Page 8 - NJ Cooperator Spring 2020

8 THE NEW JERSEY COOPERATOR —SPRING 2020 NJCOOPERATOR.COM TRENDS By far the most popular amenity in apartment communities, whether co-op, dio is still king” when it comes to what condo, or rental, is a gym. Even in small most users look for in a gym. That means buildings where space for extras is at a pre- mium, boards look for ways to add a fit- ness room somewhere, anywhere, they can screen display that can connect users to an wedge it in. But what makes a gym or fit- ness room as well-used and efficient as it everything from yoga to kickboxing. And can be? That formula may be less compli- cated – and less space-dependent – than ger sells its product to multifamily build- you think. The Cutting Edge in Gyms Gail Hamilton, executive director at competitor, Echelon, will. The Mirror also ProFIT, a national fitness space manage- ment firm based in New York City, says family buildings – and Hamilton reports technology is the dominant theme in gym that they are putting this kind of equip- design and management today. “The trend ment in middle-market buildings as well as is toward computerized metrics with other high-end properties. exercisers,” says Hamilton, citing the popu- lar Peloton bike as an example of equip- ment that lets the rider pit themselves more space than you think will be suffi- against other users and an online instruc- tor. Other amenities, like being able to go cheap on equipment either. “You are de- stream video or go online to check email signing the space for 10 years from now,” while you work out are not going away. she says. “Not just for today. The more you Today’s users have grown up with technol- ogy, and they need and use it while exercis- ing. Interactive technology makes regular TV in a gym obsolete; today’s users want ment, single-exercise, ‘isolation’ devices live stream, without the hassle of channel such as leg extension machines are decid- flipping – and they want it with a live feed edly passe; not only do they take up too showing how many calories they’re burn- ing in real time. “Basically,” says Hamilton, become better informed and sophisticat- “they want what they want when they want ed about their programming, they’re de- it, and that’s what we try to give them.” Media aside, Hamilton continues, “Car- lots of treadmills, bicycles, and newer de- vices like the Mirror, an unobtrusive flat- array of streaming, instructor-led classes in while Hamilton says that Peloton no lon- ings (likely because doing so could cut into their individual unit sales), Peloton’s main doesn’t restrict multifamily sales to multi- In terms of design, Hamilton advises boards and residents to think big. Provide cient – because it never is sufficient. Don’t spend up front, the longer it will last, re- quiring fewer upgrades later.” In terms of strength training equip- much space, but as fitness consumers have manding equipment that supports a more Let’s Go Work Out! Fitting Fitness into Your Association BY A J SIDRANSKY