Building The Perfect Weight Room
Building Your perfect weight room doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here is a list of items from big to small you won’t want to forget.
Well, flooring is your base so let’s start there! The right flooring can make or break your facility. Just think if you were lifting and tripped over a wrinkle in the rubber. Yeah, not good! You want your weight room floor thick, absorbent, sound-reducing AND GLUED! Splurge on this; you won’t regret it! If you take on installing yourself, that’s fine, but here are some tips to help you do the best job possible.
Roll out rubber and let sit relaxed 24hours, then move and glue. Cut with a box knife and replace blades frequently. If your blade gets dull, you will have slanted cuts which will be hard to match seams. Lastly, be generous with glue and use the recommended trowel. Fold rubber like a hotdog and glue half, then flip and do the other half.
The best advice is to have the professionals do it for maximum success.
Squat racks or rigs.
Should gyms have squat racks or rigs? These are crucial and really the base for a weight room. Usually, I will add these in first then build around that. They are not only a focus; they are the tallest. How to choose a rack or rig is simple. Do you plan on doing one on one or group training? Functional group training requires space and stations, everything a rig can give you. One-on-one can be accomplished on a squat rack, or if space is an issue, a lot can be done with a small rack.
Mirrors
How Many Mirrors Do You Need? I see anything from a whole wall end to end or scattered in front of the racks and the dumbbell area. This is really a personal preference.
How high to mount mirrors in gyms? You'll want to hang your mirrors ABOVE 24" from the floor if there are any outlets on that wall (outlets, by code, are installed with the tops at 24"). Tip never install mirrors until electrical is complete.
What type of mirror is best for gyms? Well, that depends on individual needs and budget. You could go with a traditional glass mirror, glass mirrors with a protective layer over them, or there are even glassless mirrors! I have installed these in mobile gyms, aka container gyms that have to be cautious of flex and weight.
Benches
What benches should be in a weight room? We have all seen the traditional flat bench and adjustable bench, which are staples for sure, but in many cases, specialty benches are a great addition as well.
Flat Bench.
Adjustable Weight Bench.
Olympic Weight Bench.
Folding Weight Bench. - Not ideal for commercial use*
Abdominal Bench.
Preacher Curl Bench.
Plates
What type of plates should I buy for my gym? Well, there are many, many types but don’t overthink this one. I’ll let you in on a bit of secret, steel is steel. That does not mean you shouldn’t invest in your plates but just remember what you are trying to accomplish. If you want your gym to be well branded and show well, you might consider urethane or rubber-coated with engraved logos. If that is not important to you, urethane or rubber will work perfectly. Steel plates are ok if you are on a tight budget as they are the most affordable however, these often rust and chip off the exterior coatings. Bumper plates are excellent for heavy drops, but if you don’t plan on that being part of your setting, these might not be for you.
Bars
What type of bars should go to in a gym? For this, I will refer to a whole blog I dedicated just to choose the right bar. https://www.empathyfitnessinc.com/blog/the-barbell-guide-for-exercise-enthusiasts
Kettlebells set
Should my gym have kettlebells? Kettlebells are SO versatile! A “set” of these is usually one of each 5-50lbs. If you want two of each, which can be great for group training or farmer carries, I recommend at least two sets.
Collars
What collars hold up best in a gym? In my experience, the monster clamps are the best durable clamps that hold up. Second I would say SnapClips, these are a newer design, but everyone loves them that uses them. Spring collars eventually lose their spring.
Dumbbells
What dumbbells are best for a gym? Well, this kind of goes along with the plates. You can be well branded with engraved or silkscreened logos but not necessary if that is something you do not value. 5-50lbs is great for smaller gyms, but the big ones usually have 5-100, sometimes more. Pro tip check with your insurance company to see what they will cover and for how much above 50lbs rates go up. Urethane, rubber or steel are typical.
Preset barbells
Why should a gym have preset barbells? These are a luxury for many but a very valuable addition to any gym space. I highly recommend my clients get these eventually.
Storage
Why is storage important in a gym? You do not want your beautiful fitness space to look like a tornado after one workout, and it will if you do not have proper storage. Secondly, if everything has a place, it is easier to see when things need replacing. If your members know where things should go, they are more likely to put it back when they are done.
Accessories
What accessories are needed in a commercial gym? Think all the little stuff. Balls, bands, mats, foam rollers, Bosu balls, medicine balls, wall balls etc.
Vipr
What is a Vipr, and why does my gym need it? Vipr is a hollow tube that varies in weight. These are great for functional movements, group training and more. However, they are not in many gyms, so those who have them really stand out.
TRX
Is TRX still wanted in the gyms? Short answer, YES! Bodyweight workouts are always going to be needed. Many people are not comfortable with weights but are willing to use the TRX straps.
Battle rope
Why are battleropes a good adition to gyms? Although battleropes are a wear item aka something that will need replacing every few years, they are a great addition to any gym. They are perfect for HIIT training, mobile training meaning you can take it outside, or around the gym to different places. Not manythings can offer that. Pro Tip get a covered battle rope so the rope itself doesnt fray and fall apart. They are a little more upfront but ultimaly will last longer and stay cleaner.
Select rise or plate load circuits
Do people still use circuit weight machines? Umm YES! While freeweights are great and the younger generation is much more comfortable with them, your gym, unless specifically functional only, will be catering to all ages. Many people are more comfortable and feel safer on a machine rather than freeweights. Not only that but there are certain movements that just cannot be accomplished without a machine. A circut usually runs between 10 and 21 machines depending on if you get dual action machines.
Sleds or Tank
The push/ pull is such a great workout and to accomplish that you can have a sled zone. Usually a strip of turf or marked off run where a sled or tank can be pushed down and back. The sled slides and will need turf or grass. The Torque Tank has wheels and can be rolled around on multiple surfaces which makes this a superior machine. But either one is a great piece to consider for your weight room.
Recovery tools
First of all, what are recovery zones in gyms? The Recovery Zone will include similar and unique Trigger Point accessories designed to pinpoint specific areas, decrease muscle soreness and aid in recovery. Think of trigger guns, massage, hydro table, foam rolling etc. Outside of benefiting your members, a robust recovery space can also add dollars to your bottom line.
In conclusion designing your perfect weight room doesn’t have to be overwhelming but it always helps to hire a professional. If you are looking to deign a gym and are looking for guidance you can be confident in, let’s connect!