Building a strength and conditioning facility from the ground up involves four main phases:
Committee formation: Includes contractors, architects, coaches, designers, and facility users.
Needs analysis: Assesses what space, layout, and equipment are required.
Feasibility study: Evaluates financial investment and site location viability.
Master plan: Outlines goals, construction, and budgeting.
Hiring an architect: Ideally one with experience in strength facilities.
Finalize committee and facility plan.
Blueprint and layout must consider:
Safety
Traffic flow
Equipment spacing
Utility needs
Must meet local building codes and be reviewed by city planning departments.
Typically the longest and most costly phase.
Requires close monitoring to stay on time and budget.
Delays can affect athletic program use and 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 (e.g., contractor, architect not 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: Ensure efficient use of space during peak training times.
Training goals: Affects layout (e.g., space for plyometrics, agility drills).
Athlete demographics: Different user groups (e.g., high school vs. college vs. pro) may have different equipment needs.
Equipment condition: Assess 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: Ground floor preferred to avoid 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: Must meet ADA standards; ramps, wide doors, and elevators may be necessary.
Ceiling height: Minimum 12–14 feet to allow for jumps and Olympic lifts.
Flooring: Rubber is ideal; wood for platforms; turf and antifungal carpet also used.
Lighting: 50–100 lux recommended; use natural light where possible.
HVAC: Maintain temperature between 68–78°F (20–25°C); humidity <60%.
Air circulation: 8–12 exchanges/hour recommended.
Sound system: Keep under 90 dB; speaker placement matters for cues.
Electrical service: Needs dedicated, grounded circuits for treadmills, ellipticals, etc.
Mirrors:
Minimum 6" away from equipment and 20" from floor
Helps athletes monitor technique and boosts facility aesthetics
Drinking fountains and locker rooms: Improve convenience and hygiene
Emergency procedures: Include ADA compliance and communication systems
Storage space: Designated area for unused/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: 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.
| 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: protects equipment and reduces 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.
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 | 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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