College is the time when young adults learn what they want to do with their professional lives, and juggling this change can be stressful. By offering an on-campus gym, you provide students with a space to unwind, develop healthy habits, and make new friends.
The most successful university gyms share common design principles that prioritize functionality, accessibility, and student engagement. These spaces maximize every square foot, incorporate equipment that serves multiple purposes, and create an environment where all students feel welcome regardless of their fitness experience. Below, we’ve detailed tips and gym design ideas for university campuses.
Maximize Space Efficiency
While there is a limited amount of space to work with in your gym, this should never show in the layout. Measure your gym’s square footage and establish clear walkways so students can move around easily to avoid things feeling cramped. As you draft layout plans, decide whether you want specific zones, such as areas for cardio and resistance training, to keep the workout simple.
Moreover, compare the space you have to the types of machines you’ll purchase. Consider buying machines that serve multiple functions or have a compact footprint if you have a limited area to work with, to maximize your space and provide variety for your students.
Multi-Functional Equipment
You may find that some multi-station weightlifting machines have features that offer various types of workouts. Options such as TRUE’s MP 2.0 feature include leg extensions and curls, chest and shoulder press, as well as a low swivel pulley. On the other hand, the MP 4.0 features an area for leg extensions, upper body exercises, a low swivel pulley, and an adjustable cable column.
Make It Accessible to All Students
Inclusive gym design recognizes that students approach fitness with varying comfort levels, diverse cultural backgrounds, and diverse physical abilities. Thoughtful zoning creates spaces where different types of exercisers can coexist without feeling intimidated or out of place. Dedicated areas for stretching, meditation, and low-intensity activities provide alternatives to traditional high-energy gym environments.
You can also make the space inclusive by offering several exercise options. For example, treadmills are a popular option; however, running is a high-impact activity, and some students may not be capable of it. Aim to have at least three types of cardio machines and three machines for strength training.
Don’t Charge for Memberships
College is expensive enough, especially for students living on campus. Therefore, most schools offer free memberships to all students, allowing them to utilize the facilities.
Have Ergonomic Equipment
Students of all abilities will want to use your gym, and that means catering to everyone’s needs. Invest in ergonomic equipment, such as recumbent bikes, adjustable weight benches, and ellipticals. These types of equipment enhance comfort and usability, making them perfect for students of all ability levels.
Aesthetic Appeal and Branding
Another gym design idea for university campuses is to find creative ways to incorporate the college’s colors, logos, and values into the environment’s design. You could paint the walls in those colors or buy custom equipment with those hues if your school colors are blue and white. You could also showcase the school’s mascot or motto on the walls as a form of spirited artwork.
Not only does university branding add a unique touch to the gym, but it also creates a sense of pride and belonging for students and faculty. This emotional connection can encourage students to use the gym more frequently, turning it into a central hub for fitness and community engagement.
Send Out Student Surveys
One of the best ways to ensure you design a space that everyone on campus loves is to draft options and send out a survey. Consider posting an open forum on the university’s social media page(s) and encourage students to submit their ideas for what they’d like to see in a gym if you’re unsure of where to start.
Once you have several results, review the information and consider how you can incorporate it into the fitness center. For example, you could clear out space for a stretch cage if many students express a desire for a designated area for stretching and yoga. On the other hand, consider adding selectorized gym equipment if students want more weightlifting options.
Pro Tip
Send quarterly surveys so you can continue to make improvements and adjustments to the fitness center.
Offer Storage Areas
Some students may use your gym after finishing their classes for the day, while others come in between courses and bring their backpacks. Offering storage areas ensures that students can secure things in a safe spot and keeps walkways clear in workout zones.
Try to utilize vertical space to minimize wasted room when considering storage options. You could place multi-level lockers near the entrance or in the locker rooms of your fitness centers.
Buy Quality Equipment
Most importantly, the gear you purchase for your gym should be high quality and appropriate for a range of fitness levels to ensure your students’ safety and provide everyone with a better workout experience.
Investing in top-of-the-line equipment may seem costly initially, but it will ultimately save you time and money by reducing maintenance and replacement costs. Additionally, having well-maintained equipment will attract more students to your gym and enhance their overall satisfaction with the experience.
Pro Tip
Purchase from trusted brands with a proven track record of several decades in the fitness industry to ensure your equipment’s quality and reliability.
Take the Next Step
Designing a fitness center can be complex, as there are many details to consider. TRUE has industry experts who can help you select the perfect equipment for your campus gym and determine a layout based on your vision. We’ve worked with numerous clients to create unique gyms that will allow your students to work up a sweat and achieve their fitness goals.
When you work with us, one of our designers will create a 2D design of your layout. After you approve the design, the designer will provide you with a 3D option. If everything looks great on your end, we can begin bringing the facility to life.
Explore our equipment options to get an idea of what you may need, then contact our team to discuss your specific needs and goals. With our team, you’ll create the perfect space for students and faculty to stay active and healthy.