Well Away From Home

At Matrix, we love a unique challenge. So when EVEN Hotels, an IHG brand, approached us about developing a piece of equipment for an in-room training zone for every room they offer, we were excited to create a complete solution specific to their needs.
Working together, we developed something as unique as the challenge we faced - the Functional Training Pole, an all-in-one training device exclusive to Even Hotels.

A Functional Conversation

With the growing popularity of functional fitness training, our team and Even Hotels connected and soon began creating a complete, versatile functional training system that would double as a focal point for the room. With good ideas coming from every angle, Matrix and Even Hotels agreed on a piece of equipment that could offer multi-directional resistance and stretching exercises for guests of all sizes and ability levels.
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Studying Structures & Style

Before our functional training solution could become a reality, we had to explore the physical and aesthetic characteristics of the actual hotel rooms. The Even Hotels team helped our designers and engineers understand every aspect of their business so we could create a visually-pleasing, space-friendly solution that could be manufactured with efficient repeatability.
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Matching Form & Function

Exploring existing equipment and new prototypes, our model shop began to machine an adjustable telescoping steel pole that would be anchored to the load-bearing concrete floor and ceiling of the hotel rooms. We then consulted with functional training experts and Even Hotels to define the look and feel of the training zones.

Collaborative Manufacturing in Action

After extensive testing, we were ready to move into production. Even Hotels had a strong preference for the Functional Training Pole to be American-made for sustainability reasons and to reduce the environmental impact of shipping overseas. We tracked down sources from different small fabricators in Wisconsin, home to our North American headquarters, and the collaboration of many different people brought on the final design of the Functional Training Pole. The Even Hotels team was thrilled with the final product, and many of the learnings discovered by Matrix during the development process were applied to our popular Connexus Functional Training System, which can be found in health clubs around the world.

An Enduring Legacy of Collaboration

As of today, the Functional Training Pole has been the centerpiece of the Even Hotels in-room training zone for over six years. The team at Even Hotels provides resistance bands, TRX suspension straps, yoga mats, foam rollers and on-demand instructional videos via their in-room TVs, giving guests everything they need for a superior functional training workout. This is more relevant now during the COVID-19 era than ever, since many travelers are reluctant or unable to enter general-use fitness facilities. In the end, the Functional Training Pole stands tall as an example of what can be accomplished when motivated, talented professionals come together to create a fitness and wellness solutions that’s accessible to all.
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About EVEN® Hotels

The EVEN® Hotels brand was launched in 2012 as the hotel industry’s first and only hotel brand created with wellness at its core. EVEN Hotels empowers guests to maintain their wellness routine while on the road by providing options to choose what that means to them. The brand has intentionally designed every aspect of the hotel experience, in every square foot across all properties, with an emphasis on four components: eating well, resting easy, keeping active and accomplishing more. For more information about the EVEN Hotels brand, visit www.EVENHotels.com.