A Budget Guide to home gym design and hotel gym design

The decision to create a home or equip a small hotel gym is significant, and planning your gym layout and budget is essential. Exploring various home gym ideas can help in planning and budgeting for a home gym, offering creative and functional concepts for different spaces. Understanding the home gym design process is crucial, as it involves steps from the initial consultation to the final completion of the gym.

This comprehensive guide delves into the various factors contributing to the costs of designing and equipping a gym space, focusing on premium and mid-price brands like Technogym and Life Fitness.

Understanding the gym design process

Before diving into the specifics of premium and mid-price gym equipment, it’s vital to understand the foundational elements that contribute to the overall cost of setting up a gym. Exploring home gym inspiration can help in understanding the gym design process by showcasing creative and functional design ideas.

You have to put in some of this planning work upfront; otherwise, there’s a real risk of your fantastical gym designs simply being unrealizable regarding the details.

Space allocation in Gym Designs and a gym floor plan

The first consideration is the floor space available and the design of your gym area. This involves not only the physical dimensions but also the layout, flooring, and ventilation. Consider converting a spare room into a home gym to maximize your home space efficiently and create a multifunctional area for various exercise needs.

Quality gym flooring may not occupy any space in your plan other than the 10mm underlay and 7-10mm tiles themselves, but this is an essential element needed to protect the equipment and the gym users, so don’t leave it out!

Expect to pay upwards of Eur 50-70 per square meter for a quality rubber tile in your future gym from a brand like Paviflex, Ecore, or Pavigym.

For more on sustainable gym flooring options, see our article here.

Home Gym Equipment Selection

Your choice of gym equipment will significantly impact your budget. When incorporating gym machines, it is important to consider space requirements, as most gym machines need a minimum footprint of 2×2 meters, with additional space for safe and effective movement during workouts. This encompasses cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowers), strength training equipment (weight machines, free weights), functional training equipment (kettlebells, rigs, racks, sandbags, ropes, rings) and other accessories (mats, benches, etc.).

The decision to opt for mostly premium or mid-price brands will play a pivotal role in this cost, therefore, so it can make sense to work with an independent gym consultant to help you navigate your way through these decisions, to help procure equipment directly from the brands themselves and to provide creative ideas to adapt the gym to a brand or individual’s specific preferences.

Installation and Maintenance in the fitness industry

Installation costs are often overlooked but are crucial to ensuring the equipment is set up correctly and safely. Additionally, factor in a modest amount for ongoing maintenance expenses, which are essential for the longevity and functionality of your gym, depending on how frequently the gym is in use!

Aesthetics and Amenities in a small-scale fitness facility

The aesthetics of the gym space, including decor and lighting, will, of course, influence costs. Creating a stylish and functional workout space is essential to ensure that it meets your needs while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Incorporating natural light in the gym design can enhance the overall workout experience by creating a bright and inviting environment. Do you want to be looking at empty walls during your workout, or would wallpaper, colored, non-toxic paint, framed artwork, or mirrored glass be preferable?

Furthermore, we always consider additional amenities like sound systems, TV screens, side tables for personal belongings, indoor air purifiers, aromatherapy, and adequate power and data points on the floor for all the tech.

Premium vs. Mid-Price Brands: A Cost Comparison

Let's examine the costs associated with premium brands like Technogym and mid-price brands like Life Fitness. While both options offer high-quality equipment, there are distinct differences in pricing.

Disclaimer: As a gym designer and consultancy, we remain neutral, working with various brands according to budget, location, training style, and aesthetic preferences.

Premium Brands example: Technogym

A top choice for your dream facility?

Technogym is renowned for its cutting-edge fitness equipment, sleek design, and advanced technology.

It is not here on this planet to bargain, offer discounts, or cater to the Lowest Common Denominator, but if you want quality, any colour as long as it is black, and prefer to spend more upfront for peace of mind, this may be the brand for your training space.

Here are some key factors to consider when budgeting for technology equipment:

Equipment Costs: Premium brands come with a premium price tag. Expect to pay top dollar for Technogym equipment.

For example, a high-end treadmill from Technogym can easily range from €3,500 for the most basic home gym option to €20,000 for a top-of-the-range option.

We typically budget approx. €10,000 for a high quality but low tech option and approx. €15,000 if the client wants an entertainment screen built-in

Technology Integration: Technogym places a strong emphasis on connectivity and integrated technology. While this enhances the user experience, it also adds to the overall cost.

As the future gym moves ever closer to being fully connected, ' smart'' equipment brands charge monthly or annual subscription fees for access to their software platforms.

