So you are about to build a new fitness Center or maybe remodel an existing facility.

Your budget has been approved, and architects, construction crew and an interior design team have been assigned to the project.

How do you make sure this project is a success and delivers a fitness center that enhances your program and meets your member’s needs?  What Proactive steps can you take as a Fitness professional to ensure that the project is a success for all stakeholders?

Over my 31 year Career Managing Fitness Centers I have been involved in many different construction projects ranging from smaller facilities ($100,000) to large scale projects with budgets up to $5 million. Culminating with the recent conclusion of a very successful remodel of the Fitness Center at the International Finance Corporation in Washington DC.

Here are what I consider to be the 8 key steps to Managing a successful construction project.

1. A clear vision - As Steven Covey the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People says: “Begin with the end in mind.”   You should have a clear picture of how the center will look right from entering the facility , the reception area, where the equipment willbe placed, how the members move the  daily flow pattern of people and activities that goes into making a thriving, busy Fitness Center.  In designing a fitness center you should have a few primary goals. One of my major goals is to there is free movement through the facility, no bottle necks where people might run into each other or where safety hazards may occur.  This encompasses having clear access to all equipment with clear signage throughout the facility especially for change rooms. Obviously disability access is also very important. All pathways should be wide enough and have enough clearance to meet ADA (American with Disabilities Act) guidelines. The more detailed your vision the better. This will act as a blue print for how you operate from opening day.

      2. Some flexibility with your vision…  Be prepared for some unexpected setbacks that may impact your vison. These could be budget driven so you should try not to have champagne tastes on a beer budget. You may not need the aquarium with tropical goldfish at the front desk after all.   Also Equipment might not fit where you thought it would. What looks great on a pan doesn’t always translate in reality. Take input from people you trust, sometimes they see things you may have missed. You can’t see everything. So listen but ultimately you make the decision.

       3.Assemble a great team and do your part to make it a great team.  Let experts be the experts. The architects,      construction crew, interior designer are there for a reason.  Hopefully they have had prior experience in the design and construction of fitness centers but don’t be shy to interject if a design idea will impact the fitness center operation. Looks and design should not override the membership experience and efficiency of delivery your product to members.

       4. Work hard and be professional. Be close by and be prepared to make some quick decisions Sure you may not be putting on overalls and a tool belt, but is important to be contactable both during and after workand to reply to emailsor calls promptly. Attend all meetings and be prompt and punctual. This can be tricky if you are already busy running 2 centers (as I have on occasion) but you have to manage your time and delegate tasks accordingly so you can give your attention to the project.

        5.On Opening day expect the unexpected – be ready and have some essential on stand-by including soap, toilet paper and towel hooks.  Make sure the hot water is running in the showers.  You will be surprised to see how many of the most elaborate facilities forget about these things.  Trust me I have seen this happen.  A brand new building with the very best equipment, wonderful design but no hot water, toilet paper and place to hang your towel equals a big bowl of ergggh !!! For your members. Make sure the construction team completes all items in their scope of work. There should be no unfinished items no matter how minor.

       6 Communicate with members prior to during and after construction. Emphasize the positive aspects and how it will benefit them.  Let them know if there are any delays.  If possible organizing alternate facilities for members during the time you are closed will help ease the inconvenience. It is also very important to make sure your project team and fitness center staff speak with the same voice.  A good practice is to come up with a list of answers to FAQ so that staff can anticipate what members may ask. There is nothing worse than members receiving different answers to questions like when are you opening? Is there any new equipment? etc.Role playing these scenarios with your staff is a great tool to ensure the One Voice goa.

       7.  After you open accept feedback, the good, the bad and the ugly- but be prepared to bite your tongue.  Some people will find the smallest fault and magnify it to epic proportions. Sometimes this is tough to take especially when you have worked hard on the project but that’s the nature of any service business.  Answer diplomatically, and of course learning to state your case and say No firmly but with a smile in your voice is a skill to cultivate

       8.  Celebrate: You and the team worked hard on this project and it’s very likely you won’t work with this group of individuals again.  So it is important to recognize each person’s contribution and thank them for their efforts.   

Now what, where and when is the next Project?