The Costs of Designing and Equipping a Home Gym or Hotel Gym
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A Budget Guide to home gym design and hotel gym design
The decision to create a home gym design or indeed equip a small hotel gym is a significant one, and it's essential to plan your gym layout and budget carefully.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the various factors that contribute to the costs of designing and equipping a gym space, with a particular focus on premium and mid-price gym equipmentbrands like Technogym and Life Fitness.
Understanding the gym design process
Before diving into the specifics of premium and mid-price gym equipment, it's vital to understand the foundational elements that contribute to the overall cost of setting up a gym.
You have to put in some of this planning work upfront otherwise there's a real risk of your fantastical gym designs simply being unrealizable when it comes down to the details.
Space allocation in Gym Designs and a gym floor plan
The first consideration is the space available and the design of your gym area. This involves not only the physical dimensions but also the layout, flooring, and ventilation.
Quality gym flooring may not occupy any space in your plan, other than the 10mm underlay and 7-10mm tiles themselves, but this is an essential element needed to protect both the equipment and the gym users, so don't leave it out!
Expect to pay upwards of Eur 50-70 per square metre for a quality rubber tile in your future gym from a brand like Paviflex, Ecore or Pavigym.
For more on sustainable gym flooring options see our article here.
Gym Equipment Selection
Your choice of gym equipment will significantly impact your budget. This encompasses cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowers), strength training equipment (weight machines, free weights), functional training equipment (kettlebells, rigs, racks, sandbags, ropes, rings) and other accessories (mats, benches, etc.).
The decision to opt for mostly premium or mid-price brands will play a pivotal role in this cost therefore, so it can make sense to work with an independent gym consultant to help you navigate your way through these decisions, to help procure equipment direct from the brands themselves, and to provide creative ideas to adapt the gym to a brand or individual's specific preferences.
Installation and Maintenance in the fitness industry
Installation costs are often overlooked but are crucial to ensuring the equipment is set up correctly and safely. Additionally, factor in a modest amount for ongoing maintenance expenses, which are essential for the longevity and functionality of your gym, depending on how frequently the gym is in use obviously!
Aesthetics and Amenities in a small-scale fitness facility
The aesthetics of the gym space, including decor and lighting, will of course influence costs. Do you want to be looking at empty walls during your workout, or would wallpaper, coloured non-toxic paint, framed artworks or mirrored glass be preferable?
Furthermore, we always consider additional amenities like sound systems, TV screens, side tables for personal belongings, indoor air purifiers, aromatherapy and adequate power and data points on the floor for all the tech.
Premium vs. Mid-Price Brands: A Cost Comparison
Let's examine the costs associated with premium brands like Technogym and mid-price brands such as Life Fitness. While both options offer high-quality equipment, there are distinct differences in pricing.
Disclaimer: As a gym designer and gym consultancy, we remain neutral, working with a wide range of brands according to budget, locatio, training style and aesthetic preferences.
Premium Brands example: Technogym
A top choice for your dream facility?
Technogym is renowned for its cutting-edge fitness equipment, sleek design, and advanced technology.
It is not here on this planet to bargain, offer discounts, or cater to the Lowest Common Denominator but if you want quality, any colour as long as it is black and prefer to spend more upfront for peace of mind, this may be the brand for your training space.
Here are some key factors to consider when budgeting for Technogym equipment:
Equipment Costs: Premium brands come with a premium price tag. Expect to pay top dollar for Technogym equipment.
For example, a high-end treadmill from Technogym can range from €3,500 for the most basic home gym option up to €20,000 for a top of the range option easily.
We typically budget approx. €10,000 for a high quality but low tech option and approx. €15,000 if the client wants an entertainment screen built-in
Technology Integration: Technogym places a strong emphasis on connectivity and integrated technology. While this enhances the user experience, it also adds to the overall cost.
As the future gym moves ever closer to being fully connected and 'smart', this also means equipment brands are charging monthly or annual subscription fees for access to their software platforms.
For example, Technogym's main virtual trainer platform costs around €120 per annum for cardio machines and their new Biostrength machines also require a similar subscription.
Maintenance: Maintenance costs for premium equipment can be higher due to the complexity of the technology involved.
