Fitness centers remain one of the most valued apartment amenities: 83% of renters consider them essential, according to Greystar’s 2025 Design Survey. Communities which offer fitness centers offer better value than those which don’t, since they help residents save $100 or more each month on gym memberships and countless time commuting back and forth. That’s why more than 90% of our properties with 50 or more units have a fitness center. As Millennials and Gen Z place greater emphasis on health and wellness, their workout habits are reshaping the apartment fitness center.

Functional and Flexible Spaces: Traditional fitness rooms filled with rows of cardio machines are evolving into more flexible spaces. A mix of cardio, strength and multi-use equipment – combined with areas for functional training – supports a wider variety of workouts while maximizing space.

Room to Stretch and Recover: Yoga participation among U.S. adults has tripled over the past two decades, reflecting a broader shift toward stretching, mobility and recovery. Adding a dedicated yoga area, resistance bands and foam rollers broadens the fitness center’s appeal for residents who train beyond weights and cardio.

Better Design and Atmosphere: Thoughtful layouts, natural light, mirrors, artwork and live plants create an inviting environment that feels more like a boutique fitness studio, making the space more motivating for residents.

Technology and Connectivity: Smartphones, fitness apps and streaming workouts have changed how residents exercise. More than 345 million people used fitness apps in 2024, reflecting the growing demand for personalized, technology-driven workouts. Reliable Wi-Fi allows residents to stream classes, follow training programs and track their progress.

Convenience: One of the greatest advantages of an apartment fitness center is secure, 24/7 access, which Greystar’s survey identified as one of the most desired features. Residents can exercise on their own schedule without leaving the community. As noted above, that eliminates the time, cost and inconvenience of traveling to a separate gym.

At Pathfinder, we continue to upgrade fitness centers across our communities, designed around how residents work out today. We are also reimagining underutilized spaces like converting laundry rooms into fitness centers and carving out dedicated fitness spaces as part of clubhouse renovations. A well-designed fitness center gives residents one more reason to call our communities home.