How to Upgrade an Outdated Gym Without Breaking the Bank

Group training continues to be one of the most popular offerings in commercial gyms. Members enjoy the social motivation, coaching support, and structured workouts that come with a group class. But delivering a great experience starts with having the right equipment in place. When building or improving your group training space, your equipment choices impact everything. It affects how your members move, how your instructors lead, and how smooth the sessions run. You want equipment that is versatile, durable, and easy to use for people of all fitness levels. Whether your group classes are focused on functional fitness, HIIT, circuit training, or strength-based formats, the right setup makes a difference. Let’s go over what to prioritize when designing your group training space, what equipment works best, and how EcoFit helps gyms choose gear that supports member retention and daily performance. Start With the Format of the Classes You Offer Before picking out equipment, think about the type of group training you provide. A yoga class needs different gear than a bootcamp. A circuit-style setup needs different space and tools than a cycling studio. Your layout and equipment should match the programming. Some of the most common formats include: Functional training Strength circuits Bootcamps High-intensity interval training Core and mobility classes If your gym offers multiple types of group training in the same space, your equipment needs to be flexible. It should allow for fast transitions and support a range of movements without needing a full reset between sessions. Versatile Equipment Is Key in Shared Spaces In group training, space is limited and timing matters. Members move between stations quickly, so you need gear that supports fast use, multiple functions, and minimal setup. Good options include: Dumbbells and kettlebells with clear weight markings Resistance bands with varying levels of tension Adjustable benches that can be flat, incline, or decline Sandbags or weighted balls for compound movements Medicine balls with textured surfaces for grip Suspension trainers like TRX units Plyometric boxes with soft edges for safety Battle ropes with dedicated anchor points Each piece should be easy to move, quick to sanitize, and durable under frequent use. Instructors should be able to reset the room between classes in just a few minutes. Flooring Should Match the Intensity Your flooring choice matters as much as the equipment. Group training involves dynamic movement, jumping, lifting, and often equipment drops. Choose flooring that reduces noise, absorbs impact, and supports balance and grip. Good flooring options include: Rubber tiles Turf lanes with clear markings Anti-slip mats Foam tiles in mobility zones Flooring should be easy to clean and strong enough to support weighted movements. It also helps define zones in the group training area, separating different class types or station flows. Storage Keeps Everything Moving Smoothly Storage is one of the most overlooked parts of group training areas. Without it, your space can quickly become cluttered. That slows down transitions and creates a safety hazard for members and instructors. Wall-mounted racks, bins for bands and balls, vertical dumbbell towers, and cubbies for mats all keep gear off the floor. Clear storage labels help members know where things go, and that makes cleanup after each session easier for everyone involved. Smart storage also extends the life of your equipment. When members know where to return things and instructors can quickly reset the room, your gear avoids damage and stays in rotation longer. Incorporate Digital Timing and Audio Tools Group classes rely on structure. Members want to know how long to perform each movement and when to switch stations. Adding a digital timer with a visible display keeps everyone on track without instructors having to call out time constantly. Audio systems that sync with class timers or playlists help set the tone for each session. You do not need nightclub-level audio, but your sound system should be clear, reliable, and easy to control mid-class. EcoFit works with many gyms to integrate timers and audio solutions directly into their group spaces. That small touch improves the member experience and makes classes feel more organized and professional. Group Training Rigs Bring It All Together Training rigs are becoming more common in group spaces. These structures serve as a central station for suspension training, pull-ups, resistance bands, ropes, and more. A well-designed rig can replace multiple pieces of equipment while improving flow. When planning for a rig, consider: How many people will use it at once What attachments you need now and later Floor anchors or wall-mounted supports Storage integration for accessories Rigs can be customized to fit the style of your group training. Some are compact and minimal. Others offer full stations around all four sides. EcoFit helps gyms evaluate their space and choose a setup that supports both class size and training goals. Design Around Instructor Visibility and Movement Group training requires instructors to be able to see everyone and coach in real time. If your layout blocks visibility or limits instructor access, the class experience suffers. When designing your group training space, avoid placing large equipment or dividers between participants. Keep walkways clear so