The key to filling up a fitness center with the right fitness equipment is finding a balance. Your goal is to consider what someone might look for in this particular fitness center. What are some things you should consider when buying fitness equipment?

Know Your Target User

The most important part of strategizing your fitness center inventory is your audience. If you cater to a younger group, focus on high-tech, state-of-the-art equipment. An older crowd will want user-friendly workout resources. One thing you do know is most people will look for cardio equipment and a strength training section first.

Block Out Your Space

Design for function based on your users’ needs. What should go near the front of the room and what should be near the windows, for example. Ask yourself what else your gym user might need. For example, do you want to make room for lockers, a water station, classes or personal training spaces? If you want the room to do more than hold equipment, plan on using 60 percent for actual exercise machines. Block out percentages for equipment space next. Do you want to divide the equipment area 50/50 for cardio and strength training or is it going to be more like 60/40? Older targeted users might want more strength training equipment than cardio.

Visualize Your Cardio

Now, block out the cardio section. This will allow you to visualize the types of equipment you want for each. For example, how much space do you have for treadmills and how many treadmills will fit into it.  If the answer is not many then maybe you want to consider a more diverse inventory of cardio equipment. Leave room for one or two treadmills and then figure out what you could put around them like ellipticals or steppers. Consider high-intensity equipment that takes up less room like an S-Force Performance Trainer if you plan to service younger people.

Visualize Your Strength Training Area

Free weights are a given, so figure out where they will go. Plan for one or more:

Diversity is the best policy when it comes to strength training equipment, so a multi-use station combined with targeted pieces for the core, legs and upper body makes sense. To find out more about what equipment works best for your target audience contact Opti-Fit at 888-601-4350 or info@opti-fit.com for a FREE consultation.

Setting up a health and fitness plan around your office can pay big dividends for both you as a company and for your employees. Whether you decide to set up a fitness center somewhere around the office building or put together a corporate wellness program, there’s no limit to the benefits both parties can experience.

To give you a few ideas, we’ve put together a list of three impacts you’ll see by focusing on promoting health and happiness within your company.

1. Decreased Absenteeism & Healthcare Costs

Have you been looking for a way to improve work attendance? Employees who follow a wellness plan tend to be more healthy, leading to reduced tardiness and call-outs over the course of each year. They also require less healthcare compensation from their employer since they don’t visit the hospital or doctor as much.

Numerous studies have been completed to test the ROI of a corporate wellness program when compared with healthcare costs. On average, companies ranging from small businesses to large corporations see a return of about 3.3%.

2. Increased Productivity

Corporate wellness initiatives have so many benefits that go beyond physical health. They also have major mental and emotional impacts that end up having positive effects on work performance. When employees are given the proper tools and motivation, there are a variety of ways you can help improve their productivity.

It is easier for people who are following a regimented workout and diet plan to focus on their work and maintain a high energy level over the course of their shift. This productivity will, in turn, lead to projects being completed more quickly and efficiently.

3. Happier Employees

There is a remarkable correlation between health and happiness that can be recognized from either direction. Happier people tend to be more healthy, and healthier people tend to be more happy.

Using important concepts like positive psychology as part of your wellness program can play a crucial role in how effective it will be. As your employees find more joy in their good health, the overall atmosphere around the office will improve, leading more and more people to take part.

Thinking About Starting a Corporate Wellness Program?

These few benefits are just the beginning of the positive impacts you’ll see from promoting an active lifestyle and other healthy habits around your business.

If you’re thinking about setting up a corporate fitness center at your office, be sure to contact us today! Our team will help you find the best equipment to compliment your corporate wellness plan.