GYM DESIGN #3: Large Gym
Concept:
~3,000 square feet
Square footage estimate:
Designed for a fitness chain with a large accessible space and two floors available.
Use Case:
This larger style gym design uses a large variety of different equipment that fall into different categories of exercise in order to engage a larger audience. This design prioritizes the feeling of accessibility while still maintaining smaller, more focused areas throughout.
DESIGN PRIORITIES
Functionality:
This gym offers different sections that provide a range of usability and a large array of equipment that’s targeted to a wide variety of guests.
Consistency:
The gym follows the Fitness for All project outline and provides the opportunity to take part in “Fitness for All” guided workout programs.
User Experience:
The awareness of user experience was pivotal in designing this gym space as it was a priority to ensure intentional flow through the space.
Inclusivity:
This gym promotes inclusivity by offering spaces for people of different backgrounds to come together and share similar interests.
ELEMENTS INCORPORATED
First floor
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The entryway for this larger gym is fairly spacious as it provides a suitable transition space from the outside world into the gym experience.
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There are couches for gathering, which can also be used as seating for the boxing ring.
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The boxing ring/area is the focal point as it’s in central view when someone walks through the entrance.
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The stairway to the left is accessible from the entryway
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Off the entryway, there is a room where donations can be collected to be distributed to underserved athletes.
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This project uses the larger gyms, not only as fitness spaces, but also collection sites.
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The spaciousness of this gym allows for there to be three locker areas (male/female/gender-inclusive). These are situated just to the right of the entryway.
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A boxing area that features a space with boxing equipment and, on the other half, there is a ring with enough space around the circumference of the ring to include seating.
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A built-in storage cabinet for the chairs that are used for events (hypothetical)
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There is a rock-climbing wall to the right of the boxing area that is two-stories.
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This gym also features a yoga/meditation/pilates room. This room can also be rented out as a private studio for training purposes.
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Featured towards the back of the first floor is a room dedicated to engaging community members with a long table for meeting and a juice bar. This room has a glass wall, making it feel more connected to the rest of the gym.
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The stairway is opposite to the locker rooms. Having the stairway close to the entrance of the gym eliminates the potential of interrupting anyone’s workout to get upstairs.
Second floor
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Once you exit the stairway to the second floor, you enter the weights-focused area, which features a combination of free weights, plyometric equipment and machinery. These are all organized in a way wherein each mini area focuses on targeting a different muscle group.
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Heading towards the front corner of the second floor, I chose to focus on heavier weight-lifting machinery, providing extra protective padding on the ground beneath.
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The entirety of the rock climbing wall is visible from the second floor, and opens up the space considerably.
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The boxing ring can also be viewed from the second floor, which provides an additional viewpoint for spectators during events.
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Continuing around the second floor is the cardio section, which features bikes, treadmills, stairmasters, ellipticals and rowing machines.