Flooring First
Among the easy changes operators can make, options like new paint, landscaping and exterior maintenance, lighting, etc., might seem obvious, but, Fabiano says, it makes sense to put certain shifts that have the most impact at the top of your list. Programming should drive any update.
In that case, he adds, 90% of your members spend their time on the workout floor. As a result, what we’re seeing is added space for functional training and other trends, which means flooring is on the uptick.
Looking forward, it does appear that the flooring market will only continue to grow. According to the Sports Flooring Market, U.S. Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2021-2031 report, in 2020, the U.S. sports flooring market was valued at US$ 3.1 billion. By 2031, it’s projected to be valued at US$ 5.8 billion, expanding at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period.
“Right now,” says Bo Barber, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Ecore International, “we’re definitely seeing increased investment in flooring, but it is cautious and calculated. While most operators are open, they are still experiencing conditions that are less than normal. That said, they seem to be focused on the engagement of their patrons and on their health and wellness, so they’re putting their dollars where it makes the most sense and does the most good. So, we’re seeing demand rise across several areas.
“We’re experiencing a surge in flooring for functional and pure strength training, from our Performance collection to our new range of turf products,” he continues. “Weightlifting continues to grow across all demographics. With that comes a higher demand for flooring that takes into account both durability and acoustical considerations. Flooring demand is also growing beyond the workout floor. We’re experiencing an increased need for performance surfaces for all types of therapy, including physical, massage, and hydro. Operators are also investing in higher performance safety and sanitary flooring in locker and bathrooms, like our HydroGrip.”
Given the general trend toward functional fitness and the need for socially distanced-driven personal space, Ecore has also been working with facilities to outfit outdoor spaces, which presents a distinct set of challenges.