Clean, modern and motivating: 5 ways to improve your gym washrooms this summer

We’ve all heard that famous phrase, getting ‘beach body ready’. The trouble is, lots of us are guilty of waiting until the summer is already here before getting started. This means that summer can be one of the busiest seasons at the gym.  

As a gym owner or manager, your job is to stay on top of this increased foot traffic and ensure that all your facilities are clean, modern and motivating. This includes all washrooms, showers and changing facilities. 

A clean, fresh and thoughtfully designed gym washroom will not only improve hygiene and keep gym goers safe and healthy, but it can also enhance user experience and retention rates. 

So, with summer now upon us, here are five practical ways to elevate your gym washrooms and impress your members. 

1. Ask for feedback 

First things first, the simplest way to make positive changes that have a real impact on your members is to ask for their feedback and action as many changes as you reasonably can. 

This can be done through email newsletters, feedback cards in the gym and even social media if you have a good following. Ask your members what they’d like to see changed or improved about your gym facilities, including the showers, bathrooms and changing rooms. 

This will give you direction in terms of washroom refurbishment, updates and possibly even a redesign if necessary. 

2. Help beat the heat (and humidity) 

There’s nothing worse after an intense workout than walking into a hot, humid changing room or shower block. Plus, a build-up of too much heat and moisture can lead to bigger problems like mould, mildew and bad odours. 

That is why good airflow is so important. This means ensuring you have windows that can open and let the air flow (providing these are safe and don’t compromise the privacy of users) or installing updated ventilation systems. 

On top of that, you might consider installing automatic air fresheners with subtle, refreshing scents or go natural with essential oil diffusers around the space. Providing these don’t take up space or cause a hazard, of course. 

3. Provide inclusive spaces 

Summer can lead to lots of new sign-ups, so you want your gym washrooms to be welcoming for everyone. This includes families, older members and those with disabilities. 

Depending on the design and layout of your gym, you might consider gender-neutral bathrooms and changing facilities, as well as family changing units. Superloos can be a great way to achieve this, as these are compact and self-contained solutions that enable your guests to feel safe. 

4. Promote privacy and comfort 

Similarly, installing all-in-one units or floor-to-ceiling cubicles can be an excellent way to increase privacy for all your guests. These spaces allow users to feel safer and more comfortable when using the facilities. 

The safety of all gym goers should be your top priority, and another key part of this is regularly checking to make sure all doors lock properly and that all lighting works correctly to keep these spaces well-lit and secure. 

5. Ditch outdated (or broken) fixtures

Nothing costs you members quicker than old, leaky or broken fixtures and fittings - especially if they are paying a premium rate for their membership. 

So this summer, take stock of any loose taps, leaky showers, broken clothes hooks or damaged lockers. Then, you should consider replacing these with more stylish, modern alternatives. 

For example, installing automatic taps and hand dryers can help stop the spread of germs, and bigger lockers can better accommodate guests’ belongings, particularly families with multiple bags. 

5. Prioritise cleaning and maintenance

Your washroom design should keep cleanliness and maintenance in mind at every stage. From touchless fixtures to durable materials, such as solid-grade laminate surfaces, you can make these areas easier to clean and maintain. 

Similarly, choosing sleek fittings and surfaces throughout can decrease the number of areas where harmful bacteria can build up. 

This is so important in a gym, where, let’s face it, you’re dealing with lots of sweaty people touching a lot of the same surfaces. By reducing the number of touchpoints, you can stop germs from spreading and make it easier for the cleaning crew to keep these spaces looking brand new. 

Are you ready to update your gym washrooms this summer? 

Remember, your gym washrooms are more than just utility spaces where members store their bags; they are part of the overall experience. These spaces reflect your brand and your commitment to the health, safety and happiness of all guests. 

This summer, take the opportunity to refresh, upgrade and delight your members in the places they might least expect it - your gym washrooms. 

We know that even the smallest changes can leave a lasting impression! So, if you need a little help and inspiration, get in touch with the team at Cr8tive Washrooms today.