Something that is not often discussed but could mean all the difference in the world to a gym is the equipment layout. Too often, gym owners will mistakenly treat placing their cardio and strength equipment like a real-life Tetris game, just trying to fit in all the pieces. However, the layout of the machines, free weights, racks, and functional areas is one of the most important decisions you will make as a gym owner.
Don’t Treat It as a Logistics Problem
Gym owners will many times take the approach of just trying to fit the most pieces of equipment into the available square footage. In doing so, they are sacrificing the correct design for the gym.
Have you ever watched those home improvement shows when a makeover is complete? The designer comes in and places all the furniture and the wall decor in the optimal spaces, and it totally transforms the rooms. This is the approach every gym owner should be taking as well.
The great news is that with the right strategy, you can take your less-than-stellar layout and transform it into a gym that should be on the cover of a fitness magazine without the need for hiring a fancy (and expensive) designer.
Correct Placement Will Increase Memberships
A classic example of a layout issue is the “back-wall free weight fortress”. An entire wall is used for dumbbell racks with a few benches immediately in front and squat racks located in the corners. Newer members will often feel intimidated to step into this stronghold space of veteran gym-goers lifting serious weight. This looks like occupied territory by a small army of the jacked.
As discussed in previous articles, anxiety is high for people just putting their toes into the gym culture. This area of ripped warriors could intimidate the newer people enough to make them split down the road. After all, do they really want to tread into these waters where even the smallest person looks like a giant to them?
More gyms are recognizing this dilemma. As a remedy to this issue, they are placing extra 5- to 50-pound sets of dumbbells in other places around the gym for those who don’t quite lift so heavy. Smaller male and female members are noticeably using these new areas much more in just a couple of weeks after the change.
More Problems and Solutions
Why are treadmills and other cardio machines often pointed directly at the free weight area? It’s like the free-weight users are considered the performers and the cardio people are the audience. And it makes everyone there a bit self-conscious as they feel they are being watched by both sides.
It may look like an efficient floor plan, but it’s awkward. Luckily, the fix is an easy one. Simply angle the cardio equipment 20 to 30 degrees so it is not like there are two armies lining up against one another. It will reduce the tension and improve comfort for everyone involved. Another solution, if you have large windows, is to point the cardio equipment so the people training can have a view of the outside.
Another issue can arise when squat racks are all grouped together. It can create quite a cluster of people, as those performing the squats can sometimes be there for half an hour or more. Spreading the racks around a bit will allow for better spacing.
Dual-adjustable cable machines are regularly the busiest machines in the entire gym. Dozens of exercises can be accomplished on these, so it doesn’t take long until there are ten people grouped around a small area in what appears to be a social hub. Fix the problem by placing one adjustable cable machine near the free weights, one in the functional zone, and one not far from the cardio equipment. It will soften the clique formation and allow others to use them.
Does your gym often feel crowded? One of the top reasons people cancel their memberships is because of overcrowding. But it could be that the layout is a mistake and the crowds are only forming around certain areas. Take a look at the areas that are the most jam-packed during your busiest hours and focus on what changes could be made to alleviate some of the congestion.
The maze of machines can also create a problem. Gym owners will frequently keep adding machines and tucking them in here and there until there is no real pathway to walk. By widening the primary aisles around the machines, it will create breathing room for the people using them and the others trying to walk by.
Sweat Equity
Most gyms still treat the physical environment as a backdrop rather than an active part of the product. You can have the best gym around, but if it is situated like a chaotic garage sale, people will not appreciate it. When the space itself supports the experience, members respond with longer workouts, greater confidence, and stronger loyalty. Treat your floor plan as a core part of the product rather than an afterthought, and the difference will show up in both daily energy and long-term retention.
Gym Insight
You need gym management software that does everything you need—without the painful additional mystery fees. Gym Insight delivers powerful, all-in-one gym software with simple flat monthly pricing and a lifetime guarantee that your rate will never increase. We’re constantly adding new features to help you run your gym more efficiently, grow your membership, and boost your revenue.
Already using another platform but ready for a change? We’ll handle your data migration for you seamlessly so you don’t miss a single member or payment. And our responsive, real-human customer support is here whenever you need us.
Phone: 1-855-FOR-GYMS
Email: [email protected]