Fitness centers geared toward promoting good health are now transforming into a second business space, offering high speed Wi-Fi installed laptop stations to members as apart of the gym experience.
On June 29, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an article advising consumers to forget Starbucks and attune to the rise of fitness center workspaces. According to WSJ, consumers are increasingly looking to fitness centers in the place of cafes for a place to conduct business, allowing for the consumer to fit in a healthy routine while working.
Recently, the fitness center Equinox installed a non-fitness space where members could conduct business within the gym facilities. This area included laptop stations, smartphone chargers, outlets, and a space for members to process business in their spare time.
Equinox Vice President Aaron Richter stated that Equinox has emerged as the pioneer of a new trend of bringing resident café areas into fitness centers.
“The installation of a business center within the gym facility has increased membership,” Richter said.
At WellBridge, another fitness center, members are given spaces with tables, outlets and free high speed Wi-Fi service during their visit.
The addition of workspaces to numerous fitness centers has been met by gym member enthusiasm. Members enjoy the increased use and efficiency of the fitness facilities.
According to 2014 U.S. Census data concerning Americans in the workplace, 2.8% reported working from home while 30% reported working outside of the office at least once a month.
Originally reported by Seong Young Lee
Original article manuscript can be found here
Translated/Adapted by Hankyul Sharon Lee
