1. Designing Gyms That Work for Everyone

Insight from Sam Vagg, Education Sector Lead

The trend: Training spaces in schools, colleges and universities (and beyond) are evolving from single-purpose facilities into flexible, multifunctional environments that serve all students, staff, and sports teams.

Why it matters in 2026: Budgets and space pressures are unlikely to ease, and designing for one group only limits long-term use. Engaging stakeholders early (teachers, coaches, SENCOs, and facilities teams) ensures spaces are inclusive and adaptable. The design process must start with a clear understanding of all user groups, their needs and how they will interact with the space.

How it shows up:

• Layout and flow: Spaces that accommodate general use, one-to-one sessions, curriculum delivery, and team training without compromise.
• Zoning and flexibility: Areas that shift from structured sessions to high-energy group workouts or movement based delivery.
• Equipment selection: Tools that cater to all abilities. From adaptive functional equipment to performance-focused and accessible options.
• Flooring: Safe, durable, and intuitive surfaces that guide users and support multiple movement types.

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2. The Power of Pods

Insight from Tom Harding-Rooke, Key Account Director

The trend: Pods are dedicated zones for PTs or small groups and are redefining efficient, engaging, and multifunctional spaces.

Why it matters in 2026: Well-designed pods are an incredible use of space, create premium experiences, and support personal training. Poorly thought out pods not complimenting the rest of the gym floor design, however, can block access and reduce usable workstations.

How it shows up:

• Shadow XD cable racks and vertical storage benches integrate pods seamlessly into traditional gym floors.
• Adjustable benches stored vertically allow multiple class types in the same training space.
• PT and group sessions run without interfering with other gym activity.

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3. The Gym Ecosystem

Insight from Chris Parr, Independent Gym Lead

The trend: Gyms are becoming holistic ecosystems, offering not just training, but recovery, education, and social experiences.

Why it matters in 2026: Training alone is easy to replicate. What retains members and drives referrals is community, convenience, and a seamless journey across the gym experience.

How it shows up:

• Map the member journey: onboarding → 30-day wins → quarterly checkpoints → community milestones.
• Add ecosystem layers without needing extra space: weekly educational sessions, monthly social events, quarterly inclusive challenges.

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4. Recovery as a Core Membership Component

The trend: Recovery is not optional; it is a fundamental part of membership offerings, from mobility bays to compression and breathwork zones.

Why it matters in 2026: Members are training harder and under more stress. Recovery helps reduce burnout, improve consistency, and differentiate premium gyms.

How it shows up:

• Start small: mobility bays, compression boots, soft-tissue tools, and guided recovery programming.
• Package it to create new revenue streams.

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5. TRAINING EXPERIENCES

Insight from Robbie Cuthbert, Business Development Director

The trend: The social and experiential side of fitness is continuing to grow. People increasingly want to train together, connect with others, and be part of a shared journey. This is reflected in group-based hybrid training formats, combining functional strength, endurance, and partner-style workouts. Programs like HYROX or Les Mills Conquer and Ceremony are examples, but the trend extends to any structured, social, performance-oriented session that creates a meaningful experience.

Why it matters in 2026: Members want more than innovative equipment, they want connection, accountability, and memorable experiences. Gyms will need to adapt underused studios and floor space to accommodate these sessions, improving engagement, retention, and revenue.

How it shows up:

• Partner or team-based hybrid classes alongside traditional group sessions.
• Flexible use of underused studios and gym areas for multi-format programming.
• Workouts that combine strength, endurance, and functional movement while fostering social connection.

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BESPOKE BY DESIGN

Insight from Nicola Nixon-Purnell, Marketing Manager

The trend: Training spaces are carefully crafted environments that reflect the identity, values, and vision of their operator. From colour palettes to metalwork finishes, upholstery details and branding, every detail can be customised to make the gym truly unique.

Why it matters in 2026: Members expect experiences that feel curated and personal, while operators want spaces that stand out, communicate premium quality, and reinforce brand identity. Bespoke gyms are an investment and make a statement.

How it shows up:

• Custom colour schemes, finishes, and branding integrated across the training space from equipment to flooring,
• Bespoke solutions designed around member flows and programming.
• Studios, functional zones, and recovery areas personalised to reflect the operator’s ethos and aesthetic.
• Equipment and flooring options crafted for performance, durability, and design coherence, creating a fully integrated, signature space.
• Details matter.

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Why IndigoFitness Leads in 2026

At IndigoFitness, these trends are not just theoretical. They inform the gym design conversations we have with our clients from education and public sector to boutique and hospitality operators, they trust us to:

• Deliver bespoke, premium spaces that reflect identity.
• Balance performance, longevity, and aesthetics through thoughtful design.
• Provide end-to-end solutions: design, flooring, manufacture, install.
• Create flexible, timeless gyms for communities of all sizes.

Because in 2026, gyms aren’t just rooms full of kit, they are experiences that develop and endure, designed to evolve with those who use them.

Let’s design what’s next