Building a strength and conditioning facility from the ground up typically moves through four main phases:
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.
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.
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.
Hire and train staff.
Finalize cleaning and maintenance schedules.
Establish a plan for daily operations.
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
Form a committee
Create operational plan
Arrange equipment
Feasibility study
Needs analysis
Remodel/upgrade
Finalize design
Hire/retain staff
Assign duties
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.
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.
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.
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:
Free weights:
Racks and dumbbells must allow 36" clearance.
Platforms may be included for barbell lifts.
Weightlifting 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) |
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 |
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