After the COVID-19 pandemic, clubs across the country saw an uptick in members shutting their laptops and heading back to in-person group fitness classes. With members craving social interaction, it’s important your fitness studios are up-to-date and inviting to members.
Rudy Fabiano, a design principal and founder of the architecture firm Fabiano Designs, said members are currently craving new experiences.
“I think in general the members coming to the clubs have a fairly high ‘fitness IQ,’” said Fabiano. “There is so much information on YouTube, Instagram and other social media touting the latest and greatest studios and classes, that expectations of Group X classes have risen. Members are looking for a much more interactive and diverse experience. A simple room, with the same classes all the time, simply won’t do.”
However, Fabiano said there are uncomplicated ways to improve your studio’s ambiance. One easy way is through lighting.
“Luckily, modern technology allows us to control and adjust the environment with lighting by a simple phone app,” explained Fabiano. “Lighting can also be modulated to music which presents a very dynamic experience. Having this ability to cheaply create a theatrical experience can elevate member expectation and create flexible moods in case various types of classes will be used in the same studio.”
Additionally, Fabiano noted since the pandemic he saw many of these spaces become recording studios for virtual or taped classes offered to members at home. Because of this, he recommended considering the cameras and back drop for filming in the studio during the design phase.
“The other side of AV technology is the multitude of virtual and augmented visual offerings like THE TRIP system by LES MILLS,” said Fabiano. “It will require proper projection, lighting and screens in the rooms to take full advantage of the gaming and entertainment effects of these programs. You always need a great sound system, regardless of the programs.”
Lastly, another way to elevate studio space is to ensure it is functional for all your offerings.
For Fabiano, this means the spaces must be hassle-free and function at the highest level, have the right flooring in place, include a waiting area for members to interact before classes start, and ensure a suitable and easy way to store props.
Bryan Dunkelberger, a principal at S3 Design, agreed storage is an important aspect to keep in mind when designing studios.
“If there isn’t currently storage to hide all the props and get them off the floor, then that would be one of the first things to add,” said Dunkelberger. “Also, room flexibility allows for new program offerings without changing the architecture. This can be accomplished by adding TRX systems or TVs with video projection for on-demand or program viewing.”
Another important aspect to studio design, whether it be for indoor cycling or yoga, is to keep in mind the size of the space. Dunkelberger said you don’t want a studio that is too big and tough to fill. Likewise, too small of a space that requires you to create a booking schedule or a first-come, first-served scenario leaves a lot of members unable to participate in a class. This can negatively impact the member experience.
Another studio aspect that can disrupt member experience is the acoustics in studio spaces.
“Airborne sound travels to other spaces — you build two studios together without a sound wall — but reverberation is sound bouncing off the hard floors, mirrors etc., and causes uncomfortable echoes,” said Fabiano. “This will severely negatively affect the member experience taking a class. It can however be calculated and planned for effectively with absorptive material such as partial acoustical ceiling, sound panels or more flexible flooring.”
Dunkelberger agreed sound is always a concern. “For Group X, you are trying to keep the sound in the studio while not disrupting adjacent tenants or other program elements in the club,” he said. “For yoga and Pilates, you are trying to keep sound out of the room so as not to disturb those taking the class.”
To combat this, Dunkelberger said understand what you want to do in the studio and be able to convey that to your design team. This will help them create a unique studio experience tailored to your programming and address your concerns right off the bat.
Overall, there are a plethora of ways you can amp up your studio space to meet the post-COVID-19 member expectations. Whether it be adding new lighting, storage space or even a DJ booth, surveying your membership base can help you navigate the best path forward.
