Some Thoughts on Designing A Gym
By Coach Hare
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of designing and setting up countless gyms for GAA and Rugby clubs, as well as functional training spaces for private clients. I’ve built gyms everywhere from attic conversions in Ballymun to Georgian basements on Fitzwilliam Square, working with budgets from as little as €3,000 right up to €40,000.
Despite the variety, one thing stays the same: I treat every gym as a factory for human performance — a space built for real results.
If you're looking to set up a gym in your GAA or Rugby club — or even a home setup — here are some key lessons I’ve learned that could save you time, money, and plenty of headaches.
1. Space Comes First
The most important asset in any gym is space — not the equipment. If your club doesn't have a good-sized area to work with, there’s no point dreaming of fancy machines or commercial rigs.
When thinking about space, go beyond square footage. Consider ceiling height, wall strength, floor durability, ventilation, and lighting. And if you're tight on space? No problem — with the right layout and equipment choices (think PowerBlocks, foldable benches, wall-mounted storage), we can still create a highly functional space.
2. Plan Your Session Flow
A well-designed gym isn’t just about what’s in it — it’s about how people move through it. Think about your athletes: where do they come in? What do they need access to first? Are dumbbells in a logical spot? Is there space to warm up?
Good “session flow” avoids bottlenecks and helps training run smoothly. This is where proper design matters — and where experience counts. When I build a gym, I don’t just deliver equipment and leave — I provide example sessions, setup systems, and teach you how to get the most out of the space.
Mike Boyle’s gym in Boston is a great example: every movement within the space is choreographed for efficiency.
3. Dumbbells Are Your Best Friend
If I had to choose one bit of kit to always invest in, it’s dumbbells. Versatile, compact, and useful for virtually every athlete at every level. They’re hard to improvise, so just invest in them — and get a proper rack while you're at it.
Stock up on pairs of 5kg, 7.5kg, 10kg and 12.5kg — you’ll use these way more than 40kg monsters. A tidy gym is a safe, usable gym.
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4. Don’t Underestimate Pull-Up Bars
Thanks to multifunctional rigs and wall-mounted systems, it’s now easier than ever to incorporate pull-up bars — and you can do far more than just chins on them. Hang TRX straps, resistance bands, perform dips, attach split squat stands, landmine attachments — the list goes on.
They’re space-saving and incredibly effective. A well-built rig is the best investment a club can make — and yes, we can even get them in your club colours.
5. One of Anything Isn’t Enough
If you’re training groups or teams, you need four of everything. One squat rack or bar won’t cut it when you’ve 15 athletes trying to train.
It’s a common mistake: clubs spending big on a single, all-in-one power cage when they’d be better off with several lower-cost stations. Rigs, benches, plates, bars, dumbbells — whatever the gear, get enough to run a session without queues. And if your budget is tight, I can show you how to run progressive circuits that work with minimal kit.
6. Get Rid of Old Machines
Still holding onto a pec dec or that old recumbent bike? Get them on DoneDeal or Adverts.ie. They take up space, serve little purpose, and might even bring in a few quid.
A surprising number of clubs still cling to outdