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At Les Mills, our gym floor design philosophy puts people first. It’s not about cramming in as many machines and weights as possible – it’s about making it easy for our gym users to move around our space and work out in ways that suit them.
We’ve always been leaders in the gym sector, with an emphasis on cutting-edge equipment, trend-setting classes and research-backed delivery. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge change in the way people work out, with a major shift towards weight and functional training. Our floor designs and layouts have adapted to reflect this shift, with spaces dedicated to weights, conditioning and functional training, stretching and cardio.
In everything we do, we aim to create functional, user-friendly zones that align with our customers’ needs.
Keeping tabs on exercise trends
The way we work out is constantly changing, driven by research, shifting fashions in body shape and personal preferences. In the 80s and 90s, for example, it was all about cardio and weight loss – think aerobics, spin classes and jazzercise. The 2000s saw Pilates, yoga, boot camps and high-intensity workouts gaining popularity, with a focus on health as well as weight. More recently, strength training has had a major resurgence, with people flocking to free weights and group strength training classes.
Our increased understanding of the health benefits of strength training is behind the change. Research shows that strength training can improve bone density, protect joints, reduce the risk of accidents and the impact of chronic conditions, and help you maintain a healthy weight. It’s also associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.
Similarly, conditioning and functional training have seen a boost in popularity. These types of training, which focus on maintaining strength and flexibility for everyday life, are other ways for people to prioritise health and mobility in the long term.
Of course, a new focus on health and strength doesn’t mean that other forms of exercise have disappeared. Cardio is still part of most workouts – and stretches will never go out of style.
Here’s how our gym floor design caters to all these needs:
Strength zones
Weight training used to be associated with big, muscle-bound men in a mirrored corner of the gym. These days, with well-established health benefits for people of all ages and genders, weights and strength training have gone mainstream. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, strength training with free weights was the number two fitness trend for 2023, while research from MindBody Online found that 60% of gym-goers include strength training in their workout routines.
As a result, strength and weight training have a much bigger footprint on our gym floors than they once did. With more customers looking to build strength and increase muscle mass, it’s important that we have enough space and equipment for everyone to work out safely and comfortably.
Our strength zones include traditional free weights – cables, dumbbells, benches, barbells, rigging and lifting platforms. If you want a more supported experience, we also have a comprehensive range of pin-loaded and plate-loaded strength machines, designed to help you target individual muscle groups and body movements.
Functional and conditioning zones
Functional training focuses on movements used in everyday life, to maintain strength and flexibility and avoid injury. Conditioning is similar in that it’s focused on improving whole-body health and strength over time, rather than losing weight or building specific muscle groups.
Because both types of training include a range of movements and exercises, these zones are kitted out with a wide range of functional equipment – from air bikes and rowing machines to SkiErgs, kettlebells, TRX suspension trainers and more.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’re just dipping your toes into functional training, these spaces give you a chance to challenge yourself as you build strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination.
Cardio zones
Cardio is still a great way to get your blood pumping and boost your mood. While strength training may be getting more attention these days, research shows that cardiovascular exercise benefits heart health, helps lower blood pressure and the risk of stroke, improves memory, and increases energy. Regular cardio can also give your mental health and well-being a lift – it’s proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and help with anxiety.
Many of our gym-goers incorporate cardio into their workout alongside strength and functional training, or use it to warm up or cool down. Our cardio zones feature a wide range of state-of-the-art machines, including treadmills, power mills, cross-trainers and bikes. There’s something for everyone, with enough machines that you don’t have to sit around waiting for your favourite.
Stretch zones
Whether you’re stretching to prepare for a workout or as a key part of your routine, our stretching zones have you covered. These spaces are designated for self-care and slow, intentional movements, helping you find your focus, enhance flexibility, and set yourself up for safe, effective exercise.
Gyms designed for humans
At Les Mills, we put a lot of thought and intention into everything we do, including our gym floor designs. Creating functional layouts that align with our customers’ fitness goals means looking beyond the latest machines and really thinking about the way people work out. That strategic, human-centred approach helps us create workout spaces that work for everyone.
Looking for a workout space that fits you? Sign up for a free trial today.