A standalone gym that expands Core Padel’s membership potential
"We wanted it to be a functional space where local people might come in and think, ‘Actually, I’ll just have a gym membership here.’ We wanted it to be a thing in itself, so it’s a bonus that we can offer both."
— Mia Dobson, Manager, Core Padel
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The Challenge
For an independent operator, unused space represents both a cost and an opportunity. Core Padel had a large empty area within its new venue, but any investment needed to strengthen the wider business rather than simply add another facility to manage.
A gym offered the potential to increase the value of a Core Padel membership by allowing members to combine court activity with strength and conditioning. However, relying solely on existing padel players would limit its commercial potential. The facility also needed to appeal to local people looking for a gym membership, regardless of whether they played padel.
That created a careful balance. Core Padel was not trying to compete as a specialist bodybuilding or powerlifting gym, but the space still needed enough depth and variety to feel like a complete fitness facility rather than a secondary add-on.
The physical environment introduced a further constraint. The lower ceiling restricted some conventional training structures, particularly around pull-up and suspension-based exercise. Without a considered design, the room risked feeling compromised, overcrowded or too limited to support the broad membership Core Padel wanted to attract.
The Solution
Gym Gear designed the facility around Core Padel’s intended members, commercial ambitions and available space, rather than beginning with a standard equipment package.
The layout combines accessible cardiovascular training with more demanding conditioning options, allowing occasional gym users, padel players and regular exercisers to train at an appropriate level. The mix was deliberately broad so members could use the gym for general fitness, structured workouts or conditioning that complements activity on court.
Strength equipment was selected to provide a wide range of exercises without filling the room with individual stations. Dual-purpose machines and adjustable cable equipment cover multiple movement patterns within a more efficient footprint, while free weights, benches and plate-loaded options give experienced members enough flexibility to progress their training.
Functional training formed an important part of the design. The HIITMax training area, suspension equipment, kettlebells, power bags and other portable accessories support strength, movement and conditioning in an open, adaptable part of the gym. Gym Gear also worked around the restricted ceiling height to retain pull-up and suspension training rather than removing these activities from the plan.
A separate studio provision extends the offer beyond open-gym use, giving Core Padel the flexibility to introduce group sessions and create additional reasons for members to use the facility. Together, the gym and studio were designed as connected parts of a wider independent fitness offer, rather than isolated additions to the padel venue.
The Result
Core Padel has transformed previously unused space into a distinct gym proposition with the potential to support more than one membership model.
Padel members can now incorporate cardiovascular exercise, strength training and functional conditioning into their activity at the same venue. This gives Core Padel a stronger basis for combined memberships and increases the overall value available to its existing customer base.
Crucially, the finished gym does not depend on padel participation. Its balanced equipment mix, functional training space and studio provision allow it to operate as a credible facility in its own right, broadening Core Padel’s appeal to local people seeking a standalone gym membership.
The space feels complete without becoming overly specialised or intimidating. For Core Padel, that creates a more commercially useful facility, makes productive use of the available footprint and introduces an additional membership opportunity alongside its established padel offer.
