Fitness centers fill a market need for people who want access to gym equipment and classes to maintain their physical fitness. However, interior design, arrangement, and decor are essential in these places of business.
Consistency for Members
The first and foremost factor of importance in the interior design of fitness centers is consistency for members. Many fitness chains allow members to use all of their facilities with just a single membership.
Most clients will have a “home” gym they use most of the time, but there might be occasions when they visit other locations. In these situations, members will be looking for the same amenities, equipment, and layout. A fitness chain must take this into account during the design phase. For instance, Chuze gyms in Orange County follow the same design theme as those in Denver. This allows members to seamlessly transition from one location to another, whether due to travel or job-related relocation.
This is no different from what McDonald’s does or how almost all casinos have the same layout. The only difference is the intended results. By providing consistency and familiarity, fitness centers establish an unrivaled level of comfort and reliability.
Doing this is almost a form of branding. When clients walk into one location, they know what machines and options will be there and where they are located.
Proper Layout
Proper layout is necessary for several reasons:
- Equipment: Planning out the layout well is crucial for the fitness equipment. Proper design means you can make sure you have all the necessary categories of fitness equipment. You can also break it down further to ensure you have enough machines to meet peak demand without overspending on too much equipment or even too much physical space.
- Safety: Any piece of fitness equipment is going to need a safe space around. Anyone using the machines or pieces of equipment will need enough space to use them properly. On top of that, technicians and fitness center personnel might need sufficient space around each machine for proper cleaning and maintenance.
- Breathing Room: Clients know that fitness centers can get packed, but they still expect enough room to move freely between the machines. People should be able to move around safely even when every machine is in full use.
- In and Out: It’s not enough for clients to be able to move freely between machines that might be in use safely. They also want to move quickly. People using a gym are likely to be busy in terms of lifestyle. While they want to get their exercise in, they want to get it done with and move on with their day, especially if it’s time to hit the showers.
Effective Decor
The visual aesthetics of a fitness center play a considerable role in the success of client workouts and, therefore, the entire facility. This includes several specific categories:
- Lighting: Brighter lighting makes people more active. Natural light is best, but use soft lighting when artificial lights are necessary. Adjustable lighting is an excellent choice because you can turn it up for HIIT training but down for yoga classes.
- Colors: Bold colors can project power and productivity, which might help people exercise. However, they can also lead to irritation and aggression. Neon colors are also known to be stimulating, but they can also be overdone. Blue tones are calming, and green tones are nurturing. However, avoid yellow-greens, as they might inspire sickness.
In Summary
The interior design, layout, and decor of any fitness center will impact how comfortable and confident clients are. This, in turn, boosts the profitability of the centers that pay heed to these crucial aspects.
These fundamentals are essential to any fitness center. While retail chains would be wise to adopt these principles, they are equally valid in many settings: a home gym, a residential gym for renters, hotel gyms for guests, or a corporate gym for private employees.
