Total Fitness Solutions - Issue 2 - Design and Layout

Life Fitness’ Solutions package offers clients an extensive range of products and services. In this new monthly column, Arron Williams, Life Fitness Academy Manager, shares his thoughts on the various components which come together to form a ‘Total Fitness Solution’ and examines how you can maximise your facility’s potential in each of these areas.

This month we kick off with a look at the important issue of gym design and layout.

Gyms can be intimidating places, the size and mass of equipment can often be overwhelming, particularly for new members and novice exercisers. Work undertaken by the Life Fitness Academy suggests that the design and layout of a gym can improve the members’ workout experience, promote exercise adherence and in turn, have a significant impact on a club’s retention rate. So how do you make sure that you get the most out of your gym layout, ensuring it is welcoming, user friendly and sure to keep your members coming back for more?

1. The design of a gym will, of course, depend on the size and shape of the room and how much equipment is being installed. Nevertheless there are a few rules that are common to all sites: A light airy room with lots of daylight and good air conditioning is essential. Where possible use sweeping curves and wavy pathways to give a more natural feel and avoid rows upon rows of equipment. Natural materials such as oak, beech, marble and granite, together with artwork and creative lighting will add atmosphere and mood to a room. Finally, you must ensure that all building regulations have been met including health and safety and the Disability Discrimination Act.

2. As far as equipment is concerned, it is essential to incorporate a selection of products that are easy to use and suitable for exercisers of all ages and ability levels. Intersperse CV with strength equipment to create areas of interest and provide distinctive spaces in the gym that encourage people to relax, chat and stretch, as well as work out. 

3. Equipment should be arranged in distinctive zones according to the exercisers’ level of skill and competency. Life Fitness’ “Fit IQ” formula enables operators to select a mix of cardiovascular and resistance machines that offer variety and logical progression. So as users become more experienced and confident, they are steadily introduced to a wider range of equipment and can make an easy and natural transition between each zone. For example, Life Fitness’ continuum of strength products includes equipment from the selectorised ranges such as the Pro2 SE and Signature Series, Hammer Strength Motion Technology Selectorised (MTS) through to the Cable Motion Series, Hammer Strength plate-loaded, Ground Base and Hammer Strength free weight range.

4. Your equipment manufacturer should be able to help you with the design of your facility right through from inception to completion. Life Fitness can show operators their proposed gym in full colour 3D. These images can then be used in marketing materials or committee appraisals as printed media, via the web, or on a CD. The ultimate presentation tool is a total-immersion virtual walkthrough tour of the gym on a CD, which is a powerful pre-sales tool, demonstrating to potential members exactly how your facility will look.

For more information about  Life Fitness Solutions call 01353 666 017.

 

 

BACK TO LIST OF ARTICLES

NEXT ARTICLE