power: Set up your PIVOT power rack with the barbell positioned at chest height. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, step under the bar, and carefully lift it off the rack. Lower your body as if sitting back into a chair, ensuring your knees don't go past your toes. Then, explosively rise back up, driving through your heels. The power rack allows you to safely add weights to the bar, progressively increasing resistance as you build strength.
Medicine Ball Rotations for Core Strength: This exercise enhances rotational power, which is essential for forehand and backhand strokes. Hold a medicine ball with both hands, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and rotate your torso from side to side. Keep your core engaged throughout.
Resistance Band Rows for Upper Body Strength: Strengthening your upper body is crucial for serving and volleying. Attach a resistance band or TRX Trainer to a sturdy anchor like the PIVOT frame, grasp the handles, and pull them towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together. This exercise targets your back, shoulders, and arms.
Strength training is an often-overlooked secret weapon for cyclists looking to pedal their way to peak performance. Beyond the miles on the road, building strength in the gym can significantly boost your cycling game. First and foremost, it's all about optimizing power. Stronger leg muscles, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, provide the driving force behind each pedal stroke. This translates to increased speed, endurance, and the ability to tackle those challenging climbs with greater ease.
A solid core is essential for stability and efficient energy transfer, allowing you to maintain a steady posture during long rides, ultimately improving your overall endurance. Furthermore, upper body strength aids in maintaining control of your bike, especially during off-road adventures and tricky descents.
Power Rack Squats for Explosive Pedal Power: Maximize your home gym setup with power rack squats, an ideal exercise for targeting your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, all crucial for generating powerful pedal strokes. Begin by setting up your power rack with the barbell at chest height. Stand inside the rack, place a barbell on your shoulders, and adjust the safety bars for added safety. With your feet shoulder-width apart, lower your body as if sitting back in a chair, ensuring your knees don't go past your toes. Then, explosively rise back up. As your strength progresses, incrementally increase the weight on your barbell.
Planks for Core Stability: Core strength is paramount for maintaining a stable cycling posture and can be developed without additional weights. For this exercise, no power rack or weights are required. Simply execute planks on the floor. Assume a push-up position with your forearms on the ground and your body forming a straight line from head to heels. Engage your core muscles to maintain this position for as long as possible.
Dumbbell Rows for Upper Body Control: Strengthen your upper body with dumbbell rows, particularly your back and shoulders. Utilize the dumbbells from your home gym. Stand inside the power rack, grasp a dumbbell in each hand, and bend at the hips while keeping your back straight. Execute rows by pulling the dumbbells toward your hips and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Gradually increase the weight of your dumbbells as you progress in building upper body strength.
Strength training is the linchpin of any successful American football player's training regimen. It's the engine that powers those bone-crushing tackles and spectacular touchdowns on the field. One of the foremost advantages of strength training is its ability to enhance raw power. Football demands explosive strength, and this is where exercises like squats and deadlifts shine.
In addition to raw power, strength training plays a crucial role in injury prevention, a paramount concern in American football. A well-structured strength training program helps fortify muscles, tendons, and ligaments, reducing the risk of common football-related injuries like sprains, strains, and ligament tears.
Barbell Squats for Explosive Leg Power: Utilize a barbell for squats to target the legs, core, and back muscles. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, place a barbell on your shoulders, and lower your body as if sitting back in a chair. Then, explosively rise back up. Gradually increase the weight on the barbell for added resistance.
Deadlifts for Lower Body Strength: Deadlifts are key for building lower back, glute, and hamstring strength, crucial for explosive acceleration and powerful plays. Begin with a barbell on the ground, stand with your feet hip-width apart, and lift the barbell while keeping your back straight. Lower it back down, maintaining proper form, and increase the weight progressively.
Triceps Dip for Body Strength: To perform triceps dips using dip bars, start by gripping the bars with your palms down and arms extended. Keep your feet together, bend your knees at a 90-degree angle, and lower your body by bending your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the ground. Exhale as you push back up to the starting position. Repeat for your desired repetitions, building crucial upper body strength for American football's physical demands.
