When a training centre grows, its possibilities grow too: more users, more classes, more training areas and more capacity to offer a professional experience. At that point, choosing racks, bars and storage stops being an isolated decision and becomes part of the strategic design of the space.
Growth does not simply mean adding more equipment. It means preparing the space so that every area works better: well-positioned racks, accessible bars, plates close to the workstations and specific storage for wall balls, kettlebells and accessories.
When everything has a planned place, the centre gains capacity, order, flow and a more professional image.
In this guide, we look at how to choose racks, storage and bars if your gym, box, hybrid centre or functional training space is growing or preparing to grow.
Growth starts with a well-designed space
Before buying more equipment, it is worth asking one question: how do you want your centre to work when it has more users?
The answer does not depend only on the number of bars, racks or plates. It depends on how the space is organised, how users move during a class and how each area fits into the overall training experience.
A growing centre needs its equipment to support that pace. This means thinking about:
- How many people train at the same time.
- What type of classes are delivered.
- Which areas are used the most.
- Where more storage is needed.
- Which equipment must always be accessible.
- Which spaces must remain clear for safe movement.
- How the centre may evolve over the coming months or years.
The key is to design with the future in mind. A good layout allows the centre to increase capacity without losing comfort, order or quality in the training experience.
Racks: the main structure of a functional strength area
Racks are one of the most important elements in any training centre. They are not only used for squats, presses, pull-ups or strength work. They also define how the room is organised and how training stations are distributed.
That is why choosing the right rack should not depend only on size or price. It should respond to the real use of the centre.
What to consider before choosing a rack
Before installing a structure, several points should be analysed:
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Number of users per class | Defines how many stations you need |
| Ceiling height | Affects pull-ups, rings, ropes or tall structures |
| Room width | Determines whether a wall-mounted, central or modular rack is best |
| Type of training | Strength, crosstraining, PT and hybrid training have different needs |
| Circulation space | Allows users to move without interruptions |
| Storage needs | The rack can integrate supports for plates, bars or accessories |
| Future growth | Helps avoid redesigning the whole area later |
A well-chosen rack helps organise the centre’s activity. It makes it easier to work in stations, make better use of walls, create clear training areas and prepare the space for groups of different sizes.
When to choose custom racks
Bespoke racks are a particularly interesting solution when a centre wants to make the most of its space or needs a structure adapted to the way it works.
Not every centre has the same dimensions, the same type of classes or the same volume of users. For that reason, a standard structure may fall short or may not fully suit the room layout.
A bespoke rack allows the structure to be adapted to:
- The real dimensions of the premises.
- The available ceiling height.
- The number of stations required.
- The position of walls, columns or walkways.
- The integration of storage.
- The type of training carried out.
- The overall look of the centre.
- A possible future expansion.
At EKKAM, we design bespoke racks for centres that need a functional, resistant solution adapted to their daily operations. The structure is not treated as an isolated element, but as part of the complete design of the space.
This way, the rack helps increase capacity, organise work areas and improve the experience for both coaches and users.
Storage: more order, more capacity and a better experience
Storage may seem like a secondary detail, but in a growing centre it makes a major difference.
When equipment is well positioned, classes flow better. Users find what they need quickly, coaches spend less time reorganising the room and the space projects a more professional image.
A good storage system also frees up usable square metres. And in a training centre, every metre counts.
At EKKAM, we have storage solutions for bars, plates, wall balls, kettlebells and other training accessories. The aim is not only to store equipment, but to integrate it into the design of the centre so that each area works better. Contact us!
Storage for bars
Bars should be close to the areas where they are used. If they are far from the racks, leaning against walls or spread around the room, the training dynamic loses flow.
Specific bar storage helps to:
- Keep bars organised.
- Prevent them from taking up floor space.
- Make access easier during classes.
- Separate bars by type of use.
- Protect the equipment.
- Improve the visual appearance of the strength area.
At EKKAM, we have solutions such as vertical bar storage racks, designed for high-use environments such as professional gyms and training centres.
Depending on the space available, storage can be vertical, horizontal, wall-mounted or integrated into a larger structure.
Storage for plates
Plates should be where bars are loaded. This may sound simple, but it has a direct impact on the rhythm of a class.
If plates are close to racks or platforms, users can prepare their station faster, change weights more easily and keep the area organised during training.
For growing centres, it is worth considering:
- Separating plates by weight.
- Placing plates close to strength stations.
- Avoiding blocked walkways.
- Planning more capacity if classes or user numbers increase.
- Choosing resistant supports for daily use.
Good plate storage makes the strength area more comfortable, faster and safer.
Storage for wall balls
Wall balls take up a lot of volume and need a specific solution. When they are stored properly, the room gains both visual and functional space.
A shelf or support for wall balls allows you to:
- Organise balls by weight.
- Keep them accessible.
- Free up floor space.
- Improve the look of the centre.
- Make them easier to use during group classes.
- Prevent equipment from being spread across different areas.
This type of storage is especially useful in functional training centres, crosstraining spaces, boxes and hybrid gyms where wall balls are part of regular programming.
At EKKAM, we have wall ball storage solutions that help keep the room organised and ready for constant use.
Storage for kettlebells and accessories
Kettlebells need to be visible, organised and arranged logically by weight. A good shelving system makes it easier for users to find the right load quickly and return equipment to the same place every time.
The same applies to other accessories such as dumbbells, balls, bands, weighted items or mobility equipment.
