Building a gym? You surely want to design it in a way that will stimulate, jump and make you want to come to exercise. For this, you will need to fill it with devices that are suitable for all types of training, with effective devices and with those that will help your trainees achieve the best results. When it comes to designing the perfect fitness space, of course there will also be some many doubts along the way. Which devices to choose? How to design? What brands? Which surface to choose for the floor? These questions need an answer, which you will get right here. We have collected for you the recommendations for the fitness equipment that must be in every gym along with additional tips for designing the perfect gym.
Correct gym equipment will attract a crowd to you
These are not trivial decisions, the equipment of your gym is the one that will determine its nature in the end. Each gym attracts an audience depending on the quality of the equipment in it, which are the heart of any successful gym. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that this is a choice that is not temporary, but requires you to do in-depth research on the types of devices that exist in the market and are common in institutes. Also, you should get to know some of the equipment that is mandatory in every gym and with them include some bonuses and treats for your exercisers.
What is important to know before choosing equipment for the gym?
Choosing equipment for a gym is one of the most important decisions in planning a training space, whether it is a professional institute, a small studio or a home gym. The first step is to understand the target audience - the types of training, the fitness level of the users and the frequency of use. Equipment for the gym should match the character of the exercisers and combine aerobic equipment, strength equipment and functional equipment, so that they provide a diverse solution for all fitness levels.
It is important to choose high-quality, stable and durable devices, with recognized safety standards. You should check the adjustability, the ease of use and the ergonomics - to ensure a safe and comfortable training experience. In addition, the available space in the gym should be considered and the layout should be planned so as to allow free and spacious movement between the training positions.
Another consideration is maintenance and service: quality devices are measured not only in performance, but also in the availability of spare parts and technical support over time. Proper investment in gym equipment will pay for itself over the years - in reliable equipment, satisfied trainers and a training experience that invites you to come back again and again.
Mandatory devices
So let's start from the beginning, from the mandatory equipment that can be found in any successful gym. These devices are your foundation for creating a well-equipped training space. Here we will go over some of them, and highlights that are important to pay attention to when choosing the devices.
Treadmill or running machine
Every gym must have a number of treadmills and running machines. An overwhelming majority of the exercisers will choose to start or end the workout with a few minutes on the treadmill, and there are also some who will come just for that. That is why it is very important to purchase high quality treadmills for your gym, and in a quantity that matches the size of the training space. Before purchasing treadmills for your gym, it is important that you pay attention to several things. First of all, you must check the width of the treadmill's track, so that it will be comfortable for the exercisers who come to run at your gym. The recommended width for the track is usually around 50 cm, so that it will be wide enough and allow for running comfortably. To the same extent, the length of the treadmill is also an important parameter. To adapt your treadmills even for taller exercisers, it is recommended to choose a treadmill with a long track. This way it will also fit people who are taller than average, whose steps are larger. You must also remember that each treadmill has a certain weight limit that it can carry. Before When purchasing, you should check the limitations of the treadmill you are interested in, to make sure that it can serve all those coming to your gym. It is recommended that you choose a treadmill that can also carry higher weights, so that it can be used by as many people as possible in your gym. Finally, make sure that your treadmills have high-quality shock absorbers, heart rate control, and mileage control.
Elliptical
An elliptical is an aerobic machine that simulates a running action by moving the foot pedals on an elliptical track. In this way, the trainees can use the device and simulate running, in a way that allows an almost full range of motion for the knees and pelvic joints and without putting pressure on them. Using the elliptical device, you can achieve all the health benefits of running, and without straining your knees and lower back. Among the benefits are improving cardiopulmonary endurance and improving other health indicators such as blood cholesterol level, blood pressure and more. However, some experts explain that this is a device that, upon starting to use it, complaints may appear regarding the strain on the back, since it requires a slight tilt of the body forward while using it. So yes, starting to use the device can be a little challenging, but when you perform the action gradually and get used to it, it can actually strengthen the back muscles and get them used to the effort. This is a must-have device for every gym, since it is a perfect alternative solution for exercisers who cannot run for various health reasons, or simply prefer another option.
Multi-trainer
Multi-trainer devices, as their name suggests, allow work on several muscle groups. These devices are strength devices that include several stations, each of which works on a different muscle. This is an excellent device since it combines several options for exercising in one place, all in one package. It is recommended to choose a device that includes several levels of weights, in order to allow all types of exercisers to use it. When choosing the device, also pay attention to the chair, which is padded and comfortable and can be adjusted according to the size of the user. There are many types of multi-trainers that you can choose from, so you must put emphasis in your selection on the needs of your institute, in terms of the types of exercises and in terms of the range of the amount of weights. It is recommended to choose a versatile professional multi-trainer designed for large gym spaces and for wide use.
