There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Talent only ever takes an athlete so far – to be the best, you have to train the hardest and smartest.
That’s where high-performance training facilities come in.
Elite sports training facilities began within professional sports clubs, but have more recently been offered as alternatives to traditional gyms, where members of the public can work towards peak performance.
Some high-performance gyms focus on a specific type of training, like combat sports or endurance events. Others are more general purpose, catering to any athlete looking to push their boundaries.
At GymQuip we’ve helped a wealth of different training centres with high-performance gym design. In this guide we'll share how to plan your elite sports training facility, from choosing the right strength and conditioning equipment, to creating the ideal layout.
Key design principles for a high-performance gym
What does a high-performance gym look like?
The specific look and layout of your gym will depend on the training you offer and the members you aim to attract. That said, the following design principles will apply to any elite sports training facility.
- Optimised layout: You should develop designated zones for different types of training, e.g. strength, endurance, agility and recovery. Consider colour-coding these areas to make the space easier to navigate.
- Accessibility and flow: Clearly mark thoroughfares. Avoid overcrowding – not enough equipment is better (and safer) than too much.
- Ventilation and climate control: When your members are regularly pushing their bodies to the limit, the importance of airflow and temperature regulation only increases. Lighting is also critical, so members can check their technique, form and the spoils of their hard work.
- Safety: The consequences of injury can be huge for high performance athletes. Your gym needs to be designed in a way that minimises risk, both for their sake and yours.
Must-have equipment for strength & conditioning
What strength and conditioning equipment should you invest in for your gym? With a wealth of strength training machines to choose from, this can be a tricky question to answer, and will depend on the type of athlete you’re catering to.
Potential equipment options include:
- Olympic lifting platforms and racks: Ideal for building strength and explosive power.
- Functional trainers: These machines offer versatile bodyweight exercises, TRX and resistance training.
- Sled tracks and turf areas: If you have enough space, you might offer sled training and resistance sprinting.
- Pin-loaded and plate-loaded machines: These machines let your members target specific muscles during strength training.
The role of smart training technology in athlete development
High-performance athletes know that the smallest advantages can be the difference between winning and losing. And in the search for incremental gains, one innovation is beginning to stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Smart training is the use of technology to enhance performance. The basic idea is to gather exercise data through fitness wearables and smart equipment, which is then analysed by algorithms or artificial intelligence, which generate insights that can help you train smarter and perform better.
Take DKN Smart Machines, exclusive to GymQuip. The name doesn't lie: these smart strength and conditioning machines are able to analyse your performance in real-time, adjust resistance in response to that performance, and generate personalised training programs designed to help you reach your goals sooner.
By investing in smart equipment, you essentially give every gym member access to their own (AI) personal trainer – a truly valuable USP that can set you apart from your competitors.
Recovery & rehabilitation zones: an overlooked essential
High-performance athletes know the value of recovery more than most. And if they get injured, they’ll commit to rehab at an intensity far beyond that of a standard gym-goer.
Your elite sports training facility needs to be designed around this fact. It should offer a dedicated area for recovery and/or rehab, filled with useful recovery tools, from the simple, like foam rollers, trigger balls and massage guns, to the high-end, like saunas, ice baths and cryotherapy machines.
Examples of world-class high-performance training centres
Looking for a bit of inspiration for your elite sports training facility? The following national and international examples are a great place to start.
- Australian Institute of Sport: Canberra’s own AIS is a world-renowned hub for elite athletes, offering specialised coaching, sports science and recovery facilities. Guided public tours are available, so you can even check the facility out for yourself.
- Nike Sports Research Lab: A state-of-the-art facility in the US, Nike focuses on biomechanics, data-driven training and athlete testing in order to develop products that enhance performance.
- St. George’s Park: England’s national football centre, this relatively new facility has been designed for both player development and sports innovation.
These top tier training facilities tend to share a few common traits that you can apply to your own gym:
- Smart technology integration: They refine performance using AI-driven training programs, wearable connectivity and precision performance tracking for athletes.
- Functional design: The spaces are optimised for sport-specific movement, from strength and agility areas to recovery zones.
- Sports science & recovery: They offer cryotherapy, hydrotherapy and altitude chambers and more, to enhance recovery and prevent injury.
- Holistic athlete development: They consider every factor that has an impact on performance, including nutrition, psychology and biomechanics.
Why a high-performance training facility is a smart investment
High-performance training facilities are no longer restricted to big clubs and professional athletes.
With wearable tech and smart machines making performance data more accessible than ever, a growing number of amateur athletes are becoming interested in realising their potential.
And if you play your cards right, you can convert this growing interest into a growing business.
Elite sports training facilities need equally high-performance gym design. The opportunity is incredible, but with so many factors to consider and decisions to make, creating a high-performance gym can be a significant challenge.
Unless you get help from the experts.
GymQuip: high-performance fitout specialists
Home to one of Australia’s largest fitness showrooms, and with a history stretching back over 30 years, at GymQuip we specialise in the design and fitout of high-performance training facilities.
If you’re looking for expert advice on the ideal floorplan for your new gym, and the ideal equipment to fill it, our gym fitout experts are here to help.
Beginning with a consulting session, we’ll design your floor plan; identify, deliver and install high performance equipment; then provide ongoing service and support to ensure your elite training facility runs smoothly in the long run.
Ready to craft a truly high performance space? Get in touch with our friendly team today.