By Lisa Kendall, LIVunLtd
Fitness centers in multifamily communities have evolved beyond providing residents with basic treadmills and weights. Today’s renters are increasingly expecting wellness-oriented spaces that combine functionality with sustainability and convenience, enhancing their lifestyles and living environments.
A survey from property management software provider RentCafe found that roughly half (47 percent) of renters are interested in their apartment building having a gym. Furthermore, 28 percent of apartment residents also stated that not having a gym is a dealbreaker.
As property developers, owners and managers aim to meet these demands, they must also ensure that these fitness amenities provide measurable returns on investment (ROI). By strategically designing and managing fitness centers that your residents will not only love but use, it’s possible to achieve both.
Design for Functionality, Appeal
A well-designed fitness center balances aesthetics with functionality. Gyms must be purposefully designed not only to accommodate a variety of workout needs such as cardio machines, strength training equipment and stretching, but also to provide an intuitive and comfortable space for residents.
By creating these distinct environments, property owners and managers can boost resident experience and position their fitness centers as crucial to community engagement, which is instrumental in boosting and maintaining resident retention. Properties with active resident engagement tend to see higher lease renewal rates, according to RealPage data.
Designers can also implement smart technology in order to boost ROI and engagement in a fitness center. Residents have come to expect technology integration that enhances their workouts and adapts to their routines. Features such as app-based check-ins, treadmills that simulate real terrains, on-demand virtual fitness classes and smart fitness technology that personalizes settings to individual needs can create a more engaging gym experience.
Many residents have already implemented technology such as virtual training sessions and app-based programs into their workout routine. Providing tenants with accessible fitness technology boosts satisfaction and strengthens the connection between a resident and the community’s amenities, which ultimately maximizes the reach of your fitness services.
Renters Value Sustainability, Wellness
Sustainability has become an essential component of fitness center design. Residents value eco-conscious living, so green design choices can give owners and operators an edge in marketing and operating their communities.
Data from MRI Software, a real estate and investment management software provider based in Cleveland, found that roughly 80 percent of apartment residents believe that living in an eco-conscious community is good for their health. Additionally, 61 percent of renters stated that they would be willing to pay more each month in rent for a sustainable apartment.
Details such as eco-friendly flooring, warm wood paneling and biophilic elements such as vegetation, natural light and running water fixtures can foster a welcoming and dynamic feeling within the gym environment.
Equipment longevity is where sustainability meets ROI. For instance, implementing a preventative maintenance program can extend the life of fitness equipment and machines. Meanwhile, recycling or donating outdated equipment can minimize waste.
Additionally, energy-efficient lighting, recycled materials in flooring and durable equipment can reduce operational costs, in addition to demonstrating a commitment to sustainability that heavily resonates with today’s renters.
Sustainable practices both align with the expectations of residents, while also allowing multifamily owners to save money and boost their bottom lines.
Renters also prioritize amenities that offer features that support their mental, emotional and social well-being. A well-designed gym can be key for property developers and owners to demonstrate to tenants that their health and wellbeing is a priority.
Features such as massage chairs, stretching areas and spaces for quiet reflection are all elements that can cement the gym as a cornerstone of residents’ daily lives.
Social connections also play a vital role in the appeal of fitness spaces. Resident programs such as group fitness classes and themed wellness events foster a sense of community, which is a major draw for current and prospective renters. Properties that offer wellness-centric programming, such as mental resiliency workshops or nutrition consultations, can see higher retention and command higher monthly rates.
The Future of Fitness Amenities
Fitness centers are increasingly becoming general wellness-oriented spaces, with emerging trends reshaping how they’re designed and utilized.
For instance, outdoor fitness areas with terraces and green roofs offer residents a change of scenery and the chance to exercise in fresh air. Services such as mental health resources and nutrition consulting are also gaining popularity, as renters have come to value facilities that incorporate holistic support alongside traditional fitness options.
By integrating sustainable and wellness-oriented designs, developers and owner-operators can position their fitness center as the core of a wellness hub that promotes health in every area of a resident’s life. This approach not only improves the resident experience, but also secures long-term value by keeping amenities relevant and competitive.
In turn, fitness amenities can help support higher rents, retain residents, reduce vacancy rates and enhance a multifamily property’s overall reputation. For many potential residents, fitness and wellness-centric spaces are a deciding factor when choosing where to live, making them a critical facet of any marketing strategy.
To maximize ROI, property owners and managers should consistently track metrics such as utilization rates, resident satisfaction and overall tenant retention. Resident feedback can be instrumental to adapt programming or enhance facility design, ensuring that the fitness center remains relevant and appealing.
Lisa Kendall serves as the CEO of LIVunLtd, a New York City-based company that provides management services for fitness centers and amenity spaces, as well as staffing, equipment distrubution and servicing. Kendall previously served as CEO for the brand in Canada, before expanding her role to oversee brand development and operations across North America.