Over the last decade, there has been considerable development of the fitness industry in the UK. Nowadays, not only chains of well-known gyms operate in British towns and cities but also independent fitness studios and gym facilities. Thus, the level of competition is much higher than before. The success of one fitness facility as opposed to another often depends not only on what they offer their customers but also on how well their premises serve training… as well as the environment, general vibe and how well the space is well optimised.
Commercial Reality
Any fitness facility fit-out is a considerable investment in premises, equipment, and facilities. On average, fit out of commercial gyms costs between £80 to £200 per square foot with special studios closer to £200 per square foot. With such level of investment, every choice has to be considered in terms of commercial return.
Member retention is the key element of the profitability of any fitness facility. On average, acquisition costs of a new member are higher than retention costs, and thus the role of the physical environment in customer experience becomes critical. Facilities, where equipment operates smoothly, training conditions are optimal, and it is possible to workout effectively, retain more members than those which are just attractive from the aesthetic point of view.
Flooring: Functionality Before Fashion
Flooring is probably the most crucial specification in the gym or fitness facility fit-out. Moreover, flooring is the source of the highest costs of repair in case it is specified improperly.
High density rubber flooring is a commercial standard due to its functionality and durability. Rubber floors absorb shock, protect sub-floor from damage, provide necessary grip for training shoes, and withstand moisture. Moreover, rubber flooring has EN 14041 certification, which confirms that this kind of floors has high slip resistance and may withstand up to 15-20 years of commercial exploitation in case of proper maintenance.
Cheaper rubber flooring or domestic flooring fails fast in commercial conditions. Compression of cheap flooring by heavy equipment leads to deformation. Seams of rubber flooring open under constant tension. The surface becomes deteriorated due to cleaning chemicals, which leads to hygiene and safety problems. Although initial costs of high-quality flooring are higher, it will not require replacement in 2-3 years in contrast to cheaper alternatives.
Sprung flooring is crucial for dance studios, yoga and group exercise studios. Sprung flooring protects people’s joints and building structure from impact of intensive activity. Requirements of the building regulations and insurances regarding commercial fitness facilities require installation of sprung floor systems in studio rooms. Without such systems, standard concrete or timber floor becomes a potential source of injury and liability for facility owner.
Ventilation and Environmental Control
The most common complaints about any gym facility are about air quality and temperature. Thus, this aspect of gym facilities’ specification is where a lot of fitness facilities fail commercially.
Commercial gyms create enormous heat and humidity loads. 3,000 square foot commercial gym operated at full capacity creates heat, which is equal to the heat created by 50-100 domestic radiators. Commercial HVAC systems are not capable to manage such heat loads.
Ventilation systems of commercial gyms should provide the air change rate of 6-10 times per hour (as compared to 4-6 times per hour in standard commercial premises). Air supply must be calculated taking into account peak occupancy. Management of humidity prevents from condensation and mould formation, which can damage the equipment and finishing.
Building Regulations Part F requires special assessment and specification of ventilation system for fitness facilities. Mechanical and electrical engineers with experience in fitness facilities are specialists, which should design ventilation systems, since general specification for commercial HVAC systems is not adequate for such environments.
Acoustic Treatment
Problems of sound in fitness facilities influence various parties – members of a facility, neighbours and staff. Members need proper acoustic environment for effective training. Neighbours are protected by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 from excessive noises. Staff working in high-noises environment is protected by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
Transmission of noises created by dropped weights, dynamic exercises and mechanical equipment happens easily in commercial buildings. Standard flooring and wall construction is not enough to prevent noises from being transferred. Special acoustic flooring underlays, wall isolation and ceiling treatments have to be used for proper acoustic treatment.
Group exercise studios require additional attention. The level of music in spin, HIIT, and dance classes exceeds 85 dB, and thus employer has obligations in respect of noises. Acoustic isolation of studios prevents noise transmission to adjoining premises and allows to create appropriate atmosphere within the studio.
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Some fit-out choices create a strong visual effect but do not have commercial value. Excessive lighting installations, which require specialist maintenance, feature walls with materials not resistant to high humidity, and receptions which consume a lot of space that can be used for revenue generation are some of examples of such decisions.
These choices are not necessarily wrong but it is necessary to honestly evaluate their commercial return. For example, reception area which creates a good impression of the fitness facility, and members take pictures there and share them in social media network brings marketing value to the business, if it does not sacrifice training area or create excessive maintenance costs.
The criteria for every choice in commercial fitness facility fit-out is very simple: does this choice increase training experience or operational efficiency and bring commercial profit? Everything that satisfies neither of these criteria is cost without benefit despite the visual effect.
Wall-mounted equipment, suspended systems and equipment fixings require structural assessment and proper fixings. Failure of wall-mounted equipment creates great risk of injuries and liability for employer. Structural fixings of such equipment need approval of building regulations. Completion certificate of such system is necessary for insurances purposes.
Commercial Fit-Out Perspective on Fitness Facilities
Commercial fitness facility fit out rewards the same discipline which is rewarded in any commercial fit-out. Fit-out which is based on performance requirements, regulatory compliance and commercial return produces commercial benefits. The best commercial fitness facilities have great appearance as a result of good fit-out.
Thus, it is important to choose fit-out partner which understands commercial environment and its requirements, and who is capable to bring the same approach to fitness studio as to any other commercial project.