Case Study: University of Wisconsin Madison
At the University of Wisconsin Madison, fitness and recreation play a central role in student life. Across the Nicholas Recreation Center and the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, thousands of students move through these spaces each day, creating a constant demand for equipment that can keep up. Supporting both traditional strength training and functional movement in such high-traffic environments requires solutions that are not only durable, but also efficient, versatile, and approachable for a wide range of users.
As usage across both facilities continued to grow, UW-Madison faced a familiar challenge: how to maximize training capacity without overcrowding the floor. Strength and free weight areas often became congested, particularly during peak hours, while newer or less experienced users could find traditional setups intimidating. The university needed equipment that could streamline workouts, open up space, and create a more welcoming environment without sacrificing performance or durability.
To address this, UW-Madison introduced the FITBENCH One as a core part of its training
ecosystem. The first installation came in 2020, with seven units placed inside the Nicholas Recreation Center. Building on that success, the university expanded its footprint in 2023 with eight additional units installed at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, with more currently on the way. By integrating adjustable bench tops, dumbbell storage, and functional training accessories into a single, compact station, FITBENCH provided a way to consolidate multiple pieces of equipment into one streamlined solution.
Implementation was intentional and strategic. Rather than confining the benches to a single area, UW-Madison distributed them throughout key training zones to enhance flow and accessibility. Units can be found in strength training and free weight areas, on functional turf zones, and near basketball courts where students often incorporate conditioning into their routines. They’re also positioned along indoor track perimeters for warm-ups and active recovery, as well as adjacent to boxing bag areas to support circuit-style training. During the summer months, the versatility of the benches extends even further, with units moved outdoors to rooftop turf spaces, expanding training capacity beyond the walls of the facility.
This flexibility has made FITBENCH a natural fit for a wide variety of training styles. Students use the benches for independent strength sessions, functional circuits, accessory lifts, and everything from warm-ups to mobility work. Everything is housed within a single station, making transitions between exercises quick and seamless, reducing downtime and allowing for more efficient workouts.
The impact has been felt across UW-Madison’s diverse student population. FITBENCH has become especially popular among individuals who prefer a more self-directed training experience, offering an alternative to crowded racks and traditional free weight setups. By lowering barriers and simplifying the workout environment, it helps create a space that feels more approachable while still meeting the needs of experienced lifters.
“FITBENCH plays a big role in how we support strength training and functional movement
across UW-Madison. With two high-traffic facilities, we rely on equipment that can handle constant use from a large and diverse community. The all-in-one, space-efficient design of the FITBENCH One gives both beginners and experienced lifters everything they need in one place, encouraging creativity, smooth transitions, and a wide range of training styles. What makes FITBENCH especially meaningful to us is the combination of innovation and local roots. The benches are made right here in Wisconsin, and the team has been an exceptional partner—responsive, thoughtful, and committed to quality.” — John Offerman, Assistant Director of Fitness
By reducing congestion, improving flow, and supporting both structured and independent training, FITBENCH has become an integral part of UW–Madison’s fitness environment. As participation continues to grow, the university plans to expand its use even further, adding more units to meet demand and continue evolving alongside the needs of its students.