You might be thinking, “I only spend two hours at the gym every day, what the heck do I need to furnish for that?” Well prepare yourself because this is not a blog about how to afford a fancy new outfit. This is about how you can get your old workout gear (or even just some towels) and turn it into something fresh and clean. It’s also about styling your gym in such a way that feels like home, whether small or expansive. No one ever wants to go to the gym and sit next to threadbare towels, so if you want your gym to stand out and be taken seriously by your clientele, it’s time for a serious interior makeover.
Interior Design versus Industrial
I think it’s important to start with the fact that fitness has reached a point where “dumb” is the new cool. Like everything in life these days, people are redefining what they consider “smart,” or clever. So instead of taking the time to learn how to use a computer and slide into an office job; increasingly people are turning towards fitness as something that will give them status. Fitness is becoming a lifestyle choice. This is of course not true for all people, but it’s certainly true for a growing number of people.
You have to remember who you’re dealing with – most people who go to the gym are young professionals just starting out their careers. They love sports, training, competing, and working out at the gym. These are very impressionable individuals, and they thrive on ideas and experiences that validate them as cool and in-the-know. It’s a very fragile mentality, always seeking approval from others so that they feel good about themselves.
Here are 7 steps you can take from this fitness blog ideas post to renew your old (or neglected) gym’s look with our budget-friendly ideas:
1) Choose the colors of your space first.
Decide on the colors and design features that will distinguish your gym from other gyms. Keep in mind what special colors you have, such as purple and gold, which work well with those equipment pieces.
2) Take inspiration from existing decor items.
If you are redoing an existing space, look for inspiration in the color schemes of the furniture pieces already there. You can also use pictures of magazines or online websites to get a feel for what your idea might look like before going out and buying anything. Note areas that could use a fresh look (the mirrors in particular), then start looking at decorating tips for these areas.
3) Add lighting to the gym.
Lighting is an important element of creating a welcoming atmosphere. Hang light fixtures in gym mirrors and on tops of equipment. You can also hang overhead lights that aren’t bright enough to disturb your fellow members (we’ll explain how to use these later).
4) Clean the mirrors!
A mirror is one of the areas that people will notice first when they walk into your space, so you’ll want to get it looking fresh and clean right away. Ladies, many gyms have been left with dingy mirrors due to neglect. Perfect the way to keep them looking clean without using spray-on window cleaner. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to get rid of any dust caught on the mirror or on the wall. Then wipe down with a dry cloth to remove any water spots.
5) Change your lighting.
Another way you can make your gym really stand out is by having brighter, more interesting light fixtures hanging overhead (or other places that would catch people’s eyes). Buy some good quality track lighting and you’ll be able to change up the colors as often as you’d like and still have a fresh look each time.
6) Add seating to your gym for a nice conversation area.
Take note of your gym’s location. Is it near a coffee shop or other area that people might want to hang out in? If so, look for seating that will be welcoming. You can even put some couches in the corner to create an intimate conversation area or place where you can sit and read a favorite book.
7) Incorporate accents into your gym.
These could include artwork, plants, candles, statues and more. It’s what completes the space and makes it feel like home. Think about themes that are important to you- whether it’s Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick’s Day, you can put together a collection of items that represent these holidays.
If you follow these steps, your gym will be clean and fresh in no time. We hope you’ll use our suggestions to design a new gym for less than $500!
