Advantages of hiring a gym consultant for your next hotel, office or residential development
residential gym design concept by biofit
Introduction to gym consultancy
The demand for state-of-the-art, design-led fitness amenities and services is on the rise in the hotel and residential sectors like never before.
This is where the expertise of a gym or fitness consultant comes in - helping to steer a hotel, resort or residential developer towards an optimal gym concept for the location, target audience, site and budget in question.
Fitness consultants and gym consultancy businesses are, at their best, a rare combination interior design and fitness expertise who specialize in conceptualizing, designing and delivering innovative new leisure facilities for hotels, resorts, offices and residential developments.
In other words, they bring to the table knowledge and experience to create the perfect fitness space tailored to the needs of your hotel, office buildings or residential real estate development.
Article summary
In this article, we will discuss the role of gym consultancy in the hotel, office and residential real estate industries, the benefits of hiring fitness consultants for your development project, and the various aspects of gym consultancy, such as design, equipment selection, and staff management.
The role of gym consultants in the real estate and hospitality industry
Gym consultants play an essential role in the fitness amenities on offer in hotels and residential buildings, particularly in the planning, design, and management of those fitness facilities.
They work closely with clients to identify their specific needs and develop customized solutions to create a welcoming, visually appealing, motivational and above all durable, functional fitness environment.
This includes determining the best concept based on client vision, competitor set, budget and site characteristics.
From there it's about the layout, choosing gym flooring, positioning of gym wall mirrors and feature walls, designing the gym lighting, liaising with electricians and MEP consultants, selecting the appropriate gym equipment, coordinating the procurement process and in some instances hiring and training fitness staff, or assisting with launch marketing activities.
That first slice of the gym consultant process, 'concept definition', requires being well-versed in industry trends and best practices, so if your fitness consultant is not in the gym every day watching which machines are most popular, if he/she is not visiting countless gyms and fitness studios every year to review market trends, and testing out new gym equipment in person, then you're talking to the wrong people.
Look for the fitness and nutrition -obsessed, the marathon runners and gym-bunnies who eat, dream and sleep about gyms all day every day, like us!
This way you know that they're genuinely up-to-date with the latest advancements in fitness technology and equipment, as well as emerging exercises and workout routines.
This knowledge allows the fitness consultant to provide clients with innovative and cutting-edge fitness solutions that cater to the evolving needs of today's health-conscious consumers but, crucially, you don't get there by reading the occasional blog article, it's about being out there on the gym floor day in and day out.
No shortcuts.
residential gym design by biofit
Key advantages of hiring a gym consultant
Hiring a fitness consultant, for your hotel or residential real estate development can provide numerous benefits. Some of the key advantages include:
Expert guidance:
A gym consultant brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, experience, and expertise to the table.
They can help you make informed decisions regarding the design, layout, and equipment selection for your fitness facility, ensuring that your investment is maximized and your fitness amenities are tailored to the needs of your target clientele.
Innovative solutions:
With their finger on the pulse of the latest trends and advancements in the fitness industry, gym consultants can provide you with innovative and cutting-edge fitness solutions that will appeal to today's health-conscious consumers.
This strategic partnership can give your development a competitive edge in the market, attracting more clients and increasing your overall revenue.
Efficient use of space:
Fitness consultants are adept at creating functional and visually appealing fitness spaces, even within limited areas. It's the ones who deal in gym design that you're after though!
By carefully assessing your available space and developing a strategic design plan, they can help you make the most of your fitness facility and create an inviting environment that encourages clients to participate in regular exercise.
Long-term cost savings:
By hiring a gym design consultancy, you can avoid costly short-term mistakes and ensure that your fitness facility is designed, equipped, and managed efficiently from the get-go.
hotel gym design by biofit
the gym design consultancy process
The gym design consultancy process typically involves several key stages, including:
Initial consultation:
The fitness consultant team will meet with you to discuss your vision, goals, and requirements for the fitness facility.
This will include an assessment of your available space, budget, and desired features, as well as a discussion of your target clientele and any specific needs they may have.
Concept development:
Based on your initial consultation, the fitness consultant will develop a concept for your future fitness facility that aligns with your vision and goals.
This may include sketches or 3D renderings to help you visualize the proposed design.
Space planning and layout:
The fitness consultant will work with you to create an efficient and functional layout for your fitness facility, taking into consideration factors such as equipment placement, traffic flow, and the appropriate allocation of space for different fitness zones (e.g., strength training, cardio, group classes, etc.).
Equipment selection and procurement:
The fitness consultant will assist you in selecting the appropriate gym equipment for your fitness facility, based on your budget and the needs of your target clientele.
They can also help you procure the equipment at competitive prices and ensure that it is properly installed and maintained.