instructors can move around and help members with form or transitions. Use mirrors in key locations to give both instructors and members feedback on positioning. Just avoid placing mirrors directly in front of high-movement zones like plyo boxes or slam balls. That reduces distraction and improves safety. Plan for All Fitness Levels Your group training space should feel accessible. That means having equipment that works for beginners and experienced members alike. Offering a range of dumbbell weights, bands, and adjustable tools ensures everyone can participate without feeling left out. Make it easy to modify movements by having: Lighter kettlebells available Shorter step-up platforms Resistance bands for assisted movements Clear cues from instructors about scaling options This kind of inclusivity improves class participation and helps keep members coming back over time. Sanitation Should Be Built Into the Flow Keeping your equipment clean is part of delivering a quality experience. Place sanitation stations within easy reach of your group training space. Members should be able to wipe down gear before and after class without walking across the gym. Include: Spray bottles or wipe dispensers Trash cans near exits Easy-to-clean surfaces on benches and mats Well-placed sanitation supplies make it easier for everyone to do their part. It also shows members that you take cleanliness seriously, which helps with retention and referrals. EcoFit Helps You Choose the Right Group Training Setup Every facility is different. Some gyms dedicate a large section to group training. Others need the space to shift between group sessions and open gym. Your equipment plan should be built around how your members train and how much space you have. EcoFit works with gyms of all sizes to design group training areas that function well under real-world conditions. We help you: Choose versatile equipment that fits your class styles Plan layout for maximum flow and instructor visibility Recommend flooring and storage that improves use Source durable tools that hold up under daily pressure Build zones that transition quickly and clean easily If you are starting a new space or upgrading your current setup, our team will walk through the full process with you. We do not just sell equipment. We help you build a space that works for your business and gives your members a reason to stay. Create a Group Training Experience That Delivers The right equipment turns a basic group workout into a high-value member experience. It helps instructors do their job, gives members the tools they need to succeed, and keeps your facility running efficiently day after day. If your group training area feels cramped, outdated, or hard to manage, it might be time for a reset. With a few smart updates, you can improve the look, flow, and function of the space. Reach out to EcoFit for help planning, sourcing, and maintaining the equipment your group training area needs. We will help you build a space that delivers results, supports retention, and runs smoothly for every class.

The fitness industry is changing fast. If your commercial gym is still designed the way it was five or ten years ago, it may already feel outdated to your members. Design is not just about looking modern. It plays a big role in how your space functions, how your members interact with it, and how competitive you are in your market. This is especially true in areas like St. Louis, where gym-goers have plenty of options. Whether you are building a new facility or upgrading an existing one, it is worth knowing what trends are shaping gym design in 2025. These trends are based on how members train, what they expect from a gym, and how your space can help you stand out and perform better as a business. Let’s walk through what’s happening now and how it applies to commercial gyms, especially in and around the St. Louis area. Hybrid Training Zones Are the New Norm Modern gym members want flexibility. They are not just lifting weights or running on a treadmill. They are doing circuits, functional movements, and mobility work all in one session. That means gym spaces need to support variety. Hybrid zones combine equipment and open space. These areas often include: Adjustable benches Free weights and kettlebells Turf lanes Sleds and plyo boxes Cable units and training rigs Instead of breaking up your gym into tight sections, this kind of zone allows for fluid use and makes it easy to host group training or individual sessions. In St. Louis, where gyms compete across features and experience, hybrid training areas help facilities feel more current and user-focused. Recovery Areas Are a Key Part of the Member Experience High-performing members want to recover just as well as they train. Facilities that offer spaces for stretching, cooldowns, and mobility work are seen as more complete and professional. These areas might include: Soft flooring Foam rollers and mats Percussion tools Light resistance bands You do not need to dedicate half your gym to recovery. A small, well-designed corner with the right tools and lighting can go a long way. In competitive markets like St. Louis, offering this added value can make your facility more appealing to members who are looking for more than just the basics. Equipment That Saves Space While Doing More Commercial gyms today are looking to make the most of every square foot. This is especially true in urban areas or older buildings that have