We’re seeing more operators struggle with congestion during peak times, particularly around free weights and high traffic functional areas. One of the most effective ways to address this is through well-designed small group training spaces that act as pressure release valves at the busiest points of the day.

Using modular rigs, functional training equipment and clearly-defined layouts, operators can accommodate multiple members in a structured, coached environment, rather than relying solely on open gym floor space. This helps redistribute demand away from hotspots and improves overall flow.

Small group training spaces act as pressure release valves at the busiest points of the day

What’s important is flexibility. These training spaces are designed to work hard all day, hosting coached small group sessions at peak, semi-guided workouts at shoulder times and open training during quieter periods. Clear zoning and defined participant numbers allow operators to increase usable capacity without the gym feeling overcrowded or restrictive.

Ultimately, small group training enables operators to get more from their existing footprint while maintaining a high quality member experience.

More: www.indigofitness.com

At West Wood Club Westmanstown, we worked with the team to transform an underused and challenging training area into a dual‑purpose small group training studio designed to support both Les Mills Ceremony and Les Mills Conquer programming.

The brief was to create a high‑performance space that could run two premium, high‑intensity programmes within a single footprint, without compromising safety, flow or member experience. The existing room was dated and inefficient, so the solution required careful spatial planning and bespoke manufacturing.

We designed a flexible studio layout using custom‑engineered rigs and equipment that allowed the space to transition between programme formats. Clear entry and exit routes were created using custom walkway screens to maintain intuitive member flow, even at peak times.

The result is a highly adaptable small group training space that significantly improved space utilisation, increased class capacity and supported a wider demographic of members.

The performance space is used for high-intensity programmes / Indigo Fitness

Operators facing peak-time congestion need solutions that increase training capacity without taking up additional floor space. In commercial gyms, cable and cable-based training stations are consistently among the busiest pieces of equipment and their role has only grown as hybrid strength training has become more popular.

By incorporating cables into existing squat racks – such as the BLK BOX Nexus range – operators can expand the number of available cable stations per site without the need for additional floor space.

Cable and cable-based training stations are consistently among the busiest pieces of equipment

They work particularly well in functional training areas, PT zones and small group training spaces, where members want to move between cable exercises, barbell work and accessory training without waiting for multiple stations.

Integrated storage adds further efficiency by keeping plates and accessories close to the point of use, reducing clutter and improving flow. The result is greater usable capacity, smoother member journeys and a stronger return from the same square footage.

More: www.blkboxfitness.com

Soho Farmhouse is an example of how operators can use BLK BOX products to create a flexible workout space. The brief was to deliver a gym that reflected Soho House’s premium aesthetic, while supporting strength, conditioning and mobility within one cohesive environment.

Our role was to fine-tune that vision into a layout that balanced flow, versatility and durability. We worked with the team to create clearly-defined zones that allow members to move easily between different training styles, while maintaining the clean, high-end feel expected from the brand.

The final solution combined custom 5 Series Nexus Compact Racks with Smith Machine attachments and integrated storage, alongside lifting areas, custom turf for sled work and conditioning, cardio equipment and a full range of functional accessories.

The result is a hybrid training space that feels both premium and practical, giving members the freedom to train with purpose, and enjoy a versatile and complete wellness experience.

The training space also aligns with the Soho House design aesthetic / Blk Box

The hybrid training space feels both premium and practical / Blk Box

We thrive on a challenge. Many operators come to us because they have minimal or complex spaces and need us to design a solution to maximise the use of their facility.

A practical option can be to install a pod of KingsBox CX37 Power Racks with connecting storage, integrated Smith Press and adjustable pulleys. This setup makes efficient use of space while supporting a wide range of full-body exercises with its features, which can include pull-up bars and other optional extras, such as dipping bars, jammer arms and core plates. The racks are linked by shelving and storage bins, providing a place to house equipment such as kettlebells, dumbbells, weight plates and slam balls.

Many of our clients come to us because they have minimal or complex spaces

Every space is unique and requires a bespoke solution and the Kingsbox CX series and its range of attachments and storage solutions deliver an integrated solution, allowing multiple members to work out simultaneously, helping meet demand at peak times.

More: www.aperformance.co.uk

Our most unusual location to date is a Grade II-listed church near Bolton, UK. The building makes this project special and our team was tasked with creating a standout gym to accommodate a wide range of activities, whilst staying true to its identity.

The set-up complements the structure of the church, sitting alongside the original features such as the organ, pulpit and font.

A custom KingsBox CX37 Power Rack Pod forms the centrepiece of this installation, while the integrated storage, Smith Press and adjustable pulleys helps maximise the training area. This layout is ideal for small-group training. The central rack provides a shared focal point for lifts, whilst the surrounding equipment allows multiple people to train at the same time.

Integrated storage keeps the whole training area organised / Absolute Performance

Effective capacity management in modern fitness facilities hinges on intelligent spatial design and equipment versatility.