Those of you who have been part of the home gym movement for a while will know the benefits it brings to your training and health. You have gained from the ease of being able to fit your workouts into your busy schedule and have been able to spend more time building your strength.
After a while, you may find that your motivation to work out at home starts to slip. A common reason for this is that equipment you have invested in no longer works for you.
To keep that positive gym vibe and that pumped feeling you get from a gym session, consider upgrading your home gym and enhancing your workout experience.
Here are some more signs that can highlight the moment you want to consider upgrading your home gym.
If your current setup lacks a variety of equipment or is limited in the range of exercises, this might signal you have outgrown your gym.
We designed the PIVOT rack to incorporate as many training options as possible because variety is essential for motivation and overall body fitness.
A Full Monty PIVOT Bed has a power rack that supports whatever weights you lift. With the bench, you can press and flex. The rack can be set for lifts too. We have dip bars and a pull-up bar, plus anchors for resistance training.
If you've been using the same equipment and workout routines for a long time and notice that your fitness progress has stalled, upgrading with new equipment can help introduce fresh challenges to your workouts.
Durability is a core part of the PIVOT design. But not all gyms are made equal. Many people will buy lower-quality equipment when they start creating their personal gym.
Over time this equipment will show signs of wear. Rust, malfunctions, and weakened joints are all signs that your equipment is on the way out.
Using inferior, outdated and aging gym equipment is seriously demotivating.
PIVOT is made to last. The bed and the rack are constructed from British steel and fabricated by skilled UK manufacturers.
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Safety has always been a top priority for the PIVOT team. We test and retest all our designs to meet British Safety Standards.
It should also be a top priority for your home gym, especially when it comes to the power rack that will absorb so much of the force from your workout.
If your current rack is unstable or has clear hazards, it's time to ditch it and upgrade to avoid the risk of injury. Not only is a wobbly rack dangerous, but it is also off-putting and will reduce your desire to train.
You could have started with a small setup, or that room you exercise in is needed for visitors to stay in. Either way, you face a decision on what you want to do with the space.
Suppose you are looking to diversify your spare room but keep your gym. PIVOT is the answer. We engineered PIVOT for small homes so you can have a comfy, stylish bed to sleep on. Then when you want to workout, lift it up, and it frees up the floor space and becomes one of the strongest racks on the market.
Many people looking to stay in shape start with home cardio equipment. At some point, they move the cardio outside and start using weights and strength training. Then before you know it, you have a mountain of bulky, unused machines.
Once your goals change, so must the hardware. Fortunately, there is a strong market for second-hand exercise bikes, rowing machines, treadmills etc.
You will know what works after years of working out, toning your body and honing your routine. So just like selling the clothes you don't wear on Vinted, do the same with your gym equipment, and use the money to focus your home gym on what works for you.
Work hard, train hard. If your budget has expanded since you first set up your home gym and are cruising on outdated kit, you should invest in higher-end or more specialised equipment to enhance your overall workout experience.
It's so easy to plod along with the cheap set you created when you started your hobby. Now it's your passion, and you have shown yourself (and your partner) your dedication and commitment. It's time. You deserve to invest in yourself and get the specialised equipment you want.
Sometimes getting something new and shiny reinvigorates your motivation. It could even be crucial to focus you on your fitness journey.
New equipment can make your workouts more enjoyable and motivate you to stay consistent.
Seeing people's reactions to our combo bed and gym never gets old. Everybody who wandered by couldn't help but flop onto the bed or check out PIVOT in gym mode.
What's even better is diving into the behind-the-scenes magic that makes PIVOT so exceptional.
PIVOT has undeniably been garnering significant attention, with numerous individuals engaging with it and swiftly becoming enthusiastic supporters of our multifunctional bed.
One notable PIVOT trial came from an extraordinary individual - Manon Bradley, the esteemed Powerlifting World Champion. Her remarkable achievements include 13 World Championships, 9 European Championships, and she has established 9 World Records.
