Before the pandemic hit, having a well-equipped fitness center was a big marketing asset. It helped attract fitness-conscious apartment residents of all ages. As gyms now start to reopen, they again will be an important lure. Here’s what you need to make them appealing and safe.
In recent years, amenities like fitness centers have proven a prime reason why residents chose one rental apartment building over another. In fact, nine out of 10 new buildings have a fitness center, and not having one even became a deal breaker, according to a Rentcafé.com survey. Today’s fitness centers also gained bragging rights as they became bigger, better and more specialized than in years past.
Apartment building gyms closed their doors at the height of the pandemic and stayed closed for weeks or months thereafter. Some remain temporarily shut, while others are slowly reopening when permitted. As they do, there are a variety of strategies to employ to help users stay safe and healthy.
“We’re finding that many companies where stay-at-home orders have been lifted are reopening their gyms but limiting the number of residents who can enter their amenity space,” says Devin Wirt, CEO of TF Living, a technology-enabled amenities company in Pawley’s Island, S.C., that plans fitness centers. “This will continue for quite some time around individuals congregating in similar spaces while keeping up with rigorous cleaning schedules.