fixed layouts. The goal is to find equipment that does more in less space. Multi-function machines, half racks with multiple attachments, and dual-purpose selectorized machines are all gaining popularity. Instead of ten machines for ten different muscle groups, you can use five that each serve multiple functions. In the St. Louis area, where older buildings are often repurposed as fitness centers, having compact and flexible equipment can be a huge advantage. It also makes your gym easier to navigate, which helps improve the overall member experience. Technology Integration Is Becoming the Baseline Tech is no longer just for high-end gyms. Members now expect a certain level of digital convenience and connectivity when they work out. This includes: Smart cardio machines that sync with fitness apps Equipment that tracks performance Digital displays for class schedules Mobile check-in or keyless access Adding these features helps modernize your facility and gives members a reason to keep coming back. In a market like St. Louis, where tech-savvy professionals and college students are a large portion of the fitness population, these updates can be a difference-maker. Group Training Layouts Are Evolving Group fitness is still one of the most popular parts of gym life, but how the space is laid out is starting to change. Instead of rows of mats or machines, gyms are now designing group areas with more intention. That means better spacing, better acoustics, and better equipment flow. Design tips include: Curved or circular layouts for better engagement Mounted storage for accessories and mats Zoned flooring to separate instructor areas Built-in lighting to create energy without being distracting If your gym runs popular group sessions in the St. Louis area, it is worth investing in a layout that looks and feels more polished. People remember the way a class feels, and smart design plays a big role in that. Simple, Industrial Design Is Taking Over A lot of gym owners are moving away from bright or loud color schemes. Instead, they are choosing more neutral tones, open ceilings, and materials that give the space a professional and clean feel. Think black, gray, white, and metal finishes. This type of design is: Easier to maintain More gender-neutral Versatile across training types Visually aligned with modern gym branding For St. Louis gym owners looking to appeal to a broad audience or present a more polished brand, this design trend is practical and effective. It also keeps the space feeling organized and cohesive. Storage Is Built Into the Layout Poor storage creates chaos. It makes members feel like your gym is unorganized, and it can even become a safety issue. Smart gym design in 2025 includes storage as part of the initial layout, not as an afterthought. Effective storage includes: Wall-mounted racks Under-bench compartments Vertical dumbbell trees Hidden storage for cleaning supplies and towels In facilities with tight spaces like many urban gyms in St. Louis, this kind of storage planning helps keep everything accessible without creating clutter. Lighting Plays a Bigger Role in Zone Planning Lighting is being used more intentionally to separate spaces and improve member experience. High-energy zones might use bright white lighting. Recovery or mobility zones benefit from softer tones. Group classes often combine lighting with music and layout to create a full experience. Many gym owners overlook lighting, but it directly affects how your space feels and how people interact with it. In St. Louis, where natural light is not always available year-round, your lighting strategy can help offset seasonal mood changes and improve consistency in how your gym looks. Brand Identity Carries Through Design Members want to feel like they are part of something bigger than just a room with equipment. That means your colors, your layout, and even your signage should reflect your brand. From the moment someone walks into your gym, they should have a clear sense of what your facility is all about. This does not mean branding has to be loud. You can use subtle touches like: Wall graphics Branded color accents on equipment Custom signage with your mission or values Lighting and layout that reflect your personality In the St. Louis fitness market, where members have options and are comparing facilities quickly, a strong and consistent brand experience will make your gym more memorable. EcoFit Helps Gyms in the St. Louis Area Plan Smarter At EcoFit, we help commercial gyms across the country build smarter spaces. In areas like St. Louis, where demand is high but competition is even higher, having a thoughtful approach to layout, design, and equipment can make a big difference in member retention and brand reputation. We work with gym owners to: Choose the right equipment for their space Create layouts that improve flow and safety Develop training zones based on how members actually use the facility Integrate technology and storage solutions that keep things running smoothly Whether you are planning a new build or trying to bring an older space up to today’s expectations, our team is here to help. We can consult with you on everything from flooring and equipment selection to full design planning. If you are located in or near St. Louis and want to create a gym that members stay loyal to, reach out to EcoFit. We will help you bring your vision to life while keeping it functional, modern, and tailored to your goals.