When looking to design a modern gym facility, it might be hard to know where to start. Modern gym design is an important aspect when creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional gym space, while also ensuring the space is easy to use and navigate for its members. From wall dressing, layout, lighting and ventilation, to design style, positioning of equipment, technology and acoustics, there are many aspects of the gym design process to consider. All the elements should work together cohesively, to create an environment that is both safe and welcoming, up to date with current work-out trends, while also conducive to effective fitness and wellness plans.
At motive8, our team of gym designers are here to guide you throughout the gym design process offering you the latest advice and industry trends.
Design Styles
There are many different approaches when it comes to design style but it’s important to keep your target audience in mind. Who uses the space? What’s the demographic? Is your gym facility in the city or in a residential area? All of these aspects will affect the overall aesthetic.
With this in mind, decor should be a part of your fitness facility design concept and style. Materials, colours, shapes, features and other elements come together to create the voice that speaks for your wellness facility, and ultimately deciphers how much time your members desire to spend there.
Here is a guide on how to design a modern gym space with the top trending styles in mind:
Industrial
- Exposed pipes, concrete walls, structural wood and rustic metal are all distinguishing features of this design style. An industrial aesthetic relies on materials that are used for construction, for an exposed and raw finish. With such a brutalist aesthetic, indoor plants are favoured upon to add some colour and soften what might be an otherwise unapologetic space.
Contemporary
- As the name suggests, contemporary design is defined by the here and now. Layered design solutions are welcomed in contemporary design, to keep up with current trends. A black or white back drop is popular in a contemporary design, with the use of striking accents built on top this to achieve depth and interest.
Minimalist
- Use natural materials and colours, with a simple design to achieve a minimalist result. By focusing more on functionality, each and every piece of equipment should have a use, keeping the space as streamlined as possible. Finally, it’s important to avoid the use of heavy décor in a minimalist space; simple decor and neutral colours will help to create a sense of clarity and focus.
Materials
Wood, natural fabric, metals and leather are all popular elements for modern gym design ideas. With sustainability in mind, we are also seeing new materials being considered and successfully used. Bamboo makes a superb alternative to wood. Unlike most tree species, harvesting won’t kill bamboo which means negative effects of tree-felling are reduced. Bamboo can replace wood in many areas of the gym and are a great alternative with sustainability at the forefront.
For gyms that offer classes such as Pilates and yoga, investing in mats made from non-toxic and sustainable materials such as cork, certified organic cotton or hemp, are all materials with positive change in mind. Adding to this, investing in sustainable and ethical products is a good way to differentiate your gym. Reducing your carbon footprint further, green technology is paving the way for workout machines that generate power from use. This can be a great option for lowering your energy bills and overall sustainability.
Space Planning
A design team should combine form and function to create a harmonious environment which will positively impact the user experience. Therefore, arrangement of the interior spaces should be considered at the very early stages of the gym design.
The structure of the building will inevitably have a huge influence over where equipment is positioned. Ceiling height will effect where certain pieces of machinery go, while structural beams might affect the flow of the space. A change in ground level such as steps may also determine how the space is separated and so always remember to consider the building structure first, as this is likely to manipulate your gym design before you even start.
Studies have shown that natural light can make workouts more enjoyable while also leading to improved outcomes, and so utilising natural light where possible shouldn’t be overlooked. Cardio equipment such as running machines often favour the window spot, while functional training equipment benefits from being in a mirrored area. Floor to ceiling windows work well in high-rise studio spaces and coincides with the correlation between natural light and improved wellbeing.
Process of Gym Design
In such an ever-changing industry with work-out trends constantly evolving, it’s more important than ever to ensure your gym facility meets the current criteria that will engage it’s members and have them coming back for more. Getting your gym facility right could be the difference between a new member or a lost one. At motive8, we take a curious, creative and personal approach to gym design, ensuring the best possible gym design solution – on time and on budget – first time around.
From the design inspiration, aesthetics, ethos, and the type of training you actually want to deliver, the clearer and more detailed you can be from the beginning, the less hurdles you will run into. Preparation is key and a tape measure is imperative!
Once you have agreed your goals and what you want to achieve from the space, including the technical elements, you can then start the gym design phase. This will start from the flooring you want to install, right through to the equipment (and positioning of it), materials and colour scheme. This is where a designer can bring your designs to life with the creation of 2D or 3D CAD drawings. Here, you can edit the design, move equipment around, and review your design scheme ahead of the works starting. Making changes on CAD as opposed to doing the same exercise on site, will save you lots of time and even more money.
At motive8, we create completely tailored solutions to suit your needs, budgets and exercise preferences. We design and install everything from residential gyms, bespoke workplace gyms and commercial fitness studios to outdoor gyms and holistic garden wellbeing spaces.
If you are looking to design a new gym and spa facility, contact us to speak to a member of our gym design team, our specialists are here to help – call us on 020 8481 9700 or email info@m8group.co.uk.
