The first step towards fitting out a gym should be the floor plan. This is so, as you need to consider numerous things to reach a decision.
Hence, don’t hurry while creating a commercial gym floor plan.
An ideal gym floor plan must provide a great environment to the users. They must find it easy to get the most out of available facilities and equipment. As a result, exercisers feel comfortable and become regular members.
To assist you, here is everything that involves a commercial gym floor plan.
So, let’s see what we got.
Table of Contents
- 1. How to Choose the Ideal Gym Floor Plan for Your Commercial Gym
- 2. Why Gym Flooring is so Important?
- 3. What Type of Gym Flooring is Suitable for Your gym?
- 4. Different kinds of Commercial Gym Flooring
- 5. Whether Installing an Underlay is Compulsory
- 6. 7 Helpful Tips for a Perfect Gym Floor Plan
- 7. Final Words
1. How to Choose the Ideal Gym Floor Plan for Your Commercial Gym
A perfect floor plan is a major aspect to consider when designing a gym. It is essential if you want to run a successful gym. Therefore, you need to get it right.
However, failure to create a suitable gym floor plan would be a huge mistake. Chances are there that members would start to quit your gym after a few weeks.
To avoid happening this, create the best gym floor plan. Given below are some of the trusted ways to do it.
1.1 Draw Out a Sketch of Gym Floor Plan
Drawing a viable floor plan is beneficial. You can follow a DIY approach to draw out a rough sketch. The reason for doing so is simple. It is easy to execute a floor plan if you have drawn it yourself.
Sketching out a plan allows you to allocate a specific space to each piece of equipment. Hence, it won’t be difficult to place equipment once it’s arrived.
You can easily finalize the entry spot, walkthrough areas, and safety features. Also, it would be easy to know what type of equipment your gym needs.
Figure-2 Gym floor sketch
1.2 Mark the Key Activity Areas
You can add a number of fitness-related facilities to your gym. However, try to divide your gym into four major zones for floor planning.
These include:
- Warm-up area
- Cardio Training area
- Resistance Training area
- Free weights area
Warm-up Area: In fact, there isn’t much to design. So, it would be the easiest part of your gym floor plan. Just choose a suitable area and declare it as a warm-up area.
You can also throw some yoga mats. Make sure that your warm-up area is sufficient for a reasonable number of members.
Figure-3 Warm-up area
Cardio Training Area: This is one of the most important parts of a gym. Therefore, it requires careful planning. The key equipment for this area includes treadmills, bikes, and similar other machines.
You need to dedicate sufficient space for arranging such equipment. The good thing though is the uniform dimensions of the machines. Hence, it’s feasible to arrange them as a grid.
Figure-4 Cardio area
Resistance Training Area: The machines located in this area are also important. Mostly, resistant training equipment faces inward. However, you can alter this layout if dealing with limited space.
Figure-5 Resistant training area
Free Weights Area: Normally, this area is often noisy and contains more members at a time. This might be a tricky area to plan; so, do it intelligently. To ensure safety, keep free weights at easy to access areas.
Figure-6 Free weights area
To create the ultimate gym experience for your members, equip each zone with high-quality fitness equipment from Yanre Fitness.
1.3 Safety Considerations
If you want to design an ideal commercial gym, keep in mind these crucial aspects.
- Safety
- Functionality
- Comfort
Among these three, safety should be the topmost priority when creating a floor plan. Providing a secure environment to members can enhance their workout experiences.
The most used equipment includes strength training and cardiovascular equipment. Besides, these machines occupy the most space of your gym. Therefore, the placement of this equipment needs extra care and caution.
Jammed workout places are serious safety hazards. So, make such arrangements that allow members easy access to the equipment. One way to ensure this is to include sufficient equipment.
1.4 Generate Some Extra Revenue
When creating a floor plan for your gym, dedicate an area for gym merchandise. Most modern gyms have an area where members can buy a variety of products and accessories.
