interiors
Out with the old
For years, exercise studios have looked almost identical
with bright lights, wooden floors and a wall of mirrors. But times are changing, says Matt Adey, customer experience director at Les Mills.
mirror, mirror… FOR many people, working out is motivated by weight loss. Surrounding them with bright lights and mirrors does not create a very welcoming environment and many studios are doing away with them altogether. Group fitness is all about connection and motivation. Without mirrors, participants are no longer self- conscious about seeing their reflection and can immerse themselves in the workout. Mirrors only appeal to a small percentage of a class and removing them can sometimes be all that’s needed to drive up participation numbers and get new people involved.
a softer landing Another studio design trend gaining traction is the switch from a typical sprung floor to carpeting. While useful for shock absorption, sprung flooring can present slip hazards from sweat and spilled water bottles. The increase in HIIT-style programming also involves a lot of side-to-side and forward and backwards movements, made exponentially easier with a treated industrial carpet finish.
Carpet is also cheaper for operators both in
terms of the initial investment and in the long term. It’s far more cost effective to replace a tile or two than an entire floor. Carpet also provide a warmer and more inviting environment for yoga or mind/body classes.
show me a sign Operators are increasingly embracing graphics and colours in their flooring to enhance the look and feel of classes. These can help manage classes too. For example, approximately 20 per cent of participants stand at the front of a class, while the other 80 per cent hover at the back. Some flooring incorporates circles in the design to indicate where people should stand in group exercise classes allowing operators to maximise the space.
get the tech right Les Mills offers virtual programming to 12,000 clubs globally with that number set to double in the next two years. This presents a major opportunity for gyms to increase revenue. Investing in concert-quality sound equipment
another studio design trend gaining traction is the switch from a typical sprung floor to carpeting
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pactfacilities.co.uk
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