Manon, who was at Grand Designs Live looking for a new bath, couldn’t help but stop and give PIVOT a try.
Watch Manon put PIVOT to the test.
VIDEO: Don't miss Manon Bradley, Powerlifting World Champ, flexing her muscles with PIVOT!
While PIVOT certainly caught the eye of a powerlifting world champion, its two products-in-one innovation also caught a lot of attention from passersby.
One of the common questions we’re often asked about PIVOT is how long it takes to transition the bed into a gym setup, so it was only natural that we seized the opportunity at the show to have real people PIVOT from its bed state to gym mode.
As demonstrated in the video below, the transition is quite manageable for anyone, thanks to the support of integrated, gas struts that facilitate a smooth lifting and lowering process.
During our 10-day exhibition at Grand Designs Live, PIVOT was transformed from bed to gym hundreds of times.
Check out what people had to say about PIVOT.
Many visitors to the stand were curious about the amount of time it takes to transform PIVOT from a bed to a gym setup, with guesses ranging from anywhere between five and 30 minutes.
How long do you think it takes from bed to gym?
Here’s a demo we took at the show so you can check it out yourself. As you can see, PIVOT switches from from bed-mode to gym-mode in 1 minute and 14 seconds – and that’s without even rushing the process.
While we didn't get the opportunity to interact with Kevin McCloud, the renowned host of Grand Designs, our exhibit did manage to attract another celebrity: Brendyn Hatfield. Famed pro ice skater from Dancing on Ice, Brendyn attended the show just to see PIVOT in action, and was so impressed by PIVOT that he gave us a shout out.
Check out Brendyn and his thoughts on PIVOT here.
A massive thanks to everyone who came and spent time with the PIVOT team at this year's exhibition. Welcome to the PIVOT community.
Eat, Sleep, Gym, Repeat.
]]>PIVOT is designed to create space, physically and mentally.
Practically PIVOT is a bed that folds upright to allow you to reclaim the space in its room. As you know, on PIVOT's underside are multiple fitness options hidden away.
The ingenuity of the PIVOT design is that it allows you to participate in multiple training activities and is the storage solution for much of your home gym and strength training activities.
With the bed folded up, you can create space for the home gym rack, space bench, room for resistance training, a zone for yoga or a palace for your exercise bike.
Practically PIVOT gives you more space in your home but can also help you create mental freedom with exercise, feeling good and living in a clutter-free environment.
There is a strong and well-established link between physical fitness and mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to positively impact various aspects of mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mood and self-esteem, and enhancing cognitive function.
Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce feelings of pain and stress. Regular exercise can also help regulate cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the body.
Regular exercise can help improve self-esteem and body image, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life.
Strength training can be a great way to release pent-up energy and reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Strength training can also improve cognitive function, including memory, focus, and attention. This can help you feel more alert and productive throughout the day.
It's hard to relax and feel calm in a messy and cluttered space.
Clutter and mess can create a sense of chaos and overwhelm, which can increase stress levels. Keeping your home tidy and organized can help you feel calmer and more in control.
When your home is tidy, it's easier to focus, be productive, feel more energized and motivated to take on the day.
PIVOT will give any bedroom a clutter-free feel when it's not a gym.
A good bed can positively impact your mental health by improving sleep quality, reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing mood, boosting productivity, and improving physical fitness.
A comfortable and supportive bed can improve the quality of your sleep. Getting adequate and restful sleep is essential for mental health and well-being.
It will also help you feel relaxed and at ease, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
When we designed PIVOT, there was no compromise. Both the bed and gym had to be the best we could make it.
Your well-being and mental health are linked to many aspects of your life. PIVOT allows you to give your body and mind the space it needs.
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The Fiver Short Bar is a versatile and compact fitness bar that caters to a wide range of exercises. Its name aptly describes its length of five feet and its design as a hybrid of an Olympic and a curl bar, which makes it perfect for both push and pull exercises. Moreover, its short length is an advantage in tight gym spaces, smaller gyms, grass training, group training, or when you're on the go.
