Trends to Watch for in Apartment Fitness Centers

If you're in the market for a new apartment, you might wonder what amenities you should look for. One big perk of apartment living is gaining access to a quality fitness center. An onsite workout area saves you money on a gym membership and offers convenient proximity so you're more likely to work out at the end of a long workday. On average, Americans spend $68.30 on supplements every month and over $49,000 in supplements over their adult lives.

In a survey of more than 1,350 Americans between the ages of 18 and 65, researchers found the average person spends around $155 each month on health and fitness. If you can save a little on gym memberships, you can afford more of an apartment. There are some things you should watch for in an apartment fitness center to make sure you're getting the most for your money, though.

1. Updated Equipment

When touring apartments, ask to see the fitness center. Pay attention to the actual equipment. Does it look new? Is it in good repair and well maintained? This is probably one of the easiest ways to gauge the quality of your apartment gym.

Look for machines that tap into current technology, such as exercise bikes with screens that tap into subscriptions to services such as Peloton or Wellbeats. Is there a holder for your smartphone so you can listen to music while you work out or watch a movie on your small screen?

2. Variety of Stations

Are there different stations to accommodate cardio, strength training and relaxation? As consumers increasingly place value on options for their wellness routines, even budget gyms have ramped up what fitness centers offer by providing tanning, massage centers and other amenities.

While you can't expect an apartment fitness center to offer the exact amenities of a larger gym, you can pay attention to what's most important to you and see if the place you're considering offers that feature. For example, perhaps you love a sauna or HydroMassage after your workout. If you’re paying a premium for a great fitness center, check to see if it includes services you value.

3. Smart Flooring

It's easy to overlook the flooring in the fitness center, but pay attention to its look and functionality. Is it high quality and does it make sense? Carpeted areas may not be the best choice with residents’ dirty shoes traipsing over it, and it’s the last thing you want to deal with if you’re into floor exercises.

Instead, fitness centers should use flooring material that is easy to clean and replaceable if pieces get damaged. Many modern gyms are also embracing sustainability trends by opting for recyclable materials. Eco-friendly designers are all about cork and modular tiles. Artificial turf can also be helpful for athletic training, although it isn’t seen as often in apartment complex gyms.

4. Fitness Classes

Does the center offer a variety of trendy fitness classes, such as HIIT or Pure Barre? Pay careful attention to when the classes are offered. If they are in the middle of the day, that isn't very helpful to you if you work from morning until late afternoon.

On the other hand, if the center offers a variety of classes from early morning to late evening, there is a higher probability you'll find one that meets your schedule needs. Check out the space where the classes occur. Is there plenty of room if the class is particularly popular?

5. Size

Consider how large the fitness center is. If the apartment building contains 1,200 people and the fitness center is in a small room, you will likely have a hard time getting on the equipment. Visit during peak times before or after typical work hours and see how many open machines there are and if classes fill up. A beautiful gym isn't much use to you if you can never get on the machine you need to use.

6. Outside the Building

Consider what else you have available in the area for fitness. Does the apartment offer a walking trail that loops around the property? Perhaps there is an enclosed dog park on the premises for your pooch's exercise fun? Where is the apartment located? Is it conducive to walking and getting some fresh air from time to time?

There are many factors to consider that don't just encompass the fitness center itself, but still tie into a healthy lifestyle.

7. Trainers

Some fitness centers offer managers who know how to use the equipment or personal trainers who are either free or available for a small fee. While the majority of apartment fitness centers will be do-it-yourself, a few of the more luxurious ones might offer experts onsite who can help you plan a fitness routine. Ask about policies if you want to hire your own trainer and bring them in to show you some tips.

Trends in Apartment Fitness Centers

Talk to the person showing you the property about their commitment to the fitness center. You want a building that sees the importance of staying up on the latest trends and helping its residents find convenient ways of working out and staying healthy.

If you feel they have a commitment to running a state of the art center and you see the proof in new equipment and trendy classes, they will likely continue to update their offerings over time.

Holly Welles is a real estate blogger covering design, finance and market trends for apartment dwellers. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

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