Whether it’s a small home gym or a larger studio, when designing a space for exercise, a few simple rules apply. Good lighting is crucial, for reasons both practical and motivation-based. Similarly, mirrors are important for form checks and obligatory progress pics. Materials should be soft but robust, especially for flooring, which can be make-or-break (nobody wants to burpee on a cold, hard tile). Above all, form should follow function – but that doesn’t mean you can’t also choose fixtures and finishes that are pleasing to the eye.
Technogym is a world leader in fitness, with its treadmills, multigyms, free weights and more used by 70 million people around the globe. Founded in Italy in 1983, it was ahead of the curve in connecting wellness with design, and has since shown at Salone del Mobile, collaborated with leading design industry names, and clocked up major accolades. It’s earned a reputation for innovation and functionality, one continued with its new Sand Stone collection.
Spanning products for cardio, strength and fitness training, Sand Stone uses material innovation to deliver a minimalist but warm aesthetic. Primarily, this is through a new product casing designed to mimic speckled stone – a durable plastic created using up to three per cent natural mica, and up to 30 per cent recycled materials.
Tactile surfaces such as seats and handles are made from vegan leather, with a wood effect also employed for dumbbell handles and the frame of a reformer Pilates bed. Titanium inlays complete the soft, warm palette.
The new design language was inspired by nature – in particular, Mediterranean sandstone – but there’s also a modernity to the squared-off curves used on pieces such as the treadmill and static bike. It feels contemporary and refined – a step above the over-engineered look typically seen in these categories.
Performance is, naturally, a focus here too. There are large digital displays with smart interfaces for choosing personalised programmes, with AI technology woven into the offering.
Overall, the collection acts as a brilliant starting point for a calming neutral scheme, which can be built upon by layering in natural materials such as plaster walls, wooden benches and storage, and leather seating. Surfaces that users come into regular contact with are especially important – aim for a balance of durability and comfort. You might also add greenery, which will thrive on the humidity (hopefully) created through workouts, and further bring the outside in. The aim is to create a space that feels open, serene and inviting – one that even the most indifferent of gym-goers will find hard to resist.
Explore the full Sand Stone collection and book a consultation at Technogym