Crafted with a 28mm stainless steel shaft and coated with a special electroless nickel coating, this bar is designed to help you maximize your workout experience. It features single knurl markings, no center knurl, and a medium knurl for excellent grip and comfort.
READY FOR A CLOSER LOOK?
Click here to see all of PIVOT’s modular options and shape your gym, your way. Perfect when you want true British-made quality that never lets you down.
Once you have the tools you need to grow, you’ll never perform in second gear ever again.
The benefits of equipping your home with a dedicated gym area are strong and will significantly impact your life.
Regular exercise is vital for your overall health and wellness. A home gym allows you to maintain a regular workout, which can help improve your cardiovascular health and increase muscle strength and endurance.
We all know nothing reduces stress levels like a good workout, so it's great to have some weights to press the stress out.
With a home gym, you can work out at any time you want, without having to worry about gym hours, travel time, or waiting for equipment to become available.
Over time, a home gym can be more cost-effective than paying for a gym membership or personal training sessions. You can also avoid additional costs such as transportation and parking fees.
READ MORE ABOUT THE COST COMPARISON OF A PIVOT BED
Some people prefer to work out in private, and a home gym allows for just that. You can exercise without worrying about others watching or judging you.
Home gyms have the benefit of customisation. You can customise your workout space to your liking. You can choose your own equipment, pick your own brands and decide the layout.
It isn't just the equipment you can control. You can control the environment. The area is yours. Choose your own music, watch what you want and set the temperature to how you like it.
Is family time and gym time a conflict? Having a home gym can allow you to exercise more. It will also encourage other family members to exercise regularly and promote a healthy lifestyle for the whole family.
Overall, a home gym can provide a convenient and cost-effective way to stay fit and healthy while also offering the privacy and customisation that some people prefer.
All homes are different, and the space we have for a workout space varies. The PIVOT bed folds up to create a gym rack for multiple workout options or to create a workout area. It is the ultimate solution for smaller properties or to optimise your guest's rooms.
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The PIVOT bed is a comfy and elegant bed designed to pivot upwards into a fully engineered and safety-tested gym and exercise space.
We have worked hard to ensure that neither bed comfort nor gym functionality has been compromised. The bed is made in the UK using high-quality steel and attention to detail manufacturing.
In short, we have created a solid, functional bit of kit that isn't compromised in either bed or gym mode.
To help you make a more considered purchase, we have put some comparisons together that shows how a PIVOT bed can fit into your lifestyle.
Top-quality Divan beds start at $2400 (£2000), which can go up to as much as $6000 (£5000).
The Divan base of the bed is typically made of a fabric-covered wood platform that supports the mattress. Some divan beds also have additional features, such as built-in storage compartments.
The PIVOT is a steel frame with modular wooden slats that folds down to hide your gym equipment.
High-quality Murphy or Wall beds start at $3000 (£2500) with endless configuration and styling, increasing the cost further.
There are thousands of home gym setups on the market. Nearly all have to be freestanding, or wall mounted. Even the foldable ones remain visible. Leaving you with a permanent structure.
A level-entry squat rack will cost only $600 (£500), but this will miss features such as storage, functionality and versatility.
A permanent higher-end home gym rack will start in the region of $2400 (£2000).
When you take in the dual function of the PIVOT bed, the value becomes apparent.
FURTHER READING: What's unique about the PIVOT Power Rack?
The average cost of a gym membership is around $50 (£42). For one person, that is an annual cost of $600 (£500). If you are in a household of gym fanatics, you could be looking at double $1200 (£1000) or even triple that cost.
It's hard to gauge the cost of commuting to your gym as it will depend on many factors, but here are some average costs to help you.
The average one-way fare on public transport in the US is €2.50, and in the UK, it is £2. You can check your average cost here.
Three trips to the gym a week could cost you $60 a month per person.
If you drive to the gym, you may be paying less than those on public transport. But a return trip to a gym 4 miles from your house could cost you up to $1.50. Then you need to factor in any parking costs you may incur.
Not all costs can be measured in dollars and pounds. On average, people live about 4 miles away from a gym. Time is very precious.
