Traditional residential fitness spaces tended to be a bit static. Sure, property owners might add a new piece of equipment or tweak the class schedule occasionally, but for the most part, gymgoers — especially those in multifamily housing — could expect the same setup and experience every time they walked in.
These days, though, flexibility is the name of the game — and no, I’m not talking about stretching exercises. Research Nester predicts that the flex space industry will grow from approximately $7 billion in 2024 to an astonishing $58.07 billion by 2037. Many factors are fueling this rapid growth, including the increasing focus on holistic wellness and the demand for digital fitness options.
Many multifamily properties already embrace flex spaces to improve the resident experience and keep up with the latest wellness trends. Discover the benefits of this phenomenon and learn how to build flex space in your community.
What Are Flex Spaces?
Flex spaces are multipurpose areas designed to adapt to a wide range of activities. Unlike traditional gyms, they can be rearranged quickly to accommodate different users and events throughout the day.
In multifamily units, flex spaces can serve as coworking hubs, fitness areas, and event spaces — sometimes all on the same day. For example, residents might hit the elliptical for a morning cardio workout and return later for a soothing meditation workshop. If you have a lot of remote workers, you could even add a coffee bar and comfy chairs to make it easy for them to squeeze in a quick workout between Zoom meetings.
Several trends are fueling the growing popularity of flex spaces, including:
Post-Pandemic Demand for Fitness Options
During the early days of the pandemic, fitness centers and hiking trails were off-limits for many. As a result, people started finding new ways to exercise at home, with many adding weight lifting to their routines. This shift is still influencing the fitness industry today.
“Strength training is one of the biggest trends that’s stuck around since COVID,” says Andy Peat, CEO of Fitness On Demand. “As more people get into resistance-based exercises, property owners must rethink their equipment selection to stay relevant.”
However, that doesn’t mean you need to rush out to buy a bunch of expensive machines. Instead, innovative solutions like adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells can satisfy resistance lovers without breaking the bank or crowding your space with bulky equipment.
Digital Solutions in Flex Spaces
The pandemic didn’t just change where people worked out; it also changed how they do it. “When the pandemic hit, it was all digital,” Peat explains. “Even when everyone started getting back to the gyms, we didn’t leave the digital world behind.”
Peat continues, “Today, there’s a 60/40 split between going to the gym and exercising outside the gym, whether it be at home or outdoors. Any property with fitness amenities needs to recognize and cater to this split.”
Offering virtual content is one of the best ways to keep residents engaged. Platforms like Fitness On Demand let you stream broadcast TV, group studio classes, and other digital content inside your gym and individual apartment units. For instance, people could join live cycling classes with a virtual trainer or follow cool-down videos at a recovery station.
Wellness Beyond the Gym
Although many residents still dedicate time to working out, they’re also focusing on their overall well-being.
Peat attributes this shift partly to the growth of Gen Z fitness lovers. “They’re not just concerned about the physical aspects; they’re concerned about mental health, too,” he explains. “So you have to be able to offer that more holistic approach.”
Consider these changing needs when building flex space or adapting existing spaces. For example, if your residents care about nutrition, you might add a kitchen area for cooking classes. If they're eager to de-stress after work, create a quiet area for mindfulness sessions. These spaces can boost community engagement and improve your residents’ quality of life.
Adapting to Resident Demographics
Multifamily properties are home to residents with a broad range of fitness interests and goals. With flex spaces, you can adapt your fitness amenities to meet everyone’s needs.
Meeting the Needs of Different Age Groups
People of all ages enjoy a good workout, but their goals and preferences can change over time. Flex spaces are key to accommodating residential users at every life stage.
Older adults, especially people over 60, are one of the biggest audiences for fitness content. These residents often enjoy digital fitness classes that promote active aging. “It brings that population together,” explains Peat. “They do a workout for 45 minutes and then socialize after.”