Traditional gym layouts, often characterised by single-purpose stations, inherently create bottlenecks during peak hours, leading to underutilised floor space and member dissatisfaction. The Eleiko Prestera system directly addresses this by offering a modular, integrated strength solution designed for multi-user functionality and spatial efficiency.

Traditional gym layouts, often characterised by single-purpose stations, inherently create bottlenecks

This delivers diverse training modalities, such as barbell work, cable exercises, bodyweight movements and accessory training – within a compact, configurable footprint, allowing multiple members to engage in varied exercises simultaneously at one station, reducing the need for the movement of people across the gym floor.

Integrated storage solutions further mitigate congestion around equipment hubs, keeping essential tools immediately accessible. Prestera’s scalability, from wall-mounted units to freestanding rigs with integrated cable systems, also enables operators to dynamically reconfigure training zones, ensuring maximum throughput and a seamless member experience, even during high-demand periods.

More: www.eleiko.com

Danish operator, Well-Come Fitness, sought to elevate its strength and functional training zones to accommodate increasing demand and enhance the member experience.

The primary objective was to optimise a constrained footprint, alleviate peak-time congestion and facilitate dynamic programming for both individual training and group sessions.

A spatial transformation using the Prestera system saw the operator transition from traditional floor-mounted rigs to three wall-mounted solutions, liberating significant floor space. The integration of Prestera Cable stations and Eleiko Half Racks, complemented by SVR platforms, established distinct, acoustically-optimised training zones.

The configuration was engineered to enhance coach visibility and enable simultaneous, diverse training modalities without operational interference.

Well-Come saw a surge in members after revitalising the gym space / Eleiko Group

The Blade by Speedflex is designed to provide a flexible, space-efficient solution that helps remove common bottlenecks. Unlike traditional strength equipment, the Blade combines multiple training functions into a single, compact unit. This allows more members to train effectively within a smaller blueprint, reducing congestion around free weights and resistance machines.

Keeping users moving continuously and minimising downtime between exercises is an important factor during busy periods

Its adaptive resistance system removes the need for manual weight changes, keeping users moving continuously and minimising downtime between exercises, which is an important factor during busy periods. It also supports both individual and small group training, enabling operators to programme sessions that work for everybody without compromising on the quality of the workout.

Circuits can be run efficiently, helping to distribute members even more evenly across the gym, while the adaptive technology makes the machine accessible to a wide range of users, reducing reliance on staff support and easing pressure on busy gym environments.

More: www.speedflex.com

Gym Possible, a UK-based charity gym dedicated to making fitness accessible for people with physical disabilities, gave us a clear brief: create a flexible, inclusive training space that works for wheelchair users without compromising on the quality of their workouts.

Our approach focused on the adaptability of our Speedflex technology. Because resistance is generated by the user’s effort rather than fixed weights, each individual can train at their own level safely and effectively.

The machines also provide stable movement patterns and multiple points of contact that support upper body and core strength, cardiovascular conditioning and functional movement in a format that’s adaptable and that can be performed safely from a seated position.

Working with Gym Possible, we helped shape programming and layout to ensure the space could support both individual training and coached sessions, maximising flexibility and accessibility.

The adaptable space helps wheelchair users train with confidence / Speedflex / Gym Possible

Operators struggling with peak-time capacity are often facing a space and flow challenge, not just a lack of equipment. Fitrack from Fitbench is designed specifically to solve this.

With a compact, patent-pending, triangular footprint, Fitrack transforms 16sq m into a training zone for up to 12 users. By consolidating multiple training modalities – strength, conditioning and functional into one organised system – it removes the need for members to move across the gym searching for equipment, significantly reducing congestion.

The result is better flow, fewer bottlenecks and more members training effectively in the same footprint

It also tackles one of the biggest bottlenecks – transition time. Everything is within arm’s reach, allowing for continuous movement, whether in coached small group sessions or open gym use.

Flexibility is key. During peak hours, operators can run structured small group training to maximise throughput and energy. Off-peak, the same space becomes a versatile, open-access functional area. The result is better flow, fewer bottlenecks, and more members training effectively in the same footprint, helping operators unlock capacity without expanding their space.

More: www.fitbench.com

At Snap Fitness Chancery Lane in London, the brief was to create a space-efficient functional zone to support multiple training formats without adding clutter or complexity.

Working with the operator, we identified the need for a solution that could flex between open gym use, personal training and small group sessions, within a compact footprint.

Our approach was to position four Fitbench One units at the centre of the functional circuit, creating a multi-purpose training hub.

By consolidating strength, conditioning and functional tools into a single platform, we reduced reliance on multiple standalone pieces and improved overall flow. The outcome is an adaptable space that remains busy throughout the day delivering improved capacity, better utilisation and a premium training experience.

Fitbench units create a multi-purpose hub / FitBench