If that is your average, a home gym could save you lots of time, depending on how you get to yours.
🚗 10 minutes + parking
🚴♀️ 20 minutes + securing
🚌 30 minutes
🏃♀️ 40 minutes
🚶♂️ 80 minutes
The further you live away from the gym, the greater your costs. Also, research shows that the greater your distance from the gym, the lower your motivation to work out.
This extra free time could mean more time spent with your family or partner or time to spend on work, relaxing or more enjoyable home tasks.
There is also the time you lose at the gym waiting for the equipment to become available. With a home gym, you could condense your workout time, allowing you to enjoy other parts of your life without compromising your workout schedule.
@pivot.bed The PIVOT Bed is an innovative home gym unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Just lift it up and a whole power rack folds out! We even have a weight bench that folds flat and fits right under the bed. Tag a friend who you think needs this in their life! 🙌🏼 #homegym #homefitness #shred #indoorworkout ♬ original sound - PIVOT
Let’s kick start Week 4 with functional bodyweight exercises like pull-ups that are great for building your upper-body strength. Despite the common misconception that pull-ups are incredibly difficult, it’s actually possible for anyone – even if you don’t have strong arm and back muscles – to perform a pull-up. All you need to know is where and how to start, learn the correct form, and put in the time and effort.
Just like most bodyweight exercises, a pull-up uses your body as resistance instead of external weights and, while the exercise itself is straightforward, mastering it can be tricky for first timers.
What are the benefits of pull-ups?
Build upper body strength as pull-ups use several of your muscles in one movement, It's known as a compound exercise like rowing. It mimics natural movement improving coordination and balance.
Low-impact movement pull-ups go easy on your joints, so if you usually find high-impact workouts a struggle, pull-ups are a great low-impact exercise for you to build up your strength without placing an additional strain on your joints or exposing yourself to injury.
Don’t want the gains to stop?
This is why we created PIVOT.
The PIVOT home gym is about opening up space in your bedroom or a guest room so you can work out. It's about training in your own time, on your own terms and providing you with a multi-home gym where you can easily perform a combination of dead-lifts, squats and pull-ups, all at arm's reach.
Here are a few reasons why adding a commercial quality gym to your home, without sacrificing floor space, is one of the smartest moves you can make to stay on top of your fitness regime in 2023:
Instant Motivation because you’ll be able to see your gym whenever you get home
No More Excuses now that you have everything you need just a few steps away, all at arm's reach
Constant Inspiration because the more you train, the more you’ll love the gains you’re making
Ready to meet PIVOT? Explore our bestselling modular options and start building your home gym. We're ready when you are and we’ll be right there with you every lift of the way.
To enjoy 15% OFF PIVOT Bed, enter JANPI15 at check out. Offer ends 31st January. Don't miss out.
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We need to talk about your diet if you really want to realign yourself…
You’ve spent two weeks testing out your core and lower body, you have the energy to add in curls, presses and benching for your upper body, so it’s job done, right? Wrong. You need to work your way through these dietary tips that will allow you to take your training to the next level.
Cut the Sweet Treats and turn your nightly snacking session into a weekly cheat meal
Get More Lean Protein from natural sources while also reducing those heavy carbs
Always Stay Hydrated by swapping caffeinated drinks for water and electrolytes
On day one you probably don't think the sacrifice is worth it, but this is the moment you need to trust the process. In one week you’ll be more energized, in one month you’ll be leaner and in one year you’ll be completely transformed. Make today the day you start winning the battle against your diet. Just draw a mental line in the sand. Today is the start of a new way of living and stick to it. Your future self thanks you.
Squatting is the perfect exercise to start adding into your fitness routine. This is Week 2 of your January Get Fit Challenge and it’s the week where things start to get serious. It’s also the time you have to push through, lift your energy, and remind yourself that training is the best self-care and mood booster out there.