Meanwhile, many members of Gen Z are equally passionate about fitness. “We call them Generation Fit within the fitness industry,” Peat remarks. “They love the gym, and they like consuming content on social media. And as they’ve gotten older, they’ve become the majority of renters out there. They want good gyms with quality digital offerings.”
With a little adaptive reuse, you can create spaces that meet the needs of every age group. For example, you might design a multipurpose studio that doubles as a social space and use digital signage to display instructional videos tailored to the user’s interests.
Tailored Fitness Solutions for Varied Demographics
Curate your flex space to suit the wellness needs of all your residents. Do you have a lot of families? Add kid-friendly equipment like foam blocks, or design a play area to keep your youngest residents active. For busy professionals, on-demand classes offer the ultimate flexibility, enabling them to fit in workouts after long days.
Key Trends in Flex Spaces
Flex spaces are evolving quickly as resident expectations and needs change. By keeping up with current trends, you can design the most functional and appealing multipurpose areas.
Hybrid Fitness Models and Technology Integration
Like the hybrid work model, hybrid fitness blends in-person workouts with digital activities. It’s perfect for people who enjoy socializing with their gym friends but also want the convenience of virtual classes in their residential units.
“We need to meet people in the apartment and the gym as well when it comes to fitness,” Peat explains. He shares his personal routine: “If I use the complex gym to go for a run, I will go back to my apartment to follow a 10-minute stretch video in my lounge on the TV.”
Virtual classes can help support this hybrid approach. For instance, Fitness On Demand has an extensive catalog of over 1,500 on-demand classes. To give your residents even more options, you could complement these offerings with in-person instructors — maybe a local yoga guru who offers classes every Saturday.
Focus on Wellness and Mental Well-Being
The demand for holistic wellness has soared in the past two decades. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the percentage of Americans who use complementary health approaches grew from 19.2% in 2002 to 36.7% in 2022.
For a more holistic approach, consider adding recovery options to your flex space, such as massage guns, compression boots, or even a sauna. You could also organize activities to promote mental well-being, like community journaling workshops and stress-relief seminars. These simple activities are perfect for helping residents practice mindfulness and unwind.
The Rising Demand for Modern Equipment
Residents increasingly expect gyms to offer cutting-edge equipment, but choosing the right machines isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem. As Peat says, “Designing a gym floor with equipment is an art, not a science.”
Every community has unique needs, and preferences can vary drastically from one location to the next. One community might clamor for cardio equipment, while another prioritizes free weights or rowing machines. Before you invest in new equipment, research your residents’ fitness interests and needs. And don’t hesitate to ask for guidance from experts like Fitness On Demand.
The Value of Well-Designed Flex Spaces for Property Managers
Designing a versatile flex space takes time and effort but is worth the investment. These areas offer many benefits for property managers, including:
- Improved resident satisfaction
- More opportunities for community-building activities
- Long-term cost savings from optimizing space usage
Flex spaces can also help multifamily properties attract and retain residents in competitive real estate markets. After all, people who love their on-site fitness amenities are more likely to stick around and renew their leases.
Looking to the Future: Innovative Flex Space Solutions
The days of neglected fitness centers filled with dusty dumbbells and ancient treadmills are gone. Today’s residents expect modern and versatile spaces where they can accomplish their fitness goals, socialize with neighbors, catch up on emails, and more.
With a bit of strategic planning, you can create a flex space that works for your entire community. From virtual cycling classes to baby yoga to nutrition workshops, the only limit is your imagination (and budget). The best part? You can keep updating the space to stay ahead of fitness trends so your residents always have access to the best amenities.
Fitness On Demand is here to help you design the ultimate flex space. We’ll help you update your community and residential spaces with digital signage, virtual classes, and other tailored solutions.
Request a demo today to learn more.
Author
Sean Obregon
Sean Obregon is an impactful Business Development Executive forming meaningful relationships to support enhancing operational and strategic success. He utilizes his industry knowledge and experience to create solutions that align with both the needs and wants of a customer, setting a business up for success.
