Photo Credit: Ozar Wellness House
Gym storage is a critical component of gym design but can often be among the last things considered or even overlooked. Gym storage is essential to the overall user experience and should be an integral part of any design plan – and even considered before equipment is selected.
Whether you are looking at a gym redesign, gym refresh or gym reorganization, taking a hard look at your current gym storage solution and assessing its effectiveness is imperative.
Let’s take a deeper dive into all the areas your storage solutions impact:
Safety
First and foremost, training equipment and accessories must be stored in a place in your facility that eliminates the possibility of causing any hazards or injuries. As an example, dumbbells that are lined up on or left on the floor in the strength training area can be tripped over – and worse, what if this trip occurs when a user is holding or balancing another heavyweight? Additionally, medicine balls are haphazardly piled in a corner that can be bumped into or knocked into, causing one or more to roll out into the training area or a high-traffic zone.
It’s critically important that there is an obvious, designated, and well-designed spot for every accessory and piece of equipment to be stored when not in use to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Ease of Use
Storage must be convenient and easy to use. If it’s not apparent or too far away from the training space, participants may forego returning equipment to its designated spot.
Storage should be clearly marked, visible, accessible at all times, and placed near its intended usage. Shelving that’s labeled and includes grooves or specific spots for med ball and kettlebell placement works well. Bins are great to hold jump ropes and tubing so that they are not left on the floor.
Equipment Usage
Smart storage is about making careful and intentional storage decisions based on how the space will be used. For example, storing dumbbells directly behind or in the movement pattern of suspension straps isn’t ideal because if someone is using the straps, the storage is blocked from view or access.
Consider different storage solutions for the different zones in your space. Strength, functional, recovery, etc. include different types of tools and therefore require different sizes and types of storage needs.
Esthetics
Gym storage might not seem like a design element, but it absolutely is. In fact, storage in a gym is akin to furniture in a home. Material, color, size and placement and ease of maintenance all matter. Structures that don’t take up a large footprint are ideal as well, of course.
It’s important to consider storage options that not only fit the needs of the space but also look esthetically pleasing and complement the space. The ability to customize different configurations to fit your specific space and needs is also ideal. Gym Rax® storage solutions are endlessly configurable for every exercise space. Gym Rax offers bays, bins, and shelving that are ideal for group studios, dynamic training areas, flexibility zones or anywhere you need organization.
For more information on storage solutions or to book a design consultation contact Aktiv Solutions here.