Why I create S P A C E

When I sit down in front of my laptop to create a design for a customer, I am thinking “HOW DO I CREATE SPACE”?

What is going to add to the overall experience? How can equipment be used to ensure you aren’t duplicating/replicating an exercise or movement pattern (unless that is the point i.e. in a stationed class setup like the below)

Even before the pandemic and social distancing was commonplace or required, I know I enjoyed my work out much more when there was space around me. Whether I was swinging a kettlebell, using some dumbbells or attempting to sprint up and down pushing the sled, I wanted to have space around me, just in case. Maybe it was an anxiety thing, or that getting in my way would cause some damage to the other person, or even me, (always a fun thought when you are attempting heavier lifts, someone moving around towards the end of the Olympic bar, just in your eye line or standing next to the bench whilst trying not to drop the dumbbell due to muscle failure (because you do need to training like this sometimes). Or how about the feeling the sweat of the person next to you on the spin bike or circuit station? PS don’t exercise too close to me I get quite sweaty during a cardio/circuit session.

The great benefit of space within the gym environment is the universal nature of it:

·      It supports the flow of members or clients

·      It allows a variety of exercise to be performed

·      It allows differing types of activity to be performed within the same space

·      It has no constrains or biases

·      You can manage it to suit the needs of yourself or your client

I am also not the biggest advocate of body weight only training, it certainly has its place and it can range from the simplest of exercise to the most highly acrobatic, but for most exercisers it can be tedious, especially after the number of home workouts that you might have completed in the last year. It is also difficult to modulate the intensity for the desired outcome, i.e. some exercises are fairly easy/simple whilst some are very complex or difficult to complete with good form (think squat v chin ups).

So let’s look to develop a solution and add some equipment to that space that

·      Enhances the users experience

·      Is appropriate for the style of training

·      Is appropriate for the target demographic i.e. age/training ability/training experience/desired outcome of training

For example, if you are looking to attract a lot of powerlifters you probably need to ensure you have several/many power racks for their training needs.

Below are some of the spaces I have designed over the last 16 months and I will try and explain why!!

1.      PT Concept Space within a squash court

·      Individual workout spaces for each client/member

·      Creation of walkways to allow easy access and flow without disrupting others

·      Each space offers a variety of equipment for the users

2.      2D layout for a gym within an apartment complex

·      We needed to maintain some of the traditional elements

·      I reduced the selection of equipment in favour of adding some functional offerings, which sit in the window at the front of the building

·      Offers a high number of stations with the compact space we had and an access route to the upstairs studios

3.      Student Accommodation Gym

·      I looked to create space for PT’s to work with their clients

·      Create a slim line functional training offer that complimented the smaller space

·      We worked with the clients branding to ensure the equipment looked part of the set up

My name is Richard Burton and I create exciting training spaces to drive client uptake. If you enjoyed this article please like, comment and share it with your networks.