Every good gym will have a few different types of squat racks where you can start your workout. Get in early, claim the one with the best view of the mirrors, and then start warming up however you feel comfortable. Here’s a few variations that will shock your lower body into building lean muscle and burning away fat:
Hack Squats really make your quads work and are a great superset exercise
Wide Leg Squats force you to recruit your abductors and core muscles even more
Squat Lunges with alternating lead legs help you address strength imbalances
Add 3 sets of 8 reps onto the end of last week’s deadlift workout and you’ll be building functional strength with just 24 fast and focused lifts. You could even do a superset of bodyweight squats at the end to really feel the burn before you finish off with some light stretching.
Don’t forget to check your inbox regularly because our next email is going to cover the #1 thing you can do to support your training, regardless of your ability.
Happy lifting, and see you next week!
The best way to stay motivated is to make working out easy, accessible and all at arm's reach. Find out how below:
Team PIVOT
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This month, we're providing the most effective weekly tips to help you kickstart your 2023 fitness journey in a 4-part series. This is a huge reset that helps you start off the new year on the right track, so you can make daily progress and enjoy the journey every step of the way.
What exercise leads to the biggest gains and fat loss?
When you start to deadlift, your health and wellbeing go up a level! You’ve made it through the festive period, had fun and had plenty of time to rest and relax. What happens next? It’s time to get back to it, train like never before and take your physique, fitness and overall wellbeing to a completely new level
Start Light with the bar and smallest plates and focus on a single plane of motion
Keep it Tight by engaging your core to support your lower back the right way
Never Fight the bar on the way down — a smooth, controlled downward motion is needed
Concerned you'll not stick to your new year fitness resolutions and making it to the gym and lining up for equipment are all going to get in your way? One of the best ways to stay motivated is to make working out easy, accessible and all at arm's reach, enjoying fitness in your own time, and on your own terms. Find out how below...
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I've had some really poor nights sleep on sofa beds, cheap, creaky beds and lumpy mattresses and, yes, sofas. Some of these I can excuse – I mean, a sofa's for sitting on. Sofa beds I don't have so much sympathy for. They generally sit in a room where a sofa is little to no use, and then when folded out for a guest to sleep in, the sleeping platform and thin mattress are far from flat, or comfortable. Sofa beds are rarely the right answer to any question, in my opinion.
So, when I had the idea for PIVOT, there was no way it was going to be a compromised bed. I wanted to beat regular beds at their own game. The first two prototypes were more standard in terms of their sleeping platform – wide, softwood bed slats, like many cheap beds, which sagged in the middle. We always knew this wasn't good enough so, for the final product, we totally changed things.
You know those thin, flexible wooden slats which most beds have? Why do you think they're like that? Is it because they're flexible? Because they are good for your back? No, I'm afraid not, it's because they're cheap. That's right, the bed industry has been selling you a lie. Beds should not be flexible, they should offer a completely flat platform to allow your mattress to do its job. And they shouldn't creak, rattle or bang.
Designing the product so it could only be used with a unique type of mattress – otherwise known as 'the Apple model' – was never on the cards. We'll stick to making this great product and offer you, dear customer, the ability to use your existing mattress, or a new one of your choosing. With our perfectly flat, non-sagging platform, your mattress is perfectly set up to succeed. Mattresses are a very personal choice, so you should be able to make that choice.
As you may imagine, given its dual purpose, PIVOT Bed has an incredibly strong frame. Many times stronger than a traditional bed. Apart from the outer frame, it has two lengths of very strong, hollow-section steel across the middle (these are part of the dip-bar bracing), where most of your weight is and where most beds sag. We have a strong steel spine to the bed, which enables us to solve the 'cheap, flexible slat problem' a completely different, and much better way.
We use high quality, birch core plywood panels, CNC-cut into four quadrants, with stylish cutouts for mattress breathability. The light coloured layers of wood and darker glue layers create a pleasing decorative effect. Oh, and when we say "birch core" we don't mean "birch plywood" like is common in the US – this is often just a thin veneer of birch wood, with any old wood used for the core, and it's not strong, doesn't stay flat and isn't very pretty. This is all expensive, but we're not trying to compete with anyone, we're producing a one-of-a-kind, premium product which will last a lifetime and we've stayed true to that goal throughout the development process. Our guiding question has always been "what's the right thing to do?"
