Intentional Planning for Fitness Spaces Enhancing
Safety & Accessibility
At Advantage Sport & Fitness, we are passionate about the role that fitness plays in our well-being. Our findings outlined here dive into the positive effects and community-building properties of shared fitness facilities.
INTRODUCTION
Advantage Sport & Fitness is the leader in high-end and accessible fitness center design. Serving Universities, healthcare & rehab centers, multifamily developments, hospitality, and more - our team takes a holistic approach to designing and outfitting premier fitness spaces. Contact our expert design team for a one-of-a-kind consultation and to explore our premium line of equipment brands.
Let’s explore how intentionally designed fitness spaces can boost well-being and build community. We’ll look at everything from innovative layouts to the latest trends, helping you create spaces that enhance marketability and resident satisfaction.
Building Future-Proof and Engaging Fitness Facilities
Beyond simply checking the “gym equipment box,” the intentional design of the fitness space integrates safety, accessibility, and user experience into every aspect. Our team specializes in creating environments that support wellness, minimize risk, and adapt to shifting trends in fitness and technology.
The Importance of Fitness Amenities in Modern Spaces
A well-integrated fitness facility can significantly impact property value, user satisfaction, and overall community engagement. Research indicates that:
47% 28%
of residents prefer renting in communities with a gym or fitness center.
87% of renters view the absence of a gym as a deal-breaker.
of multifamily residents state that amenities play a significant role in their renting decisions.
Comprehensive fitness centers are no longer a luxury amenity but an expectation for today’s renters.
As wellness becomes a core focus in residential and commercial design, spaces that promote active lifestyles can set a property apart. Additionally, fitness facilities are proven to drive revenue, increase lease renewals, and improve tenant retention and satisfaction.
Key Principles of Fitness Safety and Accessibility
Creating a safe and accessible fitness environment requires intentional planning and consideration of universal design principles.
Our design team pays great attention to the overall experience when planning fitness spaces, factoring in demographics and diverse populations. Understanding your community and population will inform the types of equipment and layout of a space to ensure maximum usage. For example, a 65+ community fitness center likely needs fewer free weights and plate-loaded machines, while requiring more intermediate dumbbells and handrails for balance.
The following considerations are intended to foster an environment that is both welcoming and functionally accessible to all individuals:
Focus on Exerciser-Centered Design
• Design for your audience: most fitness facilities are required to accommodate diverse populations, including young adults, middle-aged individuals, and seniors.
• Incorporate accessibility features such as ramps, widened walkways, and ADAcompliant equipment spacing.
• Enhance usability with clear, legible signage and wayfinding.
• Inclusion of appropriate air flow and fans are very important, especially in hot and humid geographical locations.
• Improve visibility and enhance safety proper lighting and mirrored walls.
• Consider user flow to minimize congestion and ensure smooth movement throughout the space.
• Factor in natural light, direct sun impacts, glare, and window efficiency.
• Create safe space for storage of personal items, such as cubbies or lockers.
Strategically Allocate Space
Determining the minimum appropriate square footage for a fitness center requires understanding resident utilization rates and space-per-user ratios.
A standard calculation includes these factors:
• 20% of residents use the gym.
• 2.35 occupants per unit.
• 17 square feet required per user.
Example:
For a 100-unit building, this translates to 799 square feet of dedicated fitness space.
Additional considerations include flexibility in space planning to allow for evolving fitness trends, such as group training or virtual workouts.
Create Zones for Safety and Flow
• Establish distinct zones for cardio (treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers), strength training (pin-select stack, loaded resistance towers), functional fitness (core, mobility, bodyweight training), and free weights (benches, dumbbells, racks) to ensure a logical flow and minimize risk.
• Ensure proper spacing between machines to prevent overcrowding and allow for safe movement.
• Guarantee overhead clearance for overhead lifts, ventilation systems, and virtual workout areas.
• Adhere to ADA compliance for equipment placement and circulation pathways.
