The best hotels offer numerous amenities to guests so they can get the services they need while traveling. Nowadays, fitness has become a key part of most people’s day, and having a proper fitness center in your hotel allows guests to continue their fitness routine while away from home. However, designing a hotel gym is not as simple as just placing some equipment in a room. Your hotel gym should be well-organized, clean, and offer quality equipment to guests. Explore expert tips for a smart hotel gym design and equipment.
Buy Quality Equipment
Having the right equipment makes a world of difference and increases the chances of guests using the space. Professional-grade equipment looks sleek, lasts longer, and often has more built-in features than cheaper alternatives; guests who use it are more likely to view your hotel in a positive light. Consider elevating the look of your hotel gym with custom upholstery for strength equipment. Customization options are available with TRUE Fitness’ Palladium Series Selectorized and Plate Loaded equipment. You can choose a custom color for the upholstery to complement your hotel’s branding color.
Consider Your Floor Plan
Evaluate the hotel space you’ll dedicate to fitness and ensure that it’s big enough for guests to easily move around in once you place equipment and machines inside. Ideally, your gym should be at least 200-400 square feet, but it can be larger if you have the space in your building. “It’s important to ensure clear walking paths with at least 36” clearance to maintain safety and ADA,” said Blake Barnett, TRUE Fitness’ Project Designer.
As you walk through the room, assess its shape and think about potential layouts. Consider placing cardio machines along a wall near windows for natural light and visibility (guests prefer bright, inviting environments) and weight machines along the other wall if the space is long and narrow. Doing so will allow you to create designed pathways that guests can walk through without disrupting others’ workouts.
Pro Tip
Consider purchasing multi-stations instead of multiple weightlifting machines, as they will occupy less space and provide a greater variety of exercises for guests.
Maximize Natural Light
Sunlight motivates people by naturally boosting their mood and energy levels, making it perfect for a gym. Try selecting a space that has at least one exterior wall so you can install large windows to let in ample light.
Position cardio equipment near windows so guests can enjoy outdoor views while exercising. You can also use sheer curtains or frosted glass treatments to maintain privacy without sacrificing the benefits of natural illumination.
Pro Tip
If possible, place a mirror on the wall across from the windows to amplify the natural light within the space.
Designate Clear Workout Zones
Another tip for designing a smart hotel gym and buying equipment is to establish clear zones for different types of exercise. Not only does this make it easier for you to determine what types of machines to buy, but it also helps guests plan their workouts. Additionally, having clear zone designations prevents overcrowding in popular areas so guests with different fitness goals can exercise comfortably.
Cardio Zone
Your gym’s cardio zone should have various machines, such as:
Having multiple types of workout machines ensures that the space appeals to as many people as possible. If you don’t have enough room to have at least one of each, make sure you have popular options such as treadmills and ellipticals, which are versatile and welcoming to people of all fitness levels.
Weightlifting Zone
The hotel workout space should also have areas for weightlifting machines and free weights. Since hotel gyms tend to be smaller than commercial ones, consider buying selectorized machines to save space. Selectorized machines are also easier for beginners to use and can accommodate multiple exercises in one machine.
Some popular weightlifting equipment for a hotel gym may include the following:
- Chest press
- Lat pulldown
- Leg press
- Shoulder press
- Bicep curl
- Tricep extension
If you place free weights in the room, make sure there’s enough room for guests to comfortably move around and use them.
Stretching Zone
It’s easy to overlook stretching since most of us think about the heart-pumping aspects of fitness; however, failing to stretch before and after workouts increases the risk of injury. Place stretch cages, yoga mats, and resistance bands in the stretching zone to create a functional space for guests to warm up or cool down.
Create a Storage Space
Some guests may go into the hotel gym and have some belongings with them, such as a wallet, phone, or keys. The problem is that lugging a purse or gym bag around creates a trip hazard for everyone using the spaces. Therefore, consider offering locker spaces where guests can securely store their belongings throughout their workout routine.
Focus on Cleanliness and Hygiene
Amenities should increase your hotel’s reputation, but a dirty gym can deter guests from your business. During intense workouts, guests sweat, and failing to clean this up creates a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odors.
Make sure to have proper cleaning supplies readily available for guests to wipe down equipment after use. For example, you should have antibacterial wipes near equipment with signs reminding guests to wipe things down after each use. Additionally, you should have employees clean the gym a few times throughout the day to sanitize equipment and surfaces.
Moreover, place rubber flooring or mats in high-traffic areas to prevent damage to the floor and provide a more comfortable surface for guests during their workouts. Doing so will also make it easier to clean any spills or messes that may occur.
Add Hydration Stations
Guests will get thirsty as they build up a sweat, and having hydration stations in the gym allows them to easily refill their water bottles. Position hydration stations strategically throughout the gym so guests can access water without interrupting their workout flow.
You may also place a vending machine in the gym with electrolyte drinks or sports beverages for guests to purchase. These offerings ensure that anyone doing an intense workout remains hydrated and healthy.
Install Safety Features
Guest safety must be the priority in hotel gym design and equipment selection. Install non-slip flooring throughout the facility, with special attention to areas where guests might sweat or spill water. Likewise, make sure you or another employee regularly inspects equipment to verify that it works the way it should and doesn’t require repair.
Moreover, establish emergency protocols and post emergency contact information prominently throughout the gym. Install emergency stop buttons on motorized equipment and ensure first aid supplies are easily accessible. Consider adding emergency communication systems that connect directly to hotel security or management in case guests need help and staff are not inside the gym.
Shop for Equipment
TRUE Fitness has numerous cardiovascular exercise machines that are perfect for your gym. We have several cardio series with machines designed to meet the needs of every type of facility. Contact our team if you need help planning your gym and determining what to buy. With our expertise and top-of-the-line equipment, you can create a gym that will attract and retain guests.