So, now that I've explained the relevant design points, is it comfortable? Well, yes. Yes it is.
]]>The original idea for PIVOT didn’t have a Power Rack. The first version that solved my own exercise problem was similar to our Lite model, which had a pull-up bar, dip-bars, and emphasised opening-up underused bedroom space to use as a dedicated workout zone – while remaining a comfortable guest bedroom when needed.
It didn’t take long for the Power Rack idea to materialise, though, and right from the start it has been included in about 85% of our customer orders. That being said, it was a challenge to come up with something this good.
There are lots of generic folding racks on the market designed to fit onto a wall, so would they work? Can you add any folding rack to PIVOT? The answer is a resounding no.
This isn’t about us creating a closed ecosystem where our accessories can only be used with our own-branded products (like some well-known brands!). It’s actually a much more complex design challenge than you may think, and as a result there is a lot of additional manufacturing cost in our rack.
If we bolted a generic folding rack to the underside of the bed, it would make lowering PIVOT into its horizontal bed mode virtually impossible because the feet of the power rack would hit the floor every time, even in the stored position, close to the bed frame.
The PIVOT Power Rack in its closed position
Our solution to the above problem has been to design telescopic feet in each upright that not only push down hard into the floor using strong levers, but also hold the feet up for storage through the use of a spring-loaded mechanism. This enables us to store weight plates on the folding rack arms using an optional accessory. To finish it off, and to tackle the issue of potentially uneven floors, we add swivelling, adjustable feet with a high-grip rubber base.
Without this design, the rack uprights wouldn’t have a solid connection to the floor, causing them to move across the floor, as well as inhibit the use of any substantial weight on the rack arms. No one wants an unstable rack.
Most folding power racks simply have a pull-pin close to the hinge of each arm, and it’s enough to stop it from swinging out when not in use. When you have to deal with the rack being switched into a horizontal position, the forces on that hinge and pin are going to become too much – things would bend and ultimately break. The PIVOT Power Rack not only deals with this, but also enables you to store your weight plates on the rack, so it has to deal with this, too. We use two very strong poly-webbing straps, custom made for us with a heavy-duty clamping buckle – the more force is applied to try to pull the strap apart, the tighter the buckle grips the strap, and it’s rated to securely hold many times more weight than needed.
Virtually all power racks, even the folding variety, are considerably higher than the length of a traditional bed. Bolt a generic rack to the underside of a bed and you’ll have the uprights sticking out of the end of your bed a considerable distance. Our rack matches the length/height of your chosen bed, so nothing protrudes, but you get the maximum height possible upright height for each bed length. We match the size to your bed order behind the scenes so you don’t have to be specific about this when ordering.
If your ceiling is high and you’d like a higher pull-up bar, we offer an Extension accessory, which can add over 400mm (16”) of height to your pull-up bar.
A generic, wall-mounted power rack consists of around 60 components – screws included. Our rack includes 189 separate components and requires a huge amount of additional manufacturing. To ensure the telescopic parts at the top and bottom slide effortlessly in and out of the uprights, we bond low-friction plastic strips onto the inner parts using a powerful structural adhesive. To ensure your rack lasts a lifetime and doesn’t make annoying sounds, the swingarms pivot on self-lubricating bushes.
You may wonder if the additional complexity reduces the strength of the rack. Undeniably it does, but the weakest component in each rack upright has been rated to over one metric tonne! That’s 2,205 lbs. Per upright. That includes a safety factor of x2.5, so if you’re planning on racking 5 metric tonnes on your PIVOT Power Rack’s twin uprights, you should probably get in touch – we’ll sponsor you as you’d be lifting about ten times more than any person in history! If you’re not reaching those records then we’re quietly confident.
