With Gen Z entering the workforce, personal health and wellness have become top priorities. Employees expect more than just standing desks and ergonomic chairs; they’re looking for workplaces that help them have a productive day. Times have changed, and now bosses share the blame for the lack of productivity.
One way to meet these expectations is by investing in the right corporate gym equipment. But how do you choose the right exercise equipment for the office to fit your gym space and cater to various fitness needs?
Let’s explore a checklist for corporate gym shopping that packs all the essential gear.
3 Key Factors to Consider for Office Gym Equipment
1. Available Space
There is a myriad of fitness equipment available for each exercise, so it’s better to assess your gym space before deciding on gym machines.
To decide on equipment space, you need to factor in your existing machinery, gym layout, flooring, spacing, and footfall. Optimizing every square inch of space with professional help or internet surfing does a decent job.
Small office gyms are better off with space-saving equipment than specialized equipment. Opt for foldable walking pads, resistance bands, and multi-functional machines. If space is not an issue, options are limitless, from squat racks to cable machines. You can even include a gaming section like table tennis for a well-established and fun gym.
Note: Old-school but professional machines like treadmills and functional trainers work great for small but versatile gym setups.
2. Available Budget
Prioritizing employees' health doesn’t mean you’ll have to sabotage yours.
As mentioned, the fitness industry is enormous, with endless equipment options and alternatives. Simply aim for functional gym gear and focus on multi-purpose pieces of equipment, such as adjustable dumbbells or compact cable machines, that offer a wide range of exercises for all fitness levels.
Another budget-saving option is leasing equipment or purchasing refurbished items. This not only provides a cost-effective solution but also allows you to test employees' responses to new equipment before making a significant investment.
Opting for a professional exercise plan for a sedentary office life can also help you determine what equipment to invest in.
Tip: Prioritize quiet-in-office exercise machines. This allows employees to take turns in the gym at their convenience without disturbing others.
3. Employees Demographics
Office gyms are for employees' health, so it's better to consider their preferences for a more personalized, community-centered gym environment.
Considering employees’ demographics is also imperative for the success of corporate gym membership. One reason employees are willing to pay more at a commercial gym than a corporate gym is the lack of inclusivity in their office gym.
Bridge that missing link by taking into account your employees’ age, health preferences, and fitness experience so you don’t end up buying machines and equipment that will only sit in the corner collecting dust.
For instance, 45+ employees might want simple cardio, stretching, and relaxing exercises. In contrast, younger employees might already have their set fitness goals, which range from body-building to flexibility and weight loss training.
Identify the most prevalent health problems, such as bad posture, cramped muscles, reduced strength, fatigue, and lethargy, and devise your shopping plan accordingly.
Must-Have Equipment Categories for Every Office Gym
Cardio Essential
Cardio workouts are a no-brainer for counteracting the negative health impact of a sedentary work life. Whether your space allows for a few machines or a complete cardio station, investing in equipment like treadmills, stationary bikes, step mills, and elliptical machines will definitely grab your employees' attention (for membership).
Compact, foldable options are great for smaller office gyms. Jumping ropes can also give a great cardio workout within an office gym; another option is under desk bike pedals. Pick what suits your budget and employees' preferences.
Strength Training Gear
After sitting for a while, your calves and hamstrings need a stretch, so it's also crucial to include gear that supports mobility and strength.
Strength training is also vital to improving lousy posture caused by long desk work hours. Essentials like adjustable dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands offer flexibility for various strength exercises. Adding a squat rack or cable machine can further diversify workout options if space permits.
Functional Fitness Tools
Tools like suspension trainers, balance pods, and pilates boards can help employees improve their core strength and stability. These are crucial for preventing lower back pain caused by sedentary habits. These pieces are also compact and can be stored easily.
Functional trainers are another great and sought-after option for functional exercises. If budget is a constraint, but your employees polled high for them, you can also get them in installments.
Therapy & Recovery Equipment
Don't overlook recovery. Long sitting spans in front of the screen lead to eye, back, neck, and shoulder pain, which often triggers migraines and tension headaches, reducing employees' work performance.
To recover from strain, foam rollers, massage guns, therapy balls (hot/ cold), and yoga mats/ blocks can come in handy and enhance the overall gym experience. They can help employees stretch, meditate, relieve muscle tension, and unwind after a workout or a long day at the desk.
A quiet spot like an enclosed office pod is also a great space-friendly option for relaxing and meditation.
Quality & Maintenance Tips for Gym Equipment
The quality of your gym equipment will determine your maintenance, resale, and replacement costs. We recommend booking a consultation with a reliable gym equipment supplier that offers a wide range of warranted gym equipment from reputable manufacturers.
Regular maintenance is a core part of ensuring an uninterrupted and wholesome gym experience. By keeping equipment in top shape, you ensure its durability and the safety of your employees.
Set a monthly maintenance schedule to check for wear and tear, lubricate machines, and ensure everything functions correctly. In the long run, it will be handy to pick a retailer that offers a full range of services, including delivery, installation, maintenance, and reconfiguration.
The Fitness Outlet offers a vast selection of equipment from 70 different brands. You can book a free consultation for equipment, installations, and maintenance. They also offer complementary facility layouts and conceptual rendering services.
The Final Word
Indulgence is inevitable in fitness, but let’s be real: No one wants to spend their office break in the gym doing the same two exercises daily. Monotony is poison to creativity, so invest in inclusive gym equipment that offers enough variety to keep employees from hitting the snooze button on their workouts.