At my old gym, we had old wrestling mats which were around 10cm (4 inches) thick, with a smooth, thick plastic canvas fastened over it (with elastic bands from the walls, if I remember correctly). Very hygienic and easy to clean and a minimum of mat burns. Of course a bit more slippery if not dry, but I really liked those mats. An instructors' closet or lockers (for non smelly stuff only between classes) would be great, e.g. for when forgetting your towel, so you can have a spare one. But laundry service and such luxuries don't really feel like the real deal atmosphere I like. Same goes with design, where some academies look like a sterile operating room or prototype lab clean room, while I prefer the more organic look (not speaking organic as in mold and stuff though) of a gym telling the story of the times it's been through. Individual shower stalls are nice, for some privacy. A sauna would also be great. If costs weren't an issue, a large jacuzzi would be fantastic. Wouldn't mind a cheap juice bar. Perhaps also a small kitchen with fridge for brought meals, drinks etc. And good areas that are really inviting for hanging around after/before class and socializing. A training area for free weights, calisthenics etc. is a bonus.

I was fortunate enough to be in the position to create my own perfect gym: we're in an old auction house, with smooth tatamis set on a sprung floor made of junk tires. Basically 90% of our gym is upcycled junk that nobody else wanted lol.

Did it. Inclusive mats-area (fixed puzzle) of a bigger gym with multipurpose sports-area (which I also can use with mobile mats for tournaments) and stands for about 200 spectators. Of course showers, referees area (inkl. own showers), changing rooms and a big parking area in front. At the bottom of my profile (external links) You can find a link to a short film showing our first self hosted competition in that gym (it works without a fb-account, just click the disclaimer away ;-)).

Just don't forget about the air quality and ventilation. Very important in the overall gym experience.

One with a laundry service.

Do you have any videos of the contruction? I'm curious now you built it.

This is good stuff, thanks for sharing....i remember suffocating from the heat in socal coming up, the brazilians don't believe in Aircon haha! 95-100 degrees farenheight was the norm! We would have to beg to turn on the AirCon and get ventiliation going.

A place where fear, pain, and defeat do not exist.

An akido dojo?

I'm not sure if you don't get the joke, are making a joke in response that isn't that funny, or are making a joke in response that is several layers deep and somewhat funny to those that get it but not funny at all to the majority that won't get it.

I think something like 500 square meters of training space. 100 reserved for weightlifting and such. Changing rooms with at least 2 showers each. A sauna would be a great bonus. Small lounge area as you walk in to the gym. Genelec speakers in all corners of the gym. Automated lights. An electronic lock with a connection to an app. Customers could get an access key for 24/7 access. Anyone with an access key could come train when they please outside scheduled classes. A play area for kids. Maybe a bouldering wall and a foam pit. Maybe some day.

Hmm I’m interested in this access key idea, how would that work exactly? That’s a game changer because it turns your fitness/weightlifting area into a 24 hour fitness access. How does it work? What if someone stops paying their membership? How do you ensure they don’t keep accessing it?

Depending on the system. If you automate the UAC, as soon as the membership ends, access ends.