When choosing storage for kettlebells and accessories, it is worth assessing:
- Current amount of equipment.
- Possible stock growth.
- Most commonly used weights.
- Comfortable access height.
- Location in relation to the training area.
- Structural resistance.
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance.
When storage is well designed, equipment stops occupying space in an improvised way and becomes part of the natural functioning of the centre.
At EKKAM, we have shelving and storage solutions for kettlebells, wall balls, bars and accessories, adapted to the real needs of each facility.
Bars: how to integrate them into the design of the centre
Bars are a key part of any strength area, but their selection should not be considered in isolation. The important thing is to think about how many bars the centre needs, where they will be used and how they will be stored so that they are always accessible.
In a growing centre, bars must support the pace of classes and the volume of users. For that reason, it is worth considering:
- How many people train at the same time.
- How many workstations there are.
- Which areas need bars nearby.
- Where bars will be loaded and unloaded.
- How they will be stored when not in use.
- Whether storage should be integrated into the rack or placed in an independent area.
A good distribution avoids unnecessary movement and helps the strength area work more smoothly. Bars should be close to racks, plates, platforms or the stations where they are used.
At EKKAM, we have technique bars, 15 kg bars and 20 kg bars to adapt the strength area to each centre’s profile and to the level of its users.
Technique bars are useful for learning, beginner training and technical work. 15 kg and 20 kg bars cover daily strength training in centres with users of different levels and goals.
How many bars does a training centre need?
There is no single number. It depends on the number of users per class, the type of training and the way exercises rotate.
As a general criterion, you can think of it like this:
| Type of centre | Initial recommendation |
|---|---|
| PT room or small studio | Technique bars for learning, plus 15 kg or 20 kg bars depending on the user profile |
| Hybrid centre | A combination of technique bars, 15 kg bars and 20 kg bars |
| Box or crosstraining centre | Enough 15 kg and 20 kg bars for group classes, together with technique bars for users in the learning phase |
| Professional gym | 15 kg bars, 20 kg bars and technique bars distributed across strength, technique and functional training areas |
It is also worth planning extra bars for peak times, mixed-level classes or sessions where several groups are working on strength at the same time.
The goal is for the bars to support the rhythm of the centre, not limit the training dynamic.
How to distribute racks, bars and storage inside the centre
A good layout allows training to flow better. To achieve this, each element should be positioned according to its use.
A simple way to approach it is this:
| Element | Recommended location |
|---|---|
| Racks | In strength areas, on the main wall or as a central structure |
| Bars | Close to racks and platforms |
| Plates | Next to the stations where bars are loaded |
| Wall balls | Close to the throwing area or functional training area |
| Kettlebells | On visible shelving, close to the metcon or strength area |
| Accessories | In specific modules according to frequency of use |
The layout should make three things easier: quick access, visual order and comfortable circulation.
When these three points are met, the centre can work with more users without the space feeling overcrowded.
Designing in phases: a good option for expanding centres
Not every centre needs to make the full investment at once. In many cases, the smartest option is to design a solution that can grow in phases.
For example:
- First, define the main rack structure.
- Then, add storage for bars and plates.
- Later, incorporate shelving for wall balls, kettlebells and accessories.
- Finally, expand stations or modules according to the centre’s evolution.
This approach allows investment to be managed with more control while maintaining a coherent design line throughout the space.
The advantage of working with bespoke racks and storage is that the project can be planned from the beginning with that evolution in mind.
That way, each new addition fits with the previous work and the centre maintains a professional image.
Checklist before choosing racks, bars and storage
Before making a decision, it is worth reviewing these points:
- How many users train at the same time?
- What type of training has the greatest weight in the centre?
- How many strength stations do you need?
- Where are bars loaded and unloaded?
- How much equipment do you currently have?
- What equipment will you add next?
- Which areas must remain clear?
- Which walls can be used?
- Do you need storage integrated into the rack?
- Do you want a standard or bespoke solution?
- Can the centre grow in phases?
- Does the layout make the coaches’ work easier?
- Does the space project a professional image?
Answering these questions helps you choose better and avoid making decisions based only on a catalogue.
Why racks and storage should be designed as part of the same project
Racks, bars and storage should not be chosen separately. They work better when they are designed as part of the same system.
The rack defines the work area. Bars allow exercises to be performed. Plates, wall balls, kettlebells and accessories complete the session. And storage connects everything so that the space becomes more efficient.
When these elements are planned together, the centre gains:
- More training capacity.
- Better use of space.
- Greater visual order.
- More flow in classes.
- A better user experience.
- More comfort for coaches.
- A more professional image.
- Easier future growth.
At EKKAM, we work on this type of project with a complete vision: design, equipment, bespoke manufacturing and installation.
The goal is not only to place equipment. It is to create a space that works.
Conclusion: prepare your centre to grow with purpose
Choosing racks, bars and storage is a strategic decision for any training centre that wants to grow.
It is not only about having more equipment, but about preparing the space to work better: more users, more classes, more order and a more professional experience.
Bespoke racks allow the structure to be adapted to the premises. Specific storage helps organise bars, plates, wall balls, kettlebells and accessories. And a good selection of bars allows training to flow according to the level and volume of users.
When every element has a purpose within the space, the centre is ready to grow with more capacity, more order and more coherence.
At EKKAM, we design solutions for centres that want to evolve: bespoke racks, functional structures, professional storage and equipment adapted to the real use of each project.