Fitness couch
Of course, this is not a couch that you can sit on and relax, but an adjustable bench for performing exercises at different angles. Abdominal exercises and chest exercises can be performed on the sofa, as well as chest presses and other additional exercises can be performed using a dumbbell bar on the sides of which different weights can be mounted. The sofa is an important tool in any gym because it allows the performance of a variety of central exercises, and can provide a wide range of solutions in a relatively simple configuration.
flexibility device
A flexibility device is a device with which you can stretch your legs quickly, and perform a full stretch of up to 190 degrees. Regular use of the device is essential in reducing muscle pain and reduces the chance of injuries. Many people choose to skip using the device, which is a shame. In every workout we spend time contracting the muscles, but we also need to spend time stretching them at the end, to avoid limited range of motion and injuries. The use of the device is recommended for all types of exercisers and especially for those interested in working on flexibility.
Additional cardio equipment
After we have gone over the mandatory devices, which must be found in every gym, we can move on to additional and equally important devices. Besides the aerobic machines we have already mentioned, you can choose other aerobic machines. All aerobic devices work on a common principle, improving cardiopulmonary endurance and allowing for a more effective training experience. Here are some other cardio machines you should have in your gym.
Exercise bike
Cycling (exercise bike/spinning bike) is an excellent way to work several muscles at the same time, burn calories and improve heart function. People who don't feel like cycling outside will expect to find the answer in the gym or at home with a home exercise bike. Exercise bikes simulate the cycling activity in a great way and are considered a popular aerobic device among exercisers. It is highly recommended to choose a professional exercise bike for your gym and not to give up this excellent device. There are bikes for different types of ages and difficulty levels, from bikes for adults to more professional exercise bikes for the super athletes we built.
stair device
It is not such a complex device, but it is very useful. The device simulates climbing stairs and, similar to a treadmill, it can be set at a pace chosen by the exerciser. The stair machine has many benefits, which is why many trainers choose to incorporate it during their training. In fact, climbing the stairs we burn 2 times more calories compared to walking or running in the same period of time. The stair exercises have become popular aerobic exercises also because they help the metabolic processes in the body, and also help in improving the level of cholesterol and blood sugar. In addition, it is a device that is effective for toning the muscles of the buttocks and legs. It is more than recommended to choose a high-quality stair machine for your gym, to present wide options to the exercisers.
Strength Machines
Beyond the aerobic equipment, your gym can be equipped with additional strength equipment, apart from the mandatory equipment we mentioned. These devices are designed for strength training and include several weights, so the exerciser can choose the amount of weight that suits him while using the device.
Rowing device
A rowing machine is an excellent device that allows you to train all the muscles of the body at the same time. Working with the device allows training for burning calories and also for deep work on the muscles of the back, buttocks, abdomen, pelvis, quadriceps, shoulders, lower back as well as the biceps and triceps muscles of the arms. This is a particularly effective strength training device, which also combines the development of aerobic abilities. There are different types of rowing machines, all working on the same principle, with each being slightly different. Choose the device that is especially suitable for your institute and that allows you to perform a wide variety of exercises.
Chest compression device
The chest press exercise is an exercise for toning the muscles of the upper body. This is a very popular exercise among exercisers, which mainly works on the muscles of the chest, shoulders and arms. What is so good about the device, is that the exercise can be performed in slightly different ways each time, so each exerciser can use it according to his goals. The device helps strengthen the upper body, and is an excellent preparation for doing push-ups among beginners. This is a fairly common facility and can be found in almost every gym, so be sure not to be unusual.
Cross over device
The crossover device allows the performance of cable pulling exercises, connected to weights of different weights. The device is designed to work on all the muscles of the body and it is possible to perform a wide variety of exercises, both for functional fitness and for particularly effective strength training. The Crossover device is actually a type of multi-trainer, which allows you to perform tension exercises, leg presses, working on the muscles of the arms, lifting weights, abdominal exercises, training with cables and more. The equipped device is ideal for large gyms, and you should also get it.