Ensure you have a maintenance plan in place to protect your investment - this means buying from reputed retailers, or ideally from the brand itself.
Going direct to the brand is our preferred modus operandi in most cases (except in the US where there is a regional distributor system in place) as we can then be sure of the after-sales service quality, coming directly from the supplier
Warranty: Technogym typically offers extensive warranties on their equipment, which can provide peace of mind but may also add to the upfront cost.
Mid-Price Brand example: Life Fitness
A reliable fitness center favourite
Life Fitness is a well-respected mid-price brand known for its durability and reliability. Part of the same group as Cybex and Hammer Strength, this trio are a veritable powerhouse in the health club industry, covering cardio equipment, strength training and functional training in-depth, meaning they can cover all of your gym's floor plan training zones potentially!
Here's what to expect when budgeting for Life Fitness equipment:
Equipment Costs: While Life Fitness equipment is more affordable than premium brands, it is still an investment. Treadmills, for instance, can range from €2,000 to €5,000.
Durability: Life Fitness is known for its robust and long-lasting equipment, potentially reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Technology: While Life Fitness offers technology integration, it is often less advanced compared to premium brands. This can result in cost savings.
Warranty: Warranty periods for mid-price brands like Life Fitness may be slightly shorter than those offered by premium brands, but they still provide reasonable coverage.
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Creating a Gym Budget
Now that we've discussed the cost factors associated with both premium and mid-price brands, let's outline a step-by-step approach to creating a budget for your home or hotel gym project.
Step 1: Determine your gym floor plans
Begin by assessing the available space and design requirements for your gym.
Consider factors like flooring, ventilation, lighting, storage and orientation (for example, towards a window) as well as a suitable wall for mirrored glass (always a good option!).
These decisions will of course influence your overall budget. There are free gym design software options on the market but you get what you pay for, so the next level up from that is a 3D gym design software like EC Design.
Finally, there is the option to call in a specialist gym design consultant (like us!) who lives and breathes this stuff every day.
It may cost a little more in the long-run but it buys you peave of mind and also opens the door to much more creative concepts, custom equipment finishes with branding, less mainstream equipment brands, and so on.
It's all a question of your vision for the gym plan and how far your budget can stretch.
Step 2: Turn you gym layout into an Equipment list
Next, decide on the type and quantity of equipment you need. Are you primarily focusing on cardio machines, strength training, or a combination of both? Be sure to account for accessories and any specialized equipment.
Step 3: Research Brands and Pricing
Research various brands, including premium and mid-price options. Request price quotes and compare the costs of equipment that meets your requirements. Take into consideration any additional features, technology, and warranties.
Step 4: Include Installation and Maintenance
Factor in installation costs, which may vary depending on the complexity of the equipment. Additionally, calculate ongoing maintenance expenses to ensure the longevity and safety of your gym equipment.
Step 5: Consider Gym Design Aesthetics and Amenities
If aesthetics and amenities are important to you or your guests, allocate a portion of your budget for these enhancements. This may include lighting, decor, sound systems, and entertainment options.
Overhead lighting is especially important to get right in a gym design, so be sure to brief your gym designer or interior designer on that if it's not something you're familiar with yourself.
Step 6: Plan for Gym Design Contingencies
Set aside a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses or contingencies. It's wise to have a financial cushion to address unforeseen issues that may arise during the project... because they always do sooner or later!
Step 7: Finalize Your Gym Design Budget
Compile all the costs from the previous steps to create a comprehensive budget. Ensure that it aligns with your financial resources and project timeline.
Home gym design: conclusion
Creating a home gym or equipping a hotel gym is a significant investment, and careful budgeting is essential.
While premium brands like Technogym offer cutting-edge technology and design, they come with a higher price tag.
On the other hand, mid-price brands like Life Fitness provide quality and durability at a more affordable cost.
Ultimately, the choice between premium and mid-price brands should align with your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals.
By following the steps outlined in this gym design guide, you can make informed decisions and create a gym space that enhances well-being for yourself or your business guests, all while managing costs effectively.
Remember that a well-planned gym design budget ensures that your fitness investment pays off in the long run. If you're not sure where to start, contact us to discuss how we can help.