This year is the beginning of a new chapter in everyone’s life. Everyone is looking to better each aspect of their lives – their social life, professional life and even their fitness life. Your potential customers are begging for a new routine and a new start to their fitness journey- all you have to do is be what they’re looking for.
This is the best time, maybe ever, to invest in your health club design. No matter if you are thinking of a remodel, or a full build-out, you have the opportunity to ‘wow’ your potential customers and inspire them to come back for more. Here’s how you can get started:
Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Begin Your Health Club Redesign
What kind of club best fits MY market?
When revamping (or rebuilding) your club, you HAVE to know what market you’re targeting. This affects the entire design and function of your space and who it’s meant to serve. I typically break these down into three categories (though they’re not all cut and dry):
- High-volume and low-price clubs. These clubs are aimed towards those who are mainly focused on ease of access, basic equipment all at a lower price point.
- Mid-priced family clubs. Centers like this are perfect for parents looking to get back into the gym with mature equipment and childcare services.
- High-end boutiques. Advanced gym-goers or highly motivated individuals with serious fitness goals are looking for a high-end experience with the equipment and design they desire, even if it comes at a higher price.
What kind of club is my market missing?
Knowing the existing competitors and establishments in your market will help you create a club that is unlike any other in your area. You wouldn’t want to simply build a new gym without first scoping out pre-existing clubs – you would be setting yourself up for failure.
Instead, find gaps in your market. See where the potential lies in these gaps and capitalize on it. If your market is highly saturated with high-volume and low-price clubs, consider shifting your focus towards creating a mid-priced or high-end fitness space. By doing so, you are both mitigating your competition and capitalizing on consumer demand.
How many people would need to join to make me successful?
Although improving the fitness journey of your members is your number one priority, it’s just as important for your club to be turning a profit. After you’ve determined what kind of club you’re looking to design with a target consumer, you’re going to have to do some market research and math.
Here are some questions to get you started:
- How much would it cost to create a beautiful, intentionally-designed functional fitness space?
- What would my monthly expenditures look like?
- With my expenses in mind, how much would each membership cost?
- And how many members would I need to join in order to make me successful?
This process will involve a lot of high-level thinking, calculations and research. It won’t be easy, but it is absolutely essential for you to understand the feasibility of your club’s success.
Remodels aren’t easy. Get some expert Fitness Facility Design weigh-in.
Design done right reaches far beyond the aesthetic of a building. Good design is not only visually appealing, it provides an internal experience that appeals to your members on an intangible yet extraordinarily powerful, personal level. It takes into consideration the way your members move, the amount of space they want around them, what kind of amenities they expect at different locations around your gym – it provides an effortless flow throughout your building that results in a meaningful, bespoke experience for your members.
There are many firms with talent for designing specialized spaces (retail, office, home design, etc). When selecting a designer for your fitness space, I would highly recommend working with someone who specializes in gym architecture and design. Professionals in this space are aware of safety measures, member expectations, and design best practices that will provide an intrinsically invaluable experience, customized for your market.
Our team here at Fabiano Designs has years of experience and expertise in the fitness industry. Whether you’re looking for an architect, designer, or a consultation with your current design/architectural firm, we provide an array of services to help not only design your gym for your members, but for your business goals. If you’re interested in a redesign at your club but don’t know where to start, feel free to reach out to set up a consultation – we’re happy to help.