Accessories for your gym
Besides the devices and fitness facilities, it is important that you also include additional and useful accessories, which will be available to your trainees. Choose rubber bands, dumbbells, mattresses, balls, barbells and more. These accessories can improve the training experience in a significant way and give your trainees a great shell, with a feeling that all their needs have been taken care of.
Of course, it is important to remember that in quality gyms, there is additional equipment that is not necessarily related to fitness, and is no less important. If you want to provide your trainees with the perfect experience, invest in the visibility of your gym and its atmosphere. Equip the place with large television screens that will entertain the time of the exercisers on the spot, the screens should be adapted to the size of the fitness space and in an amount that will suit the audience of exercisers. You can place several screens in front of the treadmills as is customary in most gyms and place several large screens that will be scattered throughout the room. On them you can project informative fitness videos or bouncy music that will contribute to the energy in your place. A gym that provides real solutions must also provide a computerized reception desk. Through the position, all administration matters will be arranged in a way that will be convenient for the subscribers.
Sales position for complementary products
In many gyms it is customary to also add a sales stand with products that can be used by the exercisers. At the stand you can offer for sale nutritional supplements, protein supplements and energy bars. Selling the products at the counter will significantly increase your profits from the institute, since it will provide a specific response to the exercisers, who are the biggest consumers of these products.
Rooms for studio classes
Another option for enriching your institute is to rent a few rooms, where studio classes and group trainings can be held. You can conduct yoga, pilates, functional training and more. Many exercisers who come to the gym are looking for additional services that will help them achieve the best results. This way, the studio rooms will be able to increase your profits, and at the same time will attract more people to your gym. You will be able to hire a professional team of instructors to deliver the classes, who will provide a professional response to the trainees and build diverse training sets.
Your gym flooring
When it comes to gym flooring, you will be faced with several options. We will briefly discuss those options here so that you can choose the perfect flooring for your gym.
rubber flooring
The rubber flooring is probably the flooring you have come across the most in gyms. And it's not just that it's such a popular choice, the rubber is an ideal material for the gym surface. The rubber is an excellent shock absorber, easy to clean, sound insulating and also looks really sporty. You can choose from several options for rubber flooring: rubber tiles, rubber mats or rolls. The tiles are very convenient to assemble since they are lightweight, and can be put together like a puzzle. The rolls, on the other hand, can be laid out like surfaces. Make the appropriate choice according to the size of your space and choose from the selection of different rubber flooring.
EVA flooring
If the rubber flooring is not to your taste, you can choose EVA flooring instead. This is a discounted alternative to the rubber tiles, which is no less high quality. The material is made of compressed foam, very light and durable just like rubber. The flooring is especially suitable for gyms, since it is able to withstand strong blows and is suitable for conditions of intense physical activity. For EVA tiles you will have to choose between foam with open cells and suitable closed foam. It is recommended to choose a suitable closed foam, since it is considered more resistant to damage and adapted to massive treading. The open cell tiles, on the other hand, are less rigid and not suitable for training. The EVA flooring is very easy to clean, does not require complicated installation and is considered a very aesthetic choice that comes in a variety of colors.
Carpet flooring
Many institutes choose carpet flooring for their fitness space, which will give a pleasant and homely atmosphere. This is a flooring that is mainly suitable for studio training spaces, and on which you can spread yoga mats to perform different trainings. Although the carpets are difficult to clean compared to the other surfaces, they are very durable, do not require too much maintenance and are considered an excellent design choice that comes in a variety of colors. The carpets will provide you with a unique and interesting atmosphere, so it is worth considering choosing them.
Everything is ready to choose the devices - and now?
After you have carefully selected the equipment, planned the space and invested in design and accessories, it is time to turn your gym into a place that will attract exercisers and inspire. To create a perfect training experience, it is important to think beyond the equipment itself - about the atmosphere, comfort and overall experience. Invest in proper lighting that instills positive energy, in a quality sound system that will motivate the exercisers, and in proper division of the space to allow a natural flow between the different training areas.
Don't forget the human element - a team of professional, kind and good-energy instructors and trainers can change the whole feeling on the spot. They are the ones who accompany the trainees, ensure correct use of the equipment and encourage persistence.
EUROTEC offers advanced solutions for gyms - from quality strength and aerobic equipment to rubber flooring and professional insulation - all of high quality and with an emphasis on safety and comfort. By combining proper planning, reliable equipment and an inviting atmosphere, your gym will not only be a place to train in, but an inspiring environment that gives a sense of professionalism, belonging and true motivation to every exerciser.