Staff recruitment and training:
Depending on location, some gym consultancy businesses can help you recruit and train qualified fitness staff, including personal trainers, group exercise instructors, and fitness facility managers.
Expertise in gym design vs hiring a separate interior designer
Not all gym consultancy businesses are created equal. Some are more slanted towards equipment selection and operations or management, while others are essentially interior design teams who retain clients and outsource the equipment selection and installation to their preferred equipment supplier.
If you notice that their gym designs all feature exactly the same equipment brand and even the same equipment repeated again and again, then you have spotted a red flag.
It takes energy and humility to go hunting for new products and equipment brands for each project that lands on the team's desk but that's what the job is about so don't let your gym consultant get away with laziness and a preferred supplier relationship that ties them into selling you one equipment brand over another.
resort gym design by biofit
Selection of appropriate gym equipment
On that note, clearly then, selecting the right gym equipment is crucial to the success of your fitness facility, not least in terms of making the books balance by not going over the allocated budget.
The equipment should cater to the diverse needs and preferences of your target clientele, as well as be durable, safe, and easy to maintain.
A gym consultancy team can help you choose the best equipment for your facility, taking into consideration factors such as:
Functionality:
The gym equipment should be versatile and capable of supporting a wide range of exercises and fitness programs.
This will enable your clients to enjoy a comprehensive, complete and varied workout experience.
Durability:
High-quality gym equipment is essential for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your fitness facility.
A gym consultancy can help you identify reputable equipment manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring that you invest in durable and long-lasting equipment.
Safety:
Gym equipment should be designed with user safety in mind.
A gym consultancy can help you select equipment that complies with industry safety standards and guidelines, ensuring that your clients and customers can exercise in a safe and secure environment.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your gym equipment in good working order and extending its lifespan.
A gym consultancy can advise you on the appropriate maintenance schedule for your equipment, as well as help you establish a preventive maintenance plan to minimize the risk of equipment breakdowns and costly repairs.
residential co-living gym design by biofit
Integration of fitness technology and trends
It's essential to create modern fitness studios and fitness centres that cater to the evolving needs of clients.
This includes offering an evolving range of fitness programs and services, incorporating cutting-edge technology and equipment, not just providing a clean and professional environment for clients to exercise in.
Fitness consultants with experience in operations, fitness technology and the latest group fitness concepts can help you achieve this by:
Developing a diverse range of fitness programs
Resort gyms often have an extensive wellness activity calendar with a range of group fitness classes, meaning each new season requires a refresh, update, perhaps new equipment, staff training in new protocols, new music playlists and so on in order to keep it fresh, even for regular guests.
Integrating technology and digital solutions
A good fitness consultant also will be up to date on solutions for integrating new operations concepts such as virtual fitness classes, fitness tracking apps, digital signage, fitness mirrors, LED ceilings and walls, as well as high-tech gym equipment with smart sensors or an element of Artificial Intelligence.
Collaboration with interior designers and architects
Collaborating with architects is an essential aspect of our role as gym design consultants. In the case of a fitness consultant that is not a dedicated top design specialist like us, they would clearly need to collaborate with an interior designer but the ideal solution is that these roles are combined in one obviously.
Another solution is that there is an interior architect and designer involved already to deliver the residential interiors or hotel interiors but they are not versed in gym design specifically, so we as gym design consultancy would then slide into the mix and align with the design concept established by the lead designers, whilst adding our own expertise around gyms, yoga studios, basketball courts and so on, as required.
A third option is that no designer is involved at all and the gym is trying to keep costs low, so the consultant simply advises on wall treatments, gym flooring and equipment, CrossFit gym style - raw and rugged!
Gym interior designers specialize in creating visually appealing gyms and fitness studios that enhance the resident or guest experience and ensure a harmonious fitness environment that aligns with the wider context of the residential building, hotel, co-living etc.
Ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations
In order to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations in gym designs for residential buildings and hotels, it is crucial to adhere to a well-structured process that takes into consideration various critical aspects.
The first step in accomplishing this is conducting extensive research on the specific guidelines and requirements outlined by relevant authorities and organizations within the fitness and hospitality sectors.
This includes understanding local building codes, zoning regulations, and accessibility requirements, as well as adhering to international standards such as the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) guidelines.
When developing a gym design for residences and hotels, it is essential to consider the unique needs and preferences of the target demographic, while also taking into account space constraints, safety concerns, and operational efficiency.
By engaging the services of a qualified fitness consultant with expertise in gym design, project stakeholders can ensure that their facilities are not only visually appealing and user-friendly but also fully compliant with all applicable standards and regulations.
The fitness consultant will help to identify the most suitable equipment, layout, and design elements to optimize the overall functionality and aesthetics of the gym, while also ensuring that all installations and modifications adhere to the stipulated rules and best practices.