Happy New Year and welcome to 2025!
January is all about fresh starts, and many of us are setting goals to prioritize self-care and build better routines. A thoughtfully designed home gym can make all the difference—offering not just convenience but also a space that inspires consistent use and supports wellness goals.
For us interior designers, this is the perfect time to help clients align their homes with their health and wellness aspirations, making it the perfect moment to explore this growing trend.
If you’ve ever wondered how to create a home gym that’s both stylish and functional, this episode is for you! I sit down with Chris Howell, founder of SPX Gym Design, to uncover the secrets of designing luxury wellness spaces that seamlessly fit into any home while meeting each client’s unique needs.
From choosing the perfect flooring to incorporating features like saunas and cold plunges, Chris shares practical tips and his inspiring journey from personal trainer to gym design expert. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned designer, this episode is packed with actionable ideas to elevate your projects and delight your clients.
Tune in now to make 2025 your year for innovative design!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Discover practical tips on designing home gyms that seamlessly blend functionality and style, catering to your clients’ unique needs
- Learn how to collaborate with architects, interior designers, and clients to craft bespoke spaces that inspire fitness and relaxation
- Explore innovative design solutions to incorporate wellness features like saunas and cold plunges to elevate your interior design projects
About the Guest:
Chris Howell is the founder and owner of SPX Gym Design, a company that has been transforming spaces Since 2017. SPX Gym Design fuses interior design with custom gym equipment, creating bespoke wellness environments for high-end homes of NFL athletes and boardroom executives.
He has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Soho House Gyms, 1Hotel, Gurney Resorts, Proper Hotels, and C4 Energy. His innovative approach to gym and wellness design has positioned SPX Gym Design as a leader in the industry.
Currently based in Jupiter, Florida, Chris continues to revolutionize the fitness and wellness landscape with his unique vision and expertise.
Connect with Chris Howell:
Website: www.spxfit.com
Instagram: @spxgymdesign
Check out these episode highlights
02:54 – Chris Howell’s Journey to Gym Design
His background: transitioned from Division I lacrosse player to Wall Street trader, then to personal trainer and wellness consultant
His accidental path to gym design: transitioned from health and wellness consulting to focusing on gym and wellness design for high-end homes and multi-family amenities
05:37 – Product Design and Customization in Gym Design
Matching design intent and aesthetics with gym equipment, such as customizing dumbbells to fit the room’s design
The process of custom fabrication for clients who want unique or bespoke pieces, including logos or specific fonts
The applications of gym design, including both high-end homes and professional athletes’ off-season homes
Creating a seamless, high-end customer service experience and setting the tone for the gym space
8:45 – Key Considerations for Designing Home Gyms
Be involved in the design process early for ideal gym placement and layout, considering factors like power requirements and ceiling height
Flooring preferences: rolled rubber for larger spaces, tile-based rubber for smaller spaces, cork for sustainability, and performance LVP for durability
Ventilation and climate considerations for home gyms, particularly in extreme climates like Florida and Texas
Use of industrial fans or HVAC systems to manage temperature
Avoid placing home gyms upstairs instead use ground-floor spaces or basements
14:45 – Challenges with Second-Floor and Small-Space Gyms
Structural and acoustic challenges with upper-level gyms
Ceiling height and power access as critical design factors
16:48 – Incorporating Adjacent Wellness Features
The popularity of saunas, cold plunges, and steam rooms
Curating spaces with clients’ past spa experiences in mind
18:35 – Collaboration with Designers and Homeowners
A collaborative approach, focusing on matching equipment with the design esthetic and not undermining the existing work
Custom millwork and storage solutions for a cohesive look
Streamlined processes for layout planning, equipment selection, and installation
Assessing clients’ needs based on family usage, workout preferences, and physical limitations
Recommending versatile equipment for space efficiency and functionality
27:10 – Addressing Common Mistakes in Gym Design
Overlooking user experience in commercial gyms
Underestimating the importance of ceiling height and quality flooring in home gyms
The “buy once, cry once” philosophy for long-lasting materials
Next Steps
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…