Functional multi-family fitness facilities are no longer luxury amenities but a necessity in both market-rate and luxury properties. The COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdowns highlighted the importance of having fitness facilities on residential premises. However, planning and designing these facilities comes with a challenge. Here are the five critical considerations for planning multi-family fitness facilities:
1. Supply Chain Challenges
In these challenging COVID-19 times, the global supply chain has been disrupted significantly. So if you’re planning on setting up a multi-family fitness center, it’s best to consider the supply chain challenges you’ll encounter and the possible solutions to them.
For instance, how do you set up your facility after ordering fitness equipment and getting back-ordered or partially delivered? Undoubtedly, such challenges will impede your timelines and result in missed opportunities.
Since most gym items are large and may take weeks to get delivered to your facility, it’s best to order them early. Better still, choose retailers who use delivery appointment tools to predict expected delivery dates and communicate with you each step of the way. This will go a long way in speeding last-mile delivery while reducing costs related to transit time and delivery exceptions.
2. Location
When planning a fitness facility, it’s best to choose a location within the building that won’t impede or impact those living nearby. Besides, the location should inspire and encourage residents to follow up on their fitness goals.
Also, you don’t want to install a fitness facility somewhere that isn’t accessible, lest it gets underutilized. If you’re installing the gym in a residential building, you might need to add noise-dampening materials to protect building occupants from all the noise from the facility.
3. Design
Spaces frequented as frequently as fitness facilities should be well planned. The aesthetic basics of interior design should blend well with functional fitness principles so that the facility appeals to the target demographic. Focus on creating an aesthetically pleasing and inspirational facility that residents will be glad to engage with.
4. Spatial Accommodation
When planning a multi-family fitness facility, the worst mistake you can make is looking at it as a one-size-fits-all amenity. Typically, gym-goers have varying tastes and preferences, and these need to be taken into consideration to build a space that accommodates everyone’s interests.
For instance, if the facility is located within residential premises, you may need to include a kids’ play area to entice parents to come to the gym with their kids. Simply put, ensure you create a functional space that meets relevant industry standards and the needs of those who’ll visit it.
5. Technology and Entertainment Options
Today’s gym-goers are a savvy lot interested in the tech side of a fitness center and the available entertainment options. With so many tech options available, it’s critical to find what suits your facility best.
In the COVID era, virtual training has become a fad, and if you’re planning on offering it at your facility, you’ll need to invest in the right technology and equipment. For maximum success when enticing prospective gym-goers, consider the target market’s preferences. This way, it will be easier to anticipate challenges and navigate them without incurring costly expenses in the future.
Key Takeaways
When planning a multi-family fitness facility, the big decisions may seem overwhelming. Nonetheless, the above-mentioned considerations can help you create a functional space that allows target clients to attain their fitness goals.
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