• Place mirrors and visual markers to support proper exercise form and injury prevention.
• When space permits, create even more opportunities with private studios, and on-trend fitness spaces (Pilates, cycling, rowing, functional training).
Choose the Right Flooring Solutions
• Install flooring that is evaluated for durability, traction, and shock absorption.
• Reduce noise through acoustic-friendly materials to prevent disturbances in adjacent areas.
• Visualize workout zones through color coding and inlaid signage to clearly define workout areas.
• Consider both wet and dry surface materials to minimize slipping hazards, especially near locker rooms and hydration stations.
Future-Proof Your Fitness Spaces for Longevity
The fitness industry continues to evolve with emerging trends, including digital fitness solutions, hybrid workout models, and outdoor fitness spaces. To ensure long-term adaptability, consider the following:
Integrate Infrastructure & Technology
• Strategically place power and data outlets for digital fitness solutions.
• Ensure seamless streaming and smart device operation with dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Install systems that enable digital coaching and virtual fitness platforms for remote and on-demand workouts.
• Consider the addition of interactive training experiences, such as connected treadmills, smart mirrors, and AIpowered coaching tools.
Create Flexible Layouts and MultiUse Spaces
• Design modular concepts that allow spaces to be reconfigured based on user demand.
• Integrate multipurpose fitness areas for classes, smallgroup training, and community events.
• Install adaptable storage solutions for equipment to maximize space efficiency.
• Dedicate square footage to convertible outdoor fitness spaces that integrate well with urban design initiatives.
Plan for Outdoor Fitness and Wellness
• Incorporate green spaces for walking trails, meditation zones, and outdoor group workout areas.
• Consider off-site programs and organized group outings for cycling and hiking.
• Add value with recovery and relaxation products, such as saunas, massage chairs, compression boots, and highpowered massage guns.
• Design for seasonal adaptability with weather-resistant fitness equipment.
• Create shaded areas and hydration stations to support outdoor activities.
Is your fitness amenity truly up to date?
We are proud to partner with suppliers of some of the best new products in the space. Work with our team to diversify your residents’ fitness journeys with classic staples, emerging technologies, and the latest trends, such as Peloton bikes, Pilates reformers, and red light saunas.
Case Study: Modern Urban Fitness in Washington DC
Refurbished urban living in an historic neighborhood of the Nation’s capital — Banner Lane wanted a high-end fitness facility that would double as a social gathering place for tenants.
ZONING STRATEGY
Space was dedicated to cardio, strength, a climbing wall, cycling studio, functional training, stretching, and yoga studio paired with a wellness lounge and locker room.
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
Peloton Bikes, media-integrated cardio equipment, HD screens, and internetconnected machines activate the space with evergreen content.
COMMUNITY SPACE
The center includes wellness kitchens with fridges, countertops to prepare food, and lounges to work or study.
SAFETY MEASURES
Visibility and safety were prioritized through high-traction flooring, turf, optimized lighting, and mirrored walls.
The impression that the space has left on the community is overwhelmingly positive. Through feedback from our partners and online reviews, it’s clear the community is grateful to have a gym with so many thoughtful touches at their fingertips. Residents specifically express their love of unique pieces like the Escape Fitness Functional Frame, the Peloton Bikes, and the secluded Yoga studio. With the highest quality equipment and ongoing support from Advantage, the client is excited that the space will serve its residents well and endure for many years to come.
We know fitness amenities are just one part of a larger vision you’re bringing to life. Our role is to make that part effortless and visually impactful.
We’ll collaborate with you on layout concepts, provide CAD equipment layouts for seamless integration, and help you select the right equipment based on your design intent, space constraints, and demographics. We can also supply visual assets, renderings, and equipment proposals to support your presentations or client meetings, for a truly turnkey experience.
For more insights on designing optimal fitness spaces or an expert consultation from an ASF designer, contact our team at sales@advantagefitness.com.
