What avoidable mistakes do club operators sometimes make when remodelling a Fitness Center?

November 2017 edition of Club Business International Magazine

When remodeling, club owners and managers get so excited about filling any empty space with new equipment they forget two major requirements:

  • Storage space -- Storage rooms should be situated adjacent to the center's studio and equipment areas. These should be large enough to accommodate spare parts and equipment that needs to be repaired or taken off the floor. Storage space should also be allocated for restroom, shower and cleaning supplies.

  • Clearance and access -- An overemphasis on equipment can result in a lack of clearance space, which may create safety issues during high-usage periods. This can interfere with traffic flow through the facility and inadvertently eliminate some of the clear-access pathways required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Avoiding these mishaps requires planning, planning and more planning.

Regular team meetings should be held, from the outset, with architects, engineers and other stakeholders to address these matters to avoid the need for "fixes" or possible problems later on. Accurate estimates of peak traffic flow throughout the club and compliance with all ADA standards are essential.

One final note: Prior to opening day for your remodeled facility, make sure that there are towel hooks and soap for every shower, and toilet paper for every stall. You can have the most perfectly designed facility in the world, but a lack of these items will be the first thing members notice! 

November 2017 edition of Club Business International Magazine