Interview: Retail Design Expert Terry Krause Shares Top Fitness Center and Spa Tips for 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we navigate public spaces, including our favorite wellness destinations. Many of these destinations such as fitness centers, salons, and spas had to close temporarily at some point in 2020 due to safety precautions. As we move into 2021, businesses are taking steps to adapt their spaces to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for our new needs as they reopen.
To get a better idea of how the latest design trends have been influenced by the events of 2020, we caught up with Terry Krause, Principal, Architect, and Head of Retail for Mackenzie, an integrated design firm. Krause has over 30 years of professional experience working with national retailers and developers, along with experience in all phases of development for new and remodeled facilities.
What are the most important design changes that gyms, spas and other wellness facilities will need to incorporate into their spaces for 2021?
In terms of design, we anticipate that the need for additional spacing throughout these facilities will lead to less equipment overall and smaller in-person group exercise classes. Because of this, some spaces may be converted to “live” studios, where instructors host virtual classes. It’s been a popular trend during quarantine and it’s likely that gyms will continue to use resources to provide these types of classes.
Increased janitorial procedures throughout all wellness facilities could involve UV light and other non-conventional approaches to make the process more efficient and support deeper sanitation.
During the transition period between closures and wider reopenings, gyms will continue to look for ways to incorporate outdoor space, such as moving machines outside or offering physically distanced classes.
Are there any specific technologies you see being added to these spaces?
We anticipate that there will be more implementation of touchless or app-based technology during the check-in experience and in locker room facilities, specifically on personal devices rather than shared tablets. This means that more facilities will need to develop their own app for customers to use. Using the live studio idea, gyms may offer opportunities to connect with a personal trainer digitally from home, similar to what we’ve been seeing with telehealth services.
Additionally, space will likely upgrade to touchless fixtures throughout—faucets, toilets, shower/restroom stalls.
What safety and sanitation design should be incorporated into gyms and spas to make health a priority?
Gyms are generally designed with easily cleanable surfaces and maintenance in mind because everything is so high-touch. Along with continuing to choose easily cleanable materials and fixtures, there will be an added emphasis on automated technologies such as touchless fixtures and likely more operational considerations to increase cleaning protocols.
How are gyms and spas making public spaces like locker rooms feel more safe and private? What changes should they make to their layouts?
In the short term, facilities should anticipate that fewer people will use these facilities and will change/shower at home. Long term, we’re likely to see an increase in private spaces throughout facilities, especially gyms, since those opportunities don’t currently exist. That might mean private changing rooms or adding panels between locker bays. Accounting for more separation versus wide open spaces in layouts may become common practice and will likely lead to more allocation of space for locker rooms/shower facilities than currently dedicated to these uses.
What recommendations do you have for locations that want to have a dedicated video recording space? What are the most important design aspects to include?
While this could be a potential solution, facilities would need to account for new operational training and technology to make it successful, as there is quite a bit of digital competition out there. There are upfront costs, but longer term it could help attract consumers who invested in personal equipment and still long for that community atmosphere.
Designwise, studios would need to account for proper lighting and space configurations that allow instructors to demonstrate workouts, all while in the video frame. Sound barriers to prevent any noise pollution from outside the room would be beneficial. Of course, the technology itself is also crucial, especially for studios that decide to live-stream versus film.
How should fitness and wellness centers assess how to allocate a budget for transitioning their space?
Unfortunately, there is no special formula to calculate costs. Because the size of the space and number of employees impacts operating expenses, adapting spaces will vary quite widely depending on the facility. There will be pressure to reduce occupancy with fewer staff members, alongside similar pressure to increase operational cleaning costs. This is where a nominal investment for video and technology could pay off. It doesn’t require a big redesign or building out new space; rather, it’s about reallocating space for a new use.
[Images courtesy of Mackenzie]
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy