How Wellness Is Influencing the Gym Market
Wellness is no longer a “nice to have” in gym design, it’s shaping the future of the entire market.
Today’s gyms are expected to do more than deliver a good workout. They need to support mental wellbeing, balance calm with energy, and offer experiences that feel motivating, inclusive and human. Interior design plays a huge role in making that happen.
At Studio 93, we create spaces that inspire movement and connection to the body. From high-energy gyms within residential developments and student accommodation, to private homes and boutique studios, our approach goes far beyond function. We design spaces as experiences, built around movement and connection.
Why the Gym Environment Really Matters
People don’t come to gyms solely to exercise, they come to feel better. The environment they move through can either energise or overwhelm, motivate or intimidate.
Lighting, layout, acoustics, materials and flow all work together to influence mood, confidence and behaviour. When thoughtfully designed, a gym can support focus, ease anxiety and encourage long-term engagement.
“We particularly enjoy working on gym and wellness spaces because they align so closely with our interests outside of work. Studio 93 is really supportive of looking after ourselves, and movement is a big part of that culture.” - Sophie, Studio 93
“As designers, it’s incredibly satisfying knowing that what we’re creating can positively impact people’s lives. Exercise is a form of therapy for many, so knowing we’re helping to support that makes the whole process genuinely exciting.” - Jake, Studio 93
Any excuse for a bit of ‘market research’ helps too, visiting boutique workout spaces or trying new classes keeps us inspired by fresh ideas and evolving environments.
For brands, this means interior design isn’t just an aesthetic decision, it’s a strategic one.
Designing for Wellness: Spaces That Move With You
Our gym and wellness projects are always shaped as a journey.
High-energy workout zones are balanced with softer, restorative spaces, yoga studios, stretch areas and carefully considered changing rooms. This invites users to pause, breathe and really be present in their environment. Each transition is intentional, reflecting the natural rhythm of a workout.
This balance allows spaces to feel energising without becoming overwhelming.
Beyond the Workout: Community & Culture
Gyms are no longer singular, transactional environments. They’re evolving into spaces that place far greater emphasis on community, connection and shared experience.
“Gyms are moving away from being purely transactional and are becoming far more community-focused. This is where brands can sometimes underestimate the value of engaging a design studio.”
- Jake, Studio 93“We take the time to really understand a client’s gym culture, their users, the types of classes on offer, peak times throughout the day. Our design approach is always tailored to support their end goal.”
This deeper understanding allows spaces to feel more intuitive, inclusive and aligned with how people actually use them.
Materiality, Light & Atmosphere
Material choices, lighting and texture play a huge role in how a gym feels.
We use materiality and light to soften spaces, guide movement and support wellbeing, creating environments that feel tactile, welcoming and considered rather than purely performance-driven.
“It’s amazing how much impact small, intentional decisions can have. Introducing texture through materials, adding planting, or making subtle layout tweaks can completely change how welcoming and intuitive a gym feels.”
- Sophie, Studio 93
Thinking beyond the equipment is key. Lighting, acoustics and even a signature scent can add a sensory layer that makes a space feel more memorable and considered. Through these layers, each project expresses a brand’s identity while creating unique moments that elevate the everyday workout experience.
Layout, Flow & the Realities of Gym Design
Planning layout and circulation is one of the most important and challenging aspects of gym design.
“One challenge we often see is the desire to maximise equipment without fully considering circulation, ventilation or compliance requirements.”
- Jake, Studio 93“While these elements might not be the most exciting part of the process, they’re essential to creating a safe, comfortable and well-functioning gym environment.”
Balancing ambition with practicality ensures spaces perform well not just visually, but operationally too.
From Concept to Completion
We work seamlessly with existing brand guidelines or help define the look and feel from the ground up.
“We always start by establishing a strong concept or narrative, and by asking a lot of questions and I really do mean a lot.”
- Jake, Studio 93“That process keeps us grounded in the ‘why’ behind the space and allows us to introduce subtle, considered details that feel authentic rather than generic or overly corporate.”
Through visual storytelling, we build excitement and clarity early on, ensuring a cohesive atmosphere runs through the project as it comes to life, from concept design and CGIs to detailed layouts and delivery support.
Designing for Everyday Use: Student & Lifestyle Gyms
Whether it’s a boutique studio, a gym within student accommodation, an office workplace or a build-to-rent development, the goal remains the same: to make movement feel accessible, uplifting and inviting.
In student environments especially, bold colour, generous space and strong visual identity can provide a motivational dopamine boost encouraging everyday exercise as part of a healthy routine, not a chore.
Thinking About Your Next Gym or Wellness Space?
Wellness-led design is changing the gym market. Spaces are no longer just places to train, they’re places to reset, reconnect and feel good.
If you’re planning a new gym, studio or wellness space or looking to refresh an existing one, we’d love to help you shape an environment that works hard for your brand and the people who use it.
Get in touch with Studio 93 to start the conversation.
