From the arrangement of cardio equipment down to the colour of the walls, Juliana Mare chats to design experts to find out their top tips for gym floor design to maximise functionality and member enjoyment.
The importance of gym flooring design for member retention
What convinces a person to join a gym? Of course, factors like price and location are crucial in the decision-making process, but did you know that design features could also significantly impact a final decision?
Designated training spaces, traffic flow, machine availability, equipment variety and colour schemes are design features, which can be instrumental in membership sales and retention rates. Ultimately, the overall aesthetic of a gym and its layout will determine how comfortable a member is within the gym and whether or not they will return.
Pavigym Brand Manager, Anthony Barker says imagining how your space will work most effectively during your peak period, is the best strategy when it comes to design. “The best layouts utilise efficiently, all the areas of the gym…while catering specifically to the needs of their clientele.“
Integral to achieving this is dividing your space into specific training zones, helping to simplify the overall layout of the gym. This extends further than the obvious cardio and weights division to truly maximise every nook and cranny. Products like the Pavigym Functional Zone 2.0, “can transform previously under-utilised areas into exciting, new small group training spaces,” says Anthony.
Getting creative with gym flooring designs
An innovative new approach, Pavigym’s Functional Training uses line markings and shapes on the floor to create fun and exciting circuit stations. These easy-to-follow stations can include a range of linear and round shapes with the option of anchors and friction surfaces, offering members an extremely versatile space to liven their workouts.
Specifically designed based on the spatial limits of the floor, this is a clever solution for gyms to transform existing spaces without the need for any major renovation time or cost.
According to Precor’s National Marketing Manager, Richard Derbyshire, 11 per cent of gym members leave because they feel too crowded. Spacing and layout should, therefore, be a key consideration. To help create an open and spacious feeling, Richard suggests structuring cardio spaces in height order, with taller equipment like cross-trainers behind treadmills and rowers. Choosing the right equipment, in terms of size and quantity will impact the aesthetic and sense of openness. While availability of the equipment is incredibly important, overcrowding can deter members.
Gym flooring solutions for noise reduction
Gym and Fitness Consultant, Jonathan Deering says decisions about type and quantity are determined by knowing what specific type of training will be performed. ‘A functional training space will feature larger open spaces to allow for Olympic Lifting and various body weight exercises. Having multi-stack jungles are a fantastic way to use your space and save money, rather than having individual, standalone machines.’
Flooring is also important to consider as the right material can benefit members and your bank account. For longevity in high traffic and high impact areas, Jonathan says rubber tile is the best option. “Rubber tiles will help with noise reduction and reduce vibration in your gym.“
Equally important as the layout and positioning of a gym is the interior design, yet these subtleties are sometimes overlooked. Colour psychology if often used in marketing as different colours are recognised as stimulants for particular emotions. While colours like red and orange are considered to be invigorating, Richard says research shows people lift heavier weights when surrounded by blue hues while black tends to evoke feelings of power and strength. Consider using different colour schemes and graphics throughout the gym; stretch stations should be calming; using pastel colours while a weight zone could include motivational posters or quotes to increase participation.
A great gym layout will help members feel comfortable and provide them the opportunities for the most efficient workout. The positioning, aesthetic and division of the space all play an important part in the overall success of a gym’s layout.
Equal attention to all three means your gym won’t just look good, it will feel good too; for members and staff alike.
Check out the WNiF Suppliers Guide for a full list of Gym Flooring Suppliers click here.
Article written exclusively by Juliana Mare for What’s New in Fitness magazine and website.
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