For example, Technogym's leading platform costs around €120 per annum for cardio machines, and their new Biostrength machines also require a similar subscription.

Maintenance: Maintenance costs for premium equipment can be higher due to the complexity of the technology involved.

Ensure you have a maintenance plan to protect your investment - this means buying from reputed retailers or, ideally, from the brand itself.

Going direct to the brand is our preferred modus operandi in most cases (except in the US, where there is a regional distributor system), as we can then be sure of the after-sales service quality coming directly from the supplier.

Warranty: Technogym typically offers extensive warranties on their equipment, which can provide peace of mind but may also add to the upfront cost.

Mid-Price Brand example: Life Fitness

A reliable fitness center favourite

Life Fitness is a well-respected mid-price brand known for its durability and reliability. This trio is part of the same group as Cybex and Hammer Strength. It is a veritable powerhouse in the health club industry, covering cardio equipment, strength training, and functional training in-depth. It can potentially cover all of your gym's floor plan training zones!

Here's what to expect when budgeting for Life Fitness equipment:

1. Equipment Costs: Life Fitness equipment is more affordable than premium brands but still an investment. Treadmills, for instance, can range from €2,000 to €5,000.

2. Durability: Life Fitness is known for its robust and long-lasting equipment, potentially reducing maintenance costs.

3. Technology: While Life Fitness offers technology integration, it is often less advanced than premium brands. This can result in cost savings.

4. Warranty: Warranty periods for mid-price brands like Life Fitness may be slightly shorter than those offered by premium brands, but they still provide reasonable coverage.

Creating a Gym Budget

Now that we’ve discussed the cost factors associated with premium and mid-price brands, let’s outline a step-by-step approach to creating a budget for your home gym solutions or hotel gym project. Consider converting a garden room into a home gym to maximize space and create a distinct environment for your workouts.

Step 1: Determine your gym floor plans

Begin by assessing the available space and design requirements for your home gym space.

Consider factors like flooring, ventilation, lighting, storage, orientation (for example, towards a window), and a suitable wall for mirrored glass (always a good option!).

These decisions will, of course, influence your overall budget. Free gym design software options are on the market, but you get what you pay for. The next level-up is 3D gym design software like EC Design.

Finally, there is the option to call in a specialist gym design consultant (like us!) who lives and breathes this stuff daily.

It may cost a little more in the long run, but it buys you peace of mind and opens the door to more creative concepts, custom equipment finishes with branding, less mainstream equipment brands, and so on.

It’s all a question of your vision for the gym plan and how far your budget can stretch.

Step 2: Turn your gym layout into an Equipment list

Next, decide on the type and quantity of home gym equipment you need. Are you primarily focusing on cardio machines, strength training, or both? Be sure to account for accessories and any specialized equipment.

Step 3: Research Brands and Pricing

Research various brands, including premium and mid-price options. Request price quotes and compare the costs of equipment that meets your requirements. Take into consideration any additional features, technology, and warranties.

Step 4: Include Installation and Maintenance

Factor in installation costs, which may vary depending on the complexity of the equipment. Additionally, calculate ongoing maintenance expenses to ensure the longevity and safety of your gym equipment.

Step 5: Consider Gym Design Aesthetics and Amenities

If aesthetics and amenities are important to you or your guests, allocate a portion of your budget for these enhancements. This may include lighting, decor, sound systems, and entertainment options. A modern home gym should be a stylish and inviting space, incorporating design elements such as natural light and advanced gym equipment to create a bespoke home gym experience.

Overhead lighting is essential to get right in a gym design, so be sure to brief your gym designer or interior designer on that if it’s not something you’re familiar with.

Step 6: Plan for Gym Design Contingencies

Set aside a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses or contingencies. It's wise to have a financial cushion to address unforeseen issues that may arise during the project... because they always do sooner or later!

Step 7: Finalize Your Gym Design Budget

Compile all the costs from the previous steps to create a comprehensive budget. Ensure that it aligns with your financial resources and project timeline.

Home gym design: conclusion

Creating a home gym or equipping a hotel gym is a significant investment, and careful budgeting is essential.

While premium brands like Technogym offer cutting-edge technology and design, they have a higher price tag.

On the other hand, mid-price brands like Life Fitness provide quality and durability at a more affordable cost.

Ultimately, choosing premium and mid-price brands should align with your needs, budget, and long-term goals.

By following the steps outlined in this gym design guide, you can make informed decisions and create a gym space that enhances the well-being of yourself or your business guests, all while managing costs effectively.

Remember that a well-planned gym design budget ensures your fitness investment pays off in the long run. If you're unsure where to start, contact us to discuss how we can help.