The floor plan that worked for your gym in 2019 is almost certainly wrong for 2026. The single biggest shift in commercial fitness over the past five years has been the migration from cardio-dominant to strength-dominant training — and most facilities haven’t caught up.
The Numbers
Member demand for strength training space has increased by roughly 40% since 2020, while cardio equipment utilization has dropped by 25% in the same period. Yet most commercial gyms still allocate 40-50% of their floor space to cardio machines.
The Redesign Playbook
Operators who have rebalanced their floor plans report significant improvements in peak-hour capacity and member satisfaction. The key principles: expand free weight and functional training zones, reduce cardio floor space by 30-40%, create dedicated training areas for trending modalities, and improve sight lines for social engagement.
