Fitness Facility

Subsidized access to a fitness facility can increase occupant access to physical activity opportunities, contributing to decreased absenteeism, enhanced physical and mental health, and improved social equity for vulnerable populations.

Key Terms

• A Fitness Facility is a dedicated gym space that is staffed, offers classes, and includes cardio and strength training equipment, lockers, and showers.

Strategy Insights

The primary difference between a Fitness Facility and Exercise Room in Fitwel is the provision of staffing/coaching and classes, and the cost for regular occupants. A Fitness Facility must include staff to support occupants’ use of the facility, must offer classes, and must be subsidized (not required to be free of charge, just offered at a reduced cost for regular occupants, in comparison to the regular cost charged for other users). 

In comparison, an Exercise Room is not required to be staffed or to offer classes, and must be offered free of charge to regular occupants.

• A Fitness Facility can double as an Exercise Room, assuming it meets all strategy requirements outlined under both strategies. 
• Please reference the Help Center article about the Exercise Room strategy for guidance on showers and lockers, and cardio and strength training equipment.
• Access to the Fitness Facility must be subsidized; the classes and/or personal training do not necessarily need to be subsidized. Note, reimbursement schemes are not accepted -- the subsidy must be direct to the occupant.
• Group fitness classes that occur once weekly are permitted. 
• There is not a minimum amount of hours the trainer must be available per week.

Virtual classes/training are permitted provided that they are scheduled. On-demand/pre-recorded classes do not qualify.