General aspects of new facility design

Building a strength and conditioning facility from the ground up typically moves through four main phases:

1. Predesign phase

• Committee formation: Includes contractors, architects, coaches, designers, and facility users.
• Needs analysis: Identifies what space, layout, and equipment are required.
• Feasibility study: Evaluates the financial investment and whether the proposed site location is viable.
• Master plan: Outlines goals, construction scope, and budgeting.
• Hiring an architect: Ideally, choose an architect with experience designing strength and conditioning facilities.

2. Design phase

• Finalize the committee and the facility plan.
• The blueprint and layout must consider:
  • Safety
  • Traffic flow
  • Equipment spacing
  • Utility needs
• The design must meet local building codes and be reviewed by city planning departments.

3. Construction phase

• This is typically the longest and most costly phase.
• It requires close monitoring to stay on schedule and within budget.
• Delays can disrupt athletic program use and may lead to loss of revenue.

4. Preoperation phase

• Hire and train staff.
• Finalize cleaning and maintenance schedules.
• Establish a plan for daily operations.

Modifying existing strength and conditioning facilities

• Same principles apply as designing a new facility: form a committee, analyze needs, and create a plan.
• Committee may include fewer professionals (for example, a contractor or architect isn’t always required).
• Focus should still be on:
  • Safety and standards
  • Updated design flow
  • Space and usage needs

Steps in modifying a facility:

1. Form a committee
2. Create operational plan
3. Arrange equipment
4. Feasibility study
5. Needs analysis
6. Remodel/upgrade
7. Finalize design
8. Hire/retain staff
9. Assign duties

Assessing athletic program needs

Key considerations:

• Number of athletes: Influences equipment quantity and layout.
• Athlete experience level: Beginners may need more bodyweight or machine-based equipment.
• Scheduling: Plan for efficient use of space during peak training times.
• Training goals: Affects layout (for example, space for plyometrics or agility drills).
• Athlete demographics: Different user groups (for example, high school vs. college vs. professional) may have different equipment needs.
• Equipment condition: Identify what needs to be repaired, replaced, or upgraded.

By asking the right questions about who will use the space, how they’ll use it, and what they’ll need, facility designers can optimize function and safety.

Designing the strength and conditioning facility

Key considerations:

• Location: A ground-floor location is preferred to reduce noise and safety concerns. Floors must support heavy equipment (100 lb/ft²).
• Supervision: The office should allow a clear line of sight across the training space.
• Access: The facility must meet ADA standards; ramps, wide doors, and elevators may be necessary.
• Ceiling height: A minimum of 12-14 feet is recommended to allow for jumps and Olympic lifts.
• Flooring: Rubber is ideal for most areas; wood is commonly used for platforms. Turf and antifungal carpet are also used.
• Lighting: 50-100 lux is recommended; use natural light where possible.
• HVAC: Maintain temperature between 68-78°F (20-25°C) and humidity <60%.
• Air circulation: 8-12 exchanges/hour is recommended.

Other considerations

• Sound system: Keep volume under 90 dB. Speaker placement matters so athletes can hear cues.
• Electrical service: Provide dedicated, grounded circuits for treadmills, ellipticals, and similar equipment.
• Mirrors:
  • Minimum 6" away from equipment and 20" from the floor
  • Helps athletes monitor technique and improves facility aesthetics
• Drinking fountains and locker rooms: Improve convenience and hygiene.
• Emergency procedures: Include ADA compliance and communication systems.
• Storage space: Include a designated area for unused or broken equipment.

Arranging equipment

General layout:

• Divide space by training type:
  • Warm-up/stretching
  • Agility/power
  • Free weights
  • Circuit machines
• Machines and racks should be at least 36" apart.
• Circuit training pathways should be 4-7 feet wide.

Stretching/warm-up area:

• At least 49 ft² per athlete
• Equipment: Foam rollers, bands, PVC pipes, etc.

Circuit training:

• Group equipment by movement pattern (for example, push/pull or upper/lower).

Free weights:

• Racks and dumbbells must allow 36" clearance.
• Platforms may be included for barbell lifts.

Weightlifting area:

• Needs rubber flooring, racks/platforms, and appropriate safety clearances.

Aerobic area

• Houses stationary bikes, treadmills, rowers, stair steppers, and similar equipment.
• Must allow enough clearance between machines to prevent tripping and ensure safety.

Space requirements for aerobic equipment

Equipment	Space needed
Bikes	24 ft² (2.2 m²)
Stair steppers	24 ft² (2.2 m²)
Skiers	6 ft² (0.6 m²)
Rowers	40 ft² (3.7 m²)
Treadmills	45 ft² (4.2 m²)

Maintenance and cleaning

• Schedule regular maintenance to protect equipment and reduce infection risk.
• High-use equipment must be cleaned more frequently.
• Vacuum and sanitize surfaces (rubber flooring, padding, etc.) regularly.
• Check pulleys, cables, and bolts weekly.

Space calculations

Provides formulas to calculate required space based on exercise type (e.g., squat racks, benches, Olympic lifts).

Area	Examples	Formula	Example
Prone and supine exercises	Bench press, lying triceps extension	Actual bench length (1.8-2.4 m) + 0.9 m cushion + bench width (0.6-0.8 m) + 0.3 m safety space × 2	A 6-ft (1.8 m) bench: (1.8 + 0.9 + 0.6 + 0.6) = 3.9 m ≈ 4 m²
Standing exercises	Biceps curl, upright row	Bar length + 1 m cushion + 1 m user space + double-wide space cushion	A 4-ft (1.2 m) bar: (1.2 + 1 + 1 + 1.2) = 4.4 m²
Standing in a rack	Back squat, shoulder press	Bar length + 2 m cushion + rack width + 1 m user space	A 7-ft (2.1 m) bar: (2.1 + 2 + 1.2 + 1) = 6.3 m ≈ 7 m²
Olympic lifting area	Power clean	Platform width (2.5 m) + safety cushion (1 m) + walkway space (4 ft or 1.2 m) + platform buffer × 2	(2.5 + 1 + 1.2 + 1.2) = 5.9 m² (rounded in text to ~12.25 m² with walkway clearance)

Maintenance equipment and supplies

Maintenance equipment	Cleaning supplies
File	Disinfectant (germicide)
Hammer	Specialty cleaners (for wood, walls, etc.)
Pliers	Glass cleaner
Screwdrivers	Lubrication
Wrench set	Paper towels
Knife	Spray bottles
Stapler	Cloth towels and rags
Duct tape	Sponges
Extra nuts, bolts, washers	Brooms and dustpans
Heavy-duty glue	Vacuum cleaner
Drill and drill bit set	Mop and bucket
Vise grips	Stain remover