Kratchman contends that fitness centers require year-round air conditioning, regardless of the climate. “It doesn’t matter if it’s cold or hot outside, you’re still building up heat by moving around, and the temperature needs to be kept at 68 degrees,” he asserts.
That’s why Chris Pfaeffle, principal and founder of Baltimore-based design firm Parameter, chose to add ventilation and install zoned heating and cooling when he worked on retrofitting the basement of a former hospital at 1211 Light Street into a fitness center.
Lighting is another important element, Kratchman says. “We do somersaults to get any type of natural lighting—either through windows or skylights,” he notes. But, many spaces don’t have the luxury of natural light, so owners have to provide lighting that is both attractive and functional. He recommends that lights be situated on walls rather than on the ceiling, a position that helps create a sense of height and space.
GYM DETAILS For most multifamily residents, having a comfortable and convenient fitness center is far more important than having a trendy one. “A fitness center in an apartment building is a totally different environment than a commercial gym,” Pfaeffle says. “We’ve found that most residents are using the center for fitness for life rather than fitness for vanity so it’s more somber and muted rather than having lots of noise, color, and design elements.”
In particular, Kratchman advises against using too many mirrors. “Every commercial gym lines its walls with mirrors, but we strongly avoid that because we think that is very disconcerting,” he says. “We prefer to limit mirrors to one wall and to use different sized and shaped mirrors.”
Flooring also is extremely important because residents use it for a number of exercises, including stretches, sit-ups, and push-ups. Owners should avoid carpet and choose rubber floors or wood laminate instead. Both options are easy to clean and have some cushion, Kratchman says.
The Bascom Group, for example, has started to install wood laminate flooring in its fitness centers instead of carpet. “That kind of flooring gives the center an upscale look, and it’s very practical and economical,” Diamond says.
Jennifer Popovec is a freelance writer in Fort Worth, Texas.