In the years since the pandemic, renters have begun prioritizing health and fitness amenities when choosing where to live. However, in an environment marked by rising costs and tariff uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and financial caution, developers and facility operators are now under pressure to deliver high-quality amenities with tighter budgets. The question is no longer what’s most impressive – it’s what’s most strategic.

For fitness amenities, this means assessing how you can maximize every part of your investment to work harder.  

The Hidden Cost of Flash

The fitness industry is quickly evolving – adapting to the latest and greatest in tech-enhanced equipment, digital integration and modern solutions for the modern exerciser. As an operator, it can be tempting to chase flashy features or “wow factor” tech. While these products can deliver a powerful first impression, it often comes with trade offs:

• Higher initial investment: Premium features and complex installations increase upfront costs
• Less intuitive for users: Complicated interfaces can deter residents, impacting satisfaction and retention
• Repair challenges: More intricate systems often require specialized service, increasing downtime and cost

Defining Real Value in Fitness Equipment

Prioritizing a smart investment today does not mean sacrificing quality and appeal. Real value strikes the right balance:

• User-Friendly, Modern Design: Intuitive interfaces and aesthetically pleasing equipment enhance resident satisfaction. A strong first impression is still possible with the right equipment. 

• Effective workout experience: Prioritizing the most useful and functional features ensures residents still get an effective, satisfying workout – no bells and whistles required.
• Durability: Equipment that withstands heavy usage reduces the need for frequent replacements.
• Low Maintenance: Reliable machinery and dependable support minimize downtime and repair costs over the lifetime of the equipment, maintaining operational efficiency and keeping your residents happy and fit.

In a climate where every dollar must stretch further, the real challenge isn’t variety – it’s identifying equipment that delivers on both resident expectations and long-term operational goals. With limited space and high expectations, every piece of equipment must pull its weight.

A Strategic Choice

But with so many products, features and brands available, where does one start? To maximize your investment, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) when making product selections:  

Durability

• Can this equipment withstand heavy usage in demanding environments?
• Has this product been tested for high-volume use according to industry quality standards?
• What is the standard lifespan of a piece of equipment?

Simplicity

• Can users of all fitness levels easily operate the equipment without staff assistance in unsupervised facilities?
• Do the bells and whistles enhance the exercise experience enough to justify the additional expense? What are the most important features for your target audience?

Cost of Service

• Is the machine easy to complete service requests and repairs on?
• Are parts easy to access and maintain?  

Quality

• Are parts - from belts and consoles to padding and tubing - made of high-quality materials, built to last?

Design

• Does the product line offer a full range of products to meet my residents’ expectations, including cardio and strength?
• Does the product look great in your space? First impressions matter. Creating a cohesive, attractive space that offers the equipment renters are looking for is imperative.

Designed to Maximize Value

Given the current budget pressures, many facilities are extending the life of their fitness equipment —keeping cardio for 8–10 years and strength for 10–12. That means durability isn’t just a bonus, it’s essential. Even if machines still function, visible wear or dated aesthetics can diminish the perceived value of your amenities. Choosing products that hold up visually and mechanically over time ensures your space continues to feel modern and well-maintained, even as budgets tighten.

Doing More with Less

As this year continues to unfold, fitness amenities remain a top differentiator in multifamily housing – but delivering a high-quality experience on a tighter budget is the new challenge. “In 2025, value isn’t a compromise—it's a competitive advantage,” said Vision Fitness General Manager, Chris Torggler. “Those who can solve this puzzle will win.”

Vision Fitness offers a streamlined solution for value-conscious facilities with equipment that is intuitive and built to last. Customers can be confident that Vision will deliver equipment that fits their goals, their budget and the residents they serve. Explore more at VisionFitness.com