Top Fitness Trends Shaping Commercial Gym Design in 2025

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.

When it comes to designing or updating a commercial gym, most owners focus on the layout, equipment, flooring, lighting, and branding. But color selection is often overlooked, even though it plays a big role in shaping the atmosphere and experience of your gym. Color affects how people feel, how they move, and how long they stay. It can make your gym feel energized or relaxed, crowded or open, and even influence how members perceive your brand. Choosing the right colors for your commercial gym is not just about looks. It is about building the right environment for your members and supporting the goals of your facility. Whether your gym is focused on high-performance training, group classes, personal training, or general fitness, color can enhance how people interact with the space. Let’s walk through how you should think about color in your gym, what options work best for different areas, and how EcoFit can help guide you to make the right decision for your space. Understanding the Psychology of Color in Fitness Spaces Color psychology refers to how different colors influence mood, behavior, and perception. In fitness environments, certain colors can help motivate people to work harder, while others help calm the mind or aid recovery. Understanding these effects will help you pick the right color palette for your gym’s purpose. Bright colors like red, orange, and yellow are energizing and bold. They are associated with excitement, urgency, and action. These colors can be great in high-intensity areas like free weight zones, turf spaces, or bootcamp areas where people are pushing themselves. Cooler colors like blue, green, and gray have a calming and focused effect. They tend to work better in recovery areas, yoga studios, or cardio zones where people are trying to maintain rhythm and form. These colors can also make a space feel more open and less crowded. Neutral tones like white, black, and beige are often used for balance. Black can add a high-end feel and hide wear and tear in heavy-use areas. White can make a smaller gym feel more spacious. Beige and tan tones help soften a space and work well as a backdrop. Choosing Colors Based on Gym Area and Purpose Every gym has distinct areas that serve different purposes. A one-size-fits-all color plan does not work. Instead, think about how each part of your gym is used and how color can enhance that experience. Here is a breakdown by area: Weight Training Areas These spaces are often intense, loud, and high-energy. Use strong, bold colors like deep red, black, or navy. These colors support power and intensity. A darker palette in these areas can also help hide scuffs, chalk, and equipment wear. Cardio Zones Cardio areas benefit from colors that promote endurance and calm focus. Light blue, green, or slate gray are good options. These help create a smooth, steady environment that supports long treadmill or elliptical sessions. Bright colors in cardio areas may cause visual fatigue, so keeping the tones a bit cooler helps. Group Training Spaces Group training should feel inclusive and exciting without being overwhelming. Mid-tones like burnt orange, teal, or olive green strike a balance between energy and comfort. If your group sessions vary from yoga to HIIT, stick to a neutral base and bring in changeable accent colors through equipment or lighting. Yoga or Recovery Rooms Calming spaces call for muted tones. Soft greens, warm grays, or light wood tones create a peaceful feel. These colors signal to members that this is a space for stretching, breathwork, or recovery, not competition. Locker Rooms and Hallways These transitional spaces are often forgotten, but they help set the tone for the member’s overall experience. Neutral tones like gray, beige, or soft blue can give a clean, polished look. Brighter colors here may feel jarring, so subtlety is key. Reception and Entrance Areas First impressions matter. Use your brand colors here but in a way that feels professional and welcoming. Accent walls, lighting, and branded signage can all work together without overwhelming the space. Earth tones with branded highlights often work well. Using Color to Enhance Member Retention and Brand Identity Color can do more than just set the mood. It is also part of how members remember your gym. If you walk into a facility that feels unified in style, layout, and color, it makes the space feel more polished and thought-through. This improves member satisfaction and helps set your gym apart from local competitors. Brand recognition matters. If your logo includes specific colors, those should be used intentionally throughout the facility. That does not mean painting every wall bright green if that is in your logo. It means finding the right way to blend your brand’s identity with the function of each area. For example, if your brand color is a bright orange, consider using it for accent elements like signage, equipment trim, or a painted stripe along the walls. Keep the bulk of the space in a more neutral tone to avoid visual fatigue. This approach ensures consistency without overwhelming the senses. Color and Lighting Go Hand in Hand The way color looks in your gym depends heavily on your lighting. Natural light, warm LEDs, and overhead fluorescent lights all affect how paint or material colors appear. A light gray under LED lighting may appear almost blue. A bold red near a window might look pink at certain times of day. When planning your color scheme, test paint swatches and material samples in your actual lighting conditions. Look at how the color appears in the morning, midday, and evening. This extra step helps avoid costly design mistakes. EcoFit can help guide you through this process. We do more than just provide equipment. Our consulting team understands how design, layout, lighting, and color all come together to create a successful gym environment. We work with your team to test colors, visualize layouts, and align everything to your brand and business goals. Flooring and Equipment Finish Choices Also Affect Color Planning Paint on the walls is just one part of the design. Flooring color, equipment frame colors, upholstery finishes, and even ceiling tiles can add or subtract from your overall vision. A poorly chosen flooring color can make a room feel smaller, colder, or overly busy. Equipment in clashing colors can create visual noise that makes the space feel cluttered. If your flooring is dark rubber, avoid painting the walls dark gray or black. Instead, go lighter on the walls to balance the space. If you have colored turf areas, make sure the surrounding elements complement rather than compete with it. For equipment, it is common to choose a neutral color for the frame like black, silver, or charcoal. Then you can pick upholstery accents that align with your brand or the theme of each area. This makes it easier to update sections over time without having to repaint everything. Creating a Color Strategy That Works Now and Later Trends come and go. What looks fresh today might feel dated in a few years. When planning color choices for your gym, it is important to balance modern style with longevity. Use neutral tones as your base, then rotate accent colors with lighting, signage, or interchangeable finishes. It is also smart to think about how your gym may evolve. If you plan to expand, add new services, or rebrand in the future, a flexible color plan will make updates much easier. EcoFit has helped hundreds of commercial gyms plan around growth, and we bring that experience to every consultation. Let EcoFit Help You Get It Right Choosing colors for your gym is not just about what looks good. It is about what performs. EcoFit can help you develop a practical and professional color strategy that reflects your brand, supports your members, and enhances your space. From equipment consultation to full facility layout and design support, our team is here to help. We look at every part of your facility, recommend the right finishes, and help you avoid costly design mistakes that can hurt your member experience long term. If you are thinking about remodeling or building a new facility, let’s talk. Our team can walk you through the process and make sure you are building a gym that looks great, performs well, and keeps your members coming back.