We've had a lot of people use a PIVOT Power Rack, and I can't remember a single one who didn't comment on how stable and sturdy it is. That seems to be what's on their mind – can a rack on a bed really be sturdy and secure? It can, and it is. Our bed is much stronger than most timber walls, which is what most folding racks are attached to. We use tighter manufacturing tolerances than normal, and that prevents movement between parts. The lever mechanism detailed above means that we are unique in how grounded and connected to the floor our rack is. PIVOT Bed is a heavy product, especially when you add a mattress, some stored weight plates and perhaps a barbell (which can be clamped to the bottom of the bed using our optional storage solution). We stipulate that the PIVOT Bed must be attached securely and structurally to either the wall behind the head of the bed or screwed into the floor, but this is due to the physics of how weight transfers during the pivoting motion. It has little to nothing to do with the stability of the product when vertical, though it does further improve the stability.
Well yes, of course we have. Many months ago, I was appalled to find that safety testing in this industry is, believe it or not, self-certification. Companies can literally just tell you they have tested their equipment, with nothing to back it up. Think for a second about what that means for all the ridiculously cheap equipment you keep eyeing up on Amazon. Is any of it safety tested? I have my own views.
We test to BS EN ISO 20957-1 Stationary Training Equipment – General Safety Requirements and Test Methods, which is a globally recognised, British Standard. It's widely misunderstood, with many brands failing to understand important concepts like 'safety factor' and therefore quoting misleading figures.
We’ve also tested our pull-up bars and dip-bars dynamically, simulating 12,000 exercises using our custom-designed, computer-controlled test rig. This is not the maximum number of repetitions we warranty the rack for – that’s infinite reps over 25 years – it’s just the number demanded by the British Safety Standard.
We’re well aware of Occam’s Razor – all other things being equal, the simplest solution is best – but all power racks are not equal.
Colin
PIVOT Founder
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Here are some of the many happy new owners of a PIVOT whose beds we delivered and installed:
For three days, we showcased PIVOT bed to shoppers and to those who travelled all the way just to see it in action.
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We’re very excited to announce that we’ve partnered with Ribble Packaging, the UK’s leading manufacturer of 100% recycled and recyclable fanfold cardboard packaging.
Ribble is the nation’s sole distributor of the Italian Panotec machine – one of which we had installed last week to produce all of our packaging needs for PIVOT.
Panotec packaging solutions produce state-of-the-art right-size boxes to eliminate the use of plastic, void fill and any excess packaging.
Learn more here
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We're delighted to announce that we've been selected as finalists in this year's Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2021!
Founded in 2013, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the United Kingdom.
The Awards have celebrated some outstanding entrepreneurs who have gone on to become household names. Previous winners include the founders of BrewDog, Grenade, Tangle Teezer, The LADBible, Clearscore & The Cambridge Satchel Company.
Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said: “We have seen some incredible finalists over the years, and this year is no exception. It really is one of the strongest shortlists we’ve ever had, and the fact that so many exceptional people have applied during such a tough year is a testament to the resolve and entrepreneurial talent that exists across the UK.
“As well as the recognition, our finalists and eventual winners will join our fantastic alumni community that supports each other all year round. From networking and thought leadership, right the way through to mentoring and guidance – being a part of our ecosystem of entrepreneurs can be incredibly rewarding."
“Creating the shortlist out of so many wonderful applications was incredibly tough, so I don’t envy the judges who will now decide the regional winners. Everyone who has been shortlisted should be incredibly proud and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase their achievements.”
Anne Boden MBE, founder of Starling Bank, headline partner for the Awards, said: “In the unique circumstances we’ve seen over the past year, many entrepreneurs from every corner of the country have found ways to grow and to prosper. This year’s finalists are the ones who have shown the agility and imagination to adapt and we wish every one of them the best of luck.”
]]>We're excited to share that PIVOT featured on a household game show in Japan this past weekend.
Hatsumimi-gaku showcases highly knowledgeable Professor 'Hayashi Sensei' and his fellow panelists who test him on new and trendy, innovative products around the world, so it's an absolute honour that they contacted us and that PIVOT is receiving so much interest at home and abroad.
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