Kore Sandwell, Wednesbury Leisure Centre Gym Design
Intentional modern fitness cultrure
Case Study
Sandwell Leisure Trust came to us with a clear mission: transform an underperforming indoor cycling studio into something bolder, brighter, and far more relevant to modern fitness culture.
June 2025
THE BRIEF
The client needed a fitness space that would:
- Maximise Utilisation: Work hard from open to close, rather than sitting empty between classes.
- Attract a New Demographic: Pull in a younger, more diverse audience.
- Support Modern Training: Cater to high-demand styles like Hyrox, functional strength, and bootcamps.
- Be "Camera-Ready": Create a multi-functional, aesthetically pleasing zone where influencers, TikTok creators, and members feel inspired to film and share their workouts.
Gym Design with Purpose: Ensure every detail, from gym layout and lighting to equipment and flow; is intentional, creating a space that performs flawlessly all day.
The Challenge
- We had to navigate a limited footprint where every square metre had to be smart. The space needed to serve high-performance group training and individual content creators without becoming cluttered or chaotic, and allowing both groups to coexist at the same time without annoying each other.
- Finally, we had to overcome strict budget constraints regarding awkward architectural features (metal security shutters) and manage the heavy acoustics of a high-energy room. Plus the forever challenge on how to deliver a space at high standards under certain budgets, pushing creativity to its max.
THE STRONGER SOLUTION
This wasn’t just about fitness; it was about culture. We designed a fitness studio that looked incredible on camera and felt even better in person.
Future Proofing: We knew this studio had to be zoned with intention so users feel like they own their area. But we also designed for flexibility. If the influencer concept evolved, the room could still operate as a highly functional extension of the gym floor.
Workout Zones that Feel Like "Mine": Because people are claiming stations rather than just moving between them, we leaned into that trend:
- Glute Zone: A defined area for lower-body strength work, loved by the TikTok crowd.
- Free Weight Zone: Features its own lighting profile and wall colours, ideal for filming lifts and feeling "in the zone."
- Strength Pods: Fully equipped mini zones for beginners. Everything is right where you need it, just show up and get started. Beautifully designed stations that convert themselves from open spaces with functional, to by a simple click dropping down a bench to increase the amount of options available for workouts.
- Group Area: Spaced perfectly for all class members to complete functional movements in unison.
GYM EQUIPMENT
Gym Equipment Strategy: We selected equipment to match both training and aesthetic goals. We specifically factored in stations for members who like to set up their personal zone, by building a layout logic that avoids traffic jams whilst catering for all conditioning setups. From Plate Loaded Glute Zones, to Lifting for the advance and the beginners using half racks and stregth pods, to Hyrox specific equipment all from our Fitness Racing Stronger range
Gym Lighting & The "Graffiti Shutter" Moment: We balanced utility and aesthetics by installing lighting which easily shifts from bright training lights to a moody amber glow for filming. To complement the space, we tackled awkward, budget-restrictive metal shutters by commissioning a vibrant graffiti artwork that transformed an eyesore into a highly shareable, iconic photo backdrop. The main decision here was, if we are going to have to deal with this shutter, we may as well fully embrace it and make it a wonderful feature rather than the awkward part of the gym.
The Result
This is a fitness space designed to blend performance, culture, and content creation and the reaction has been overwhelming, in the best way. Classes are full and attendance is up 200%. Staff are noticing a drop in complaints across the whole site, not just related to the studio. The facility is now gaining attention beyond its walls, magazine features, word of mouth and loads of social media love.
FAQ
GYM DESIGN
To convert an underperforming spin studio, open up the floorplan to support hybrid training. At Sandwell Leisure Trust, we replaced a single-use layout with distinct, multi-functional workout zone. Including free weights, strength pods, and a group training area. This maximised space utilisation and increased class attendance by 200%.
The best layout for high-intensity group training eliminates floor bottlenecks. Create clear micro-environments, such as a dedicated glute zone and beginner strength pods. Ensure there is enough space and accessible equipment (like dumbbells and kettlebells) so members can complete a full workout in one spot without causing traffic jams. It truly depends on the space available and what do you have adjacent to it, but rule of thumb is first find the space for the Turf and decide whether you want to cater for the full Hyrox length or if you will compromise on the official length, once you have that place, start looking at the flow of people across the different stations and whether they will be ‘on the way’ of other people trying to do other things (if for example it is part of the open space gym). Now look at the space and see whether you want teams of 2-3 moving along each station at the same time, combined with mesuring what does the utilisation looks like if for example some are doing the burpees broad jump stations or the farmers carry or sandbag lunges at the same time as the sled, as ultimately those are length long stations that will consume a lot of space. See below the official list of Hyrox exercises.
A HYROX competition consists of an 8km run (1km before each station) combined with eight functional workout stations: SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls. The race tests endurance, strength, and functional capacity in a set, repetitive sequence
There are many variables at play here as you can imagine, but one pretty important one to attract younger demographics and fitness influencers, is your space being "camera-ready." Install controllable lighting that can switch from high-energy brights to a moody aesthetic glow. Incorporate highly visual elements,like Sandwell’s custom graffiti wall, to provide iconic, shareable backdrops for TikTok and Instagram.
- Aesthetics Over Everything: Why ditching the fluorescent lights for mood lighting and seamless mirrors is a non-negotiable.
- Building 'Creator Zones': How dedicated posing rooms and tripod-friendly layouts solve the biggest gym etiquette debate of the decade.
- The Tech Foundation: Why flawless Wi-Fi and charging stations are just as important as the barbells.
- The 'Third Space' Vibe: Creating a community hub with co-working spaces, aesthetic food and drinks bars, and inclusive amenities.
- Modern Gym Etiquette: Smart ways to balance content creation with the privacy of your everyday members.
A modern hybrid studio requires versatile kit that supports both heavy lifting and functional conditioning, while maintaining a premium aesthetic. Essential equipment includes:
- Comprehensive dumbbell and kettlebell sets
- Accessible starter weights for beginners
- Hyrox-style conditioning tools (mats, plyo boxes, and functional rigs)
Instead of spending heavily to remove awkward architectural features, lean in and make them a focal point. When faced with budget-restrictive metal security shutters at Sandwell Leisure Trust, we commissioned vibrant graffiti artwork. This transformed an industrial eyesore into a cost-effective, highly shareable design feature. The key approach here is, if you cannot modify it, whether it is because it is a building constraint or a budget one, embrace it fully and make it a big part of the layout.
THEY BELEIVE IN US
