Creating well-designed spaces people want to work out in is a multifaceted challenge. Successful interior design requires intentional focus on small details that affect your members in big ways. The result? A space that balances functionality and aesthetics that serve your mission and members.
This was the goal for Avenu when the opportunity for expansion and renovation came around in 2014. The boutique fitness studio partnered with restaurant designers to create their space. Bringing in professionals from a different industry helped the co-owners and fitness coaches Brent and Cassie Gallagher achieve a facility that reflects their personalities and goals for their members.
“We wanted something that felt very clean and neat which represents our personalities,” said Brent. “We’re very simplistic and old school in our thought process. Everything from a design standpoint is meant to set people up in our spaces that feel very clean and open. Also, its organized so coaches can create connections in private and small group settings.”
The team worked to provide a quality, easy-to-navigate facility especially for beginners. Having an open, timeless space reflects Avenu’s commitment to being an approachable way to a healthier life.
“We’re a mom-and-pop kind of business, and we want members to see we’re playing with the bigger clubs around us,” said Brent. “For us to stay on the same page as the competitors in the area and earn respect from the quality of our spaces, we had to step up our game. We made a significant investment, but it shows people we will be here for years to come.”
Brent shared a way to measure if your design is successful is to step into the shoes of an ideal newcomer walking into your gym for the first time. For Avenu, the best lead is one who is looking for a lowkey and welcoming fitness community. Upon entering, they should feel comfortable because of intentional design choices including lighting and layout. At Avenu, visitors can use and see the exercise area without anything obstructing their vision.
“Most everyday people are intimidated to walk into a gym because of the intense lights, sounds or immediate obstacle of the front desk,” explained Brent. “We did away with all of that, and we have no front desk. When you walk in, you walk directly onto the training floor. Why wouldn’t we try to create environments more people feel comfortable coming into?”
If getting rid of the front desk isn’t an option, Jennifer Maanavi, the co-founder and CEO of Physique 57, advises then to make sure the reception areas are close to your facility’s exercise studios. This design choice ensures excitement for the workout isn’t lost in the transition between spaces.
“As soon as you send someone down a long hallway, you lose that welcoming environment,” said Maanavi. “I can’t always put the studio room next to the front desk area because of space constraints. However, when it happens it makes a big difference in the same area. It’s beneficial to building community. My smallest reception area always has high membership.”
In fact, Maanavi downsized her facilities to reap these benefits and has gone from 4,000 square feet to about 2,300 square feet because of the benefits of a smaller facility. “What we’ve seen is improved efficiency and allowing parties to get in and out more quickly,” she explained. “The intimate environment helps create more community.”
Keeping up with housekeeping and facility management can also improve community building and is important at Physique 57. When a space is simple to take care of, both staff and members feel it’s an environment they want to be in and one where they can better connect.
“We try to make the studios very sophisticated and luxurious,” said Maanavi. “We try to make them beautiful and perfect which reduces the time needed for cleaning and keeps expenses down. You have to think about housekeeping and facility management and things breaking. After doing this for 20 years, I try to build durable studios that don’t require as much upkeep.”
Just like how successful studio design should stand up to the tests of time, attention should be given to every area of your facility. Brandon Cullen, the chief concept officer and co-founder of MADabolic — explained how various spaces, when lacking intentional design choices — can deter customer engagement.
“One of the things I like to say is not to lose in the locker room or bathroom,” said Cullen. “You have to play the aesthetic game on top of offering a professional product. It has to be the whole package. Clients want a clean aesthetic, a streamlined way to get their workout in and friendly staff. If you’re not doing that, you’re already losing.”
In addition to the above, Cullen also said what’s key is choosing the right equipment provider. Having easy-to-use, custom and branded equipment from BeaverFit helps improve the member and coach experience during a class at MADabolic. With a focus on specific movements, the brand and equipment provider partnered to create a custom racking solution that clears valuable storage space and systemizes the workout.
Keeping exercise spaces open and not overwhelming with options was a big tip from Cullen. The importance of cleanliness and simplicity is reflected in MADabolic’s workouts which often focus on five movements. “There’s a huge trickle-down effect,” he said. “It’s attractive to a potential franchisee and most importantly to the client on the floor.”
With this method, instructors can provide better feedback to participants and members can stay focused on improving in specific ways. “Aesthetically, it looks a lot cleaner,” said Cullen. “It looks more structured and speaks to the go-getters. They know what they’re getting, and they know they’re going to get better.”
Studio design will look different between locations and between organizations. A successfully designed studio can’t be copied as every audience and their necessities are different. Remaining cognizant of what your members need and what you want to communicate to them through your space will put you on the path toward great design.
