Flexbox is a cutting-edge home workout system designed in California and made in South Africa. Created by experts in human performance and strength training, it combines top-notch ergonomics with the convenience of at-home fitness.
This versatile system maximizes resistance training and keeps you motivated.
Glamour: What inspired you to combine your expertise in human performance and strength conditioning with the design of the Flexbox?
Van Aarde: The inspiration came from seeing how many people struggle to stick with their fitness routines due to limited time and access to quality equipment. Let’s be honest, most exercise equipment on the market is mediocre. It’s bulky, inefficient, and an eyesore. I wanted to create something that offers a professional-level workout - at home, replacing many popular gym machines and catering to different exercise styles. My wife, Rachel, ensured it would be compact and multi-functional, serving multiple purposes beyond exercise while offering convenient storage. She also emphasised its appearance, designing color options that complement various home decor. The result is Flexbox - compact, functional, and stylish, seamlessly integrating effective training into any lifestyle.
Glamour: How did your background as a trainer to professional athletes and Hollywood celebrities influence the ergonomic design of the Flexbox?
Van Aarde: Training athletes and celebrities is demanding and requires creating workouts that are safe, effective, and adaptable to different fitness levels, especially for clients preparing for demanding roles or dealing with injuries. The ergonomic design of Flexbox reflects this experience, ensuring that anyone, regardless of fitness level, can use it comfortably while offering the intensity athletes need. The design promotes proper form and alignment during workouts, reducing the risk of injury and maximising performance.
Glamour: What specific ergonomic features did you incorporate into the Flexbox to enhance resistance training effectiveness?
Van Aarde: It is designed with strategically placed resistance band anchors that provide varied resistance angles, allowing you to target different muscle groups and adjust the intensity as needed. The grooves on the box add stability, preventing bands from slipping while increasing resistance. Its height and length is optimised for box jumps, bench presses, and pulling movements.
The adjustable backrest and seat promote proper posture, essential for effective strength training. For instance, raising the seat ensures the correct form for glute bridges, reducing strain on the neck and lower back. It’s also ideal for Pilates, with the raised seat functioning similarly to a reformer’s foot bar, enabling reformer-like exercises and stretches, which are particularly popular among actors and models. You can perform over 300 exercises, making it a versatile addition to any fitness routine.
Glamour: How did you decide on the use of durable vegan leather and brushed gold finishes for the Flexbox? What role do these materials play in both performance and aesthetics?
Rachel: We wanted it to be as stylish as it is functional. The vegan leather is durable, easy to clean, offers comfort and support during workouts, and looks amazing. The brushed gold finishes add a touch of luxury, making it a piece of furniture that complements any home while still being high-performing fitness equipment.
Glamour: The Flexbox is available in tan and black. How did you choose these colors, and how do they complement modern home decor?
Rachel: We selected cream/tan and black for their timeless appeal and versatility. These neutral shades, paired with the gold finishes, offer an understated elegance that complements a range of home decor styles - whether modern, minimalist, or traditional. This ensures that the Flexbox blends seamlessly into any environment without drawing too much attention, allowing it to serve as both a functional fitness tool and a stylish piece of furniture.
Glamour: In what ways does the design cater to both professional athletes and casual users?
Van Aarde: It’s incredibly versatile. For professional athletes, it provides a full range of resistance training options that challenge strength, balance, agility, and endurance. For casual users, it’s easy to set up and use, allowing them to build strength at their own pace. Whether you're a beginner or a fitness enthusiast, Flexbox is fully equipped with adjustable weights, a Pilates bar, slides, a slam ball, a yoga mat, and a resistance tube set with handles, ankle straps, and a fabric band. This setup supports a wide variety of exercise styles, including HIIT, functional training, Pilates, yoga, and even physical therapy for injuries. Its compact design also offers convenience without compromising performance, making it ideal for anyone seeking a versatile home workout solution.
Glamour: What unique aspects set it apart from other resistance training equipment on the market?
Rachel: It’s unique because it’s not just a workout bench - it’s a fully functional gym that doubles as a stylish piece of furniture. Its hidden storage keeps your equipment neatly out of sight, and its compact design is ideal for small spaces. It’s lightweight, portable, and offers a variety of workout options without needing multiple machines. Plus, it’s ready to use right out of the box - no wall installation or heavy lifting required. There’s nothing else on the market that combines style, function, and space-saving benefits quite like it.
Glamour: Can you discuss how the design contributes to its durability and overall performance?
Rachel: It is built to last, using high-quality materials that can withstand regular, intense use. The resistance bands are top-grade, and the bench provides the firm support needed for heavy lifting. This ensures long-term durability and reliable performance so that users can count on Flexbox for years of effective workouts.
Glamour: What was the process like for manufacturing the Flexbox in South Africa, and how does it contribute to the quality of the final product?
Van Aarde: Manufacturing in South Africa was a deliberate choice. Being South African, I felt a strong connection to the local craftsmanship, and when we found engineers and manufacturers who could deliver the quality we wanted, it felt like the perfect fit. South Africans can make great things! We were excited to support local businesses while keeping a close eye on quality control. By producing locally, we could work directly with artisans and manufacturers to refine the design and construction. The upholstery on every Flexbox is custom-made and fitted. This hands-on approach ensured that each one meets our exacting standards for both durability and aesthetics.
Glamour: How do you envision the Flexbox fitting into the daily lives of users, both in terms of functionality and aesthetic appeal?
Rachel: It is designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life, making fitness easily accessible for those without a nearby gym, those who prefer to avoid gyms or anyone with a busy lifestyle. You can easily fit in a quick workout before the kids wake up, during their playtime, or between meetings. Eliminating the need for an expensive gym membership and the hassle of commuting to a traditional gym. For regular gym-goers, it serves as a convenient supplement for those times when getting to the gym is challenging. This way, you can save time and spend it with family and friends, pursue hobbies you love, or simply relax. Whether you're doing a morning workout or evening stretching, Flexbox fits effortlessly into any routine while enhancing your home’s aesthetic. It’s an investment that will last for years!
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