Gyms and fitness studios increasingly adopt thoughtful design, recovery/relaxation and digital mental health tools
As fitness facilities become more focused on overall wellness, designing gyms and studios with mental health in mind is becoming a popular option.
In 2024, 43% of U.S. adults reported feeling more anxious than the previous year, a significant increase from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022 (American Psychiatric Association). Key sources of anxiety include current affairs, financial concerns and safety concerns, highlighting the growing importance of mental health support in different settings, including increasingly health-focused fitness venues (National Institute of Mental Health).
The data reinforces the value of gyms to create environments that prioritize mental health through design and restoration services that meet the needs of anxious people seeking holistic wellness solutions. Creating a calm, health-focused environment can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being as well as physical well-being.
The following strategies represent a small sample of the approaches being implemented:
1. Thoughtful design elements
The gym uses soft lighting, natural materials and plant-filled spaces to create an environment that supports relaxation and mindfulness (virtual fitness, mind and body).
According to insights from the wellness industry, meditation and mindfulness spaces in gyms are becoming increasingly important as people seek a balanced approach to fitness. Classes like yoga, tai chi and meditation are now integrated into gym classes, making mental health a priority for members (Core Health & Fitness).
Color psychology is also playing an increasingly important role in gym design, with specific hues chosen to create a tailored environment. Calming tones like soft blues, greens, and earth tones are often used in recovery and meditation areas because they promote a sense of tranquility and help exercisers relax and unwind. These colors are associated with a sense of balance and renewal, making them ideal for casual spaces (Advantage Sports and Fitness) (Cole Down Media).
In contrast, high-energy areas often feature vibrant hues like red and orange, which are known for their stimulating and energizing effects. These colors can inspire motivation and help gym users stay focused during intense workouts.
Acoustic design is equally important. Sound-absorbing materials and white noise systems create quiet areas in a busy and noisy gym environment. These elements, along with thoughtful color choices, are designed to provide a more holistic and spiritually restorative experience (iron house design)
2. Restoration and Regeneration Areas
Gyms recognize this and are devoting more space to recovery areas spiritual Recovery is just as important as physical recovery. Features such as nap pods, infrared saunas and cryotherapy are becoming increasingly popular. These tools help reduce anxiety and stress while promoting better sleep and cognitive function (virtual fitness, Silver Oak Health).
In addition to high-tech tools like nap pods and cryotherapy, many recovery areas now have dedicated spaces for mindfulness practices, such as meditation or breathing exercises. The integration of technology such as guided meditation apps or biofeedback devices is also growing in popularity, helping fitness enthusiasts better manage stress and improve their mental health. The recovery area is designed to not only repair physical muscles but also rejuvenate the mind, further integrating health into the fitness experience.
3. Digital mental health platform
Digital platforms and mental health apps are also playing a role in mental health by offering guided meditation sessions, mindfulness exercises, and even AI-powered therapy tools (Silver Oak Health). Many gyms are now integrating these digital solutions to enable members to engage with mental health content inside and outside the gym.
Many fitness facilities also integrate personalized digital platforms to provide tailored mental health programs, including mood tracking, stress assessment and personalized meditation suggestions. These platforms often include social features that allow users to connect with others for shared support.
By integrating mental health into gym design, recovery services and digital health tools, fitness facilities can offer a holistic, holistic approach to health. This holistic strategy not only supports physical health but also addresses the growing needs of mental health, making these spaces even more attractive to today’s health-conscious consumers.
This article originally appeared in ATN’s Future of Gym report, which explores the technology, equipment and sustainable practices driving a new era of personalized fitness and wellness experiences. Download your free report.
