How Can Fitness Centers Benefit From Better Design?

The global health and fitness club industry is booming, generating more than $80 billion each year. However, that doesn't mean gym-goers will walk into the first club they find. Instead, they do their research to find a spot that fits their needs, and their preferences are leading to more creative and wellness-oriented spaces.

Developing fitness space requires thoughtful planning in order to meet both the owner’s and customers’ needs. If you want to impress anyone who walks through the door, consider how your fitness center can benefit from better design. 

1.1 Interactive Technology 
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Gym-goers want to stay connected, even when working up a sweat. No matter the size or type of your fitness facility, you can upgrade to the latest tech. One attractive design element is plug-in cardio equipment, which allows people to track their workouts, stream movies from Netflix, listen to Spotify and much more. 

Other types of tech can broaden the fitness experience. For example, relieve the monotony of a stationary bike with interactive add-ons like outdoor scenery and games. Instead of riding in a straight line, a biker can look for coins and race against dragons. 
1. 2 Multi-Functional Spaces
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Today's fitness lovers want multi-functional spaces that allow for a variety of activities in one spot. Functional strength training has seen a rise in popularity. Make the most of a fitness center’s floor plan to accommodate these exercises.

Provide enough space so people can stretch into a yoga pose or train with resistance bands. Make room to display accessories like medicine balls, plyometric boxes, free weights and mats. Even a small amount of square footage dedicated to functional exercises can have a significant benefit. 
1.3 A Shift Toward Wellness
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Gyms of old used to be about powerful equipment, fluorescent lights and loud stereos. Today, designers understand the desire for better workout facilities. The gym of the future has wellness incorporated into every detail — natural lighting, calming acoustics, peaceful paint colors and more. 

Biophilic design is also making its way into the fitness space. This type of design focuses on integrating the natural world into a human-made environment. According to experts, exercising in a green space has proven benefits for your physical and emotional well-being. 
1.4 Sustainable Materials
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Today's consumers — including fitness lovers — are more eco-conscious than ever. They spend their money deliberately by seeking out brands that share the same values. By deploying sustainable and eco-friendly practices, you can do good and set any fitness center apart from competitors.

Sourcing green materials is key to designing spaces with minimal waste. Consider interlocking modular tile flooring, for example. The sustainably sourced material, engineered from eco-friendly materials, is also cushy to the touch and sleek-looking. Look for recycled materials, such as steel or wood, which have less of an environmental impact than using new elements. 
1.5 The Use of Sprint Tracks
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Sprint tracks are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern gyms. Many people love to run, though the weather doesn't cooperate year-round. A sprint track is an excellent place to break a sweat, whether it's dark, rainy, snowing or sweltering hot. The pliable material is also ideal for those with joint pain. 

A track can elevate your fitness center design. Dedicate a space along the wall that's separate from the main gym area. As an alternative, make the track the centerpiece of your facility, running it straight down the middle. You should also devote a square of the track to weight exercises and functional training.
1.6 Upgraded Locker Rooms
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If athletic spaces want to stand out from the competition, it's crucial to have the best and most advanced equipment. However, today's gym-goers want something more — luxury locker rooms. Focus on both fitness and wellness by providing members with a place to relax and unwind. 

Incorporate natural elements like wood lockers, stone countertops, ceramic tiles and glass shower doors. The women's locker rooms might have extra counter space for ladies to dry their hair or put on makeup. The men's, on the other hand, might incorporate elements like extra-large lockers or additional sinks. 
The Advantages of a Design-Minded Approach
You need to understand what people want to benefit from fitness center design. With the amount of competition, you can't get by with the standard treadmill and free weight collection. 

Instead, focus on integrating adaptive technology that connects gym-goers to the outside world. Consider the shift toward sustainability, both in design and eco-conscious consumers. You should also combine fitness and wellness to achieve an overall sense of calm and community. 


Author Bio: This post was written by Holly Welles. She is a real estate writer and the editor behind The Estate Update. She’s passionate about the ways in which the industry is changing and loves to stay on top of millennial market trends. You can find more of Holly's thoughts on Twitter @HollyAWelles.

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