For this purpose, you can take advantage of even a small area. For instance, you can place a vending machine for protein shakes, water, or hand towels. This can be a low-cost revenue source.
The ideal option for such installation is the area close to the entrance. This is so, as the members purchase these items when entering or leaving the gym.
1.5 Gym Floor Plan and Profitability
Believe it or not, the gym floor plan has a clear impact on profitability. So, keep this factor in mind when designing your gym’s floor plan.
The first way to increase the profitability of your gym relates to its capacity. Generate more revenue by allowing a maximum number of members to workout. You can make it possible by choosing a great floor plan.
A member who has to wait a lot for his turn is likely to cancel the membership. Thus, arrange the equipment depending on the number of members. Include sufficient smaller items to keep the members busy.
For instance, you can make good use of limited space by enhancing the free weights area.
2. Why Gym Flooring is so Important?
Pay attention to the gym flooring, as there are quite a few reasons for doing so. Three of the most notable ones include:
- Supports Heavy equipment
- Offers sufficient grip
- Ensures proper hygiene
To start with, gym flooring offers the required support for heavy machines. Therefore, choose the thickest flooring for extended durability and strength.
Secondly, gym flooring offers the necessary grip for exercisers. It serves as a great safety feature by preventing slippage. It also helps to dampen the noise and vibration.
Talking about the third advantage, it relates to hygiene. Usually, gym flooring is much easier to clean. This makes it easy for gyms to keep the surface germ-free.
Figure-7 Gym flooring
3. What Type of Gym Flooring is Suitable for Your gym?
To start with, there are two options to consider when choosing gym flooring. You can go for any one of these two options depending on the type of your gym.
- Multiple gym flooring
- Single gym flooring
3.1 Choosing Multiple Gym Flooring
Commercial gyms have multiple zones and areas. Hence, choosing a dedicated flooring material for each area would be a great option. It would add versatility to the gym flooring.
For this purpose, you must be clear about the layout and design of each section. Therefore, consider these aspects before going any further.
- Create dedicate zones
- Allot specific equipment to each zone
- Choose the most appropriate type of flooring material
3.2 Choosing Single Gym Flooring
Choosing a single material for gym flooring is easy. You can use a similar material throughout the gym. Also, you don’t have to worry about segmentation.
However, you need to make a clear choice about the flooring material. You must understand what type of gym flooring would be suitable for the whole gym.
4. Different kinds of Commercial Gym Flooring
Floor is the part of a gym that undergoes a lot of stress. It receives most of the pressures that relate to a tough gym environment. A gym floor has to bear the weight of heavy equipment and face regular wear and tear.
Hence, it is critical to choose the best flooring that meets the required standards. Here are the qualities that you must look for in commercial gym flooring.
- Durability
- Easy to lay
- Budget-friendly
- Offers better traction
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to water and odor
- Available in multiple colors and textures
- Absorbs noise and vibration
4.1 Wood Flooring
Wood flooring looks elegant and is a suitable choice for your commercial gym. It is durable and offers sufficient support for heavy equipment.
However, wood floor is likely to receive damage by free weights. Exercisers are in a habit of dropping weights on the floor. So, if you choose wood flooring, try to place rubber mats in the free-weight area.
Figure-8 Wood flooring
Pros
- Elegant
- Offers required durability
- Maximum soundproofing
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Offers less friction
- Costly option
- less durable
Conclusion
Wood can be a good option if you are using it for a particular section of the gym. For instance, wood flooring suits areas like entrance, yoga studio, and warm-up place.
4.2 Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring appears to be less popular when it comes to commercial gym flooring. However, there are some unique benefits associated with vinyl flooring.
The industrial-grade vinyl is thicker and durable. It comes in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. This type of flooring offers a smooth and slip-resistant surface.
Figure-9 Vinyl flooring
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to lay
- Versatile
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- A textured option is hard to clean
- Interlocking sections store dust and moisture
Conclusion
Vinyl flooring can be a viable option if you have to cover a small area. This type of flooring might not stand against the tough gym environment.
4.3 Rubber Mats
The material used for rubber mats and rubber rolls is similar. However, the difference relates to the size. Usually, rubber mats are relatively smaller (i.e. 4’L x 3’W). It offers a high level of adaptability.
This option is easy to install even if the design or layout of your gym is unique. The durability and impact-reduction features are great too.
You can easily relocate rubber mats by simply picking and laying them at an alternate place. Also, the ability to resist water and odor makes it a nice option for gym flooring.
Pros
- Durable and versatile
- Resistant to water and odor
- Easy to lay
- Offers better impact reduction
Cons
- Costs more
- Not suitable for large areas
Conclusion
The durability of this type of flooring is ideal for commercial gyms. You can lay rubber mats in the free weight area for better impact reduction. However, rubber mats can serve the purpose well if you need to cover a small area.
4.4 Rubber Rolls
Rubber rolls are the popular option when you are looking for commercial gym flooring. Being extremely durable, rubber rolls can easily withstand wear and tear.
Gym owners prefer this option as it is economical and offers an elegant look. Rubber rolls are normally available in the form of sheets. The commonly available dimensions are 4’ W x 20’ L.
Hence, use these rolls when there is a large area to cover. They come in different thickness options. So, choose the most appropriate one that meets your needs.
You can lower the overall cost of gym flooring by using recycled rubber floors. These are low in cost, yet offer maximum durability.
Figure-10 Rubber rolls
Pros
- Offers seamless appearance
- Durable
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Odor and water-resistant
- Absorbs sound and vibration
Cons
- Difficult to lift
- Requires careful installation
Conclusion
If you need a durable flooring option for your commercial gym, consider rubber rolls. These rolls are the best choice to cover large areas. It offers durability, which allows it to serve you longer.
4.5 Rubber Tiles
Rubber flooring tiles are available in a variety of sizes. Hence, you can use them to cover small or large areas. You can assemble them easily with the availability of interlocking edges.
The material used for making rubber tiles is similar to the material of rubber rolls and mats. These tiles are perfect for small spaces. You can add a bit of versatility while doing commercial gym flooring.
Rubber tiles are less expensive, thus allowing you to lower the gym flooring cost. If you are low on budget, using these tiles can save you some extra cash.
However, the interlocking edges might not be that durable. This results in an uneven finish once the edges start to separate. Hence, you need to glue them to the floor.
Figure-11 Rubber tiles
Pros
- Reasonably durable
- Resistant to water and odor
- Offers maximum impact reduction
- Adds versatility to space
- Simple installation process
- Adaptable to variable gym floor plans
Cons
- Dust and water seeps into the edges
- Edges get loose
Conclusion
Rubber tiles are great for small areas. You can use them under the heavy equipment for better cushioning. Choose this option if you want to add versatility to any space or area.
4.6 Foam Tiles
If you need something cheap and easy to install, you can go for foam tiles. This may not be a heavy-duty option, yet a simple gym flooring to try.
You can lay them on areas that require cushioning and noise absorption. The foam is resistant to water and dust. Hence, these tiles are easy to clean.
On the downside, you won’t find these tiles durable. They can’t withstand the weight of benches, racks, and machines. You also need to apply adhesive for keeping them attached to the ground.
Figure-12 Foam tiles
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Better comfort and cushioning
- Water-resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Less durable
- Compresses under the heavy weights
- When wet, it loses traction
Conclusion
This isn’t the right option if you are looking for sturdy and heavy-duty flooring. However, it can be an inexpensive choice if you need to cover a small area in your gym.
4.7 Artificial Grass
No doubt, artificial grass can be a great option for commercial gym flooring. It not only adds a fresh look to the facility but also provides a safe surface. Choose this option if you want to enhance your gym’s visual appeal.
The best thing about this type of flooring is its versatility. You can use it both indoors and outdoors. It is an easy-to-install and maintenance-free option. Besides, artificial grass is durable and can bear a harsh gym environment.
Figure-13 Artificial grass
Pros
- Durable and versatile
- Easy installation
- Maintenance-free
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Expensive
- Offers less impact absorption
- Not resistant to water or dust
Conclusion
Artificial grass offers increased mobility and agility. If want to add a resilient and safe area to the gym, just rely on this type of flooring. Being expensive, it may not be a viable choice for covering large areas.
5. Whether Installing an Underlay is Compulsory
Underlay serves as a protective and insulating barrier. It helps to absorb sound and vibration. The installation of an underlay depends on the type of a specific zone.
For instance, free-weight areas are likely to receive damage due to weight dropping. You can install an underlay in this area.
Figure-14 Underlay
Also, if the equipment requires sufficient impact reduction, you can use the underlay. In some cases, you can install underlay to enhance the durability of the gym flooring.
6. 7 Helpful Tips for a Perfect Gym Floor Plan
The gym floor plan is the key to run a successful and profitable gym business. It helps you to offer the best possible amenities to the members. Besides, all the facilities stay within easy reach.
This creates a level of trust between you and the gym members. Exercisers start to pay more attention to their workout and get the desired outcomes. A well-thought floor plan can make a big difference.
If you need help, here are the 7 essentials for creating a perfect gym floor plan.
6.1 Add some Inspiration
You can motivate the members by adding some inspiration to the gym floor plan. For instance, you can add a quote to the wall that faces strength-training equipment.
Also, you can add inspirational photos and prints of the legends. The positivity that surrounds the gym would help to fascinate your clients.
Figure-15 Inspirational photo
6.2 Make it Spacious & Roomy
Most commercial gyms rely on excellent floor plans. This ensures sufficient room for the members to perform their exercises. Even if you have limited space, it is possible to make it look spacious.
This allows the members to enjoy some privacy while doing their workout. As a result, you can help them achieve their fitness goals.
6.3 Make a Good Flow
If you want to include a “wow” factor in your gym floor plan, make sure to create a nice flow. Getting this right may not be an easy task. However, it isn’t impossible to achieve.
For this purpose, you have to note down the movements of the clients. Notice what type of hurdles they face while accessing an area or equipment.
Therefore, you can understand what types of changes are inevitable to create a good flow.
6.4 Dedicate an Area for Hydration
Proper hydration is highly advisable when doing a workout. Therefore, including or creating a hydration area for a commercial gym is essential. It shows how much you care about your clients.
6.5 Create Zones
Talking about the commercial gym floor plan, make sure to create key zones. Make independent sections for cardio, free weights, and resistance training equipment.
You can separate the areas by placing some plants or ornamental items. These key zones help the members to access the equipment without any hassle.
6.6 Get Better Light, especially Natural Light
A perfectly lit room or area not only looks great but it is safe too. Hence, proper lighting is the key to add more value to your gym. For a better environment, you can think about using natural light.
If possible, place cardio equipment close to the window. It adds a sense of pleasure to the workout routine. For the gyms located in a basement, the only option is to use the best LED lights.
6.7 Offer Luxurious Locker Rooms
Offering a luxurious locker room is a kind of treat for the members. They can enjoy the atmosphere when getting ready for a workout. You can do this by adding some fresh flowers to the area.
You can also try aromatherapy for creating a tranquil atmosphere. Also, it would be a great idea to add some soft music. These steps can make a great difference.
Figure-16 Luxurious locker rooms
7. Final Words
After going through this comprehensive guide, you can easily create an ideal gym floor plan. We have tried to include as much information as possible.
A perfect gym floor plan needs not be expensive or complex. You can do it by using the available resources. Just follow the basic principles of a commercial gym floor plan.
Once you have prioritized safety, it’s time to generate a viable layout plan. The best way is to keep things simple and aesthetically pleasing.
If you need further assistance regarding the gym custom gym floor design, Yanre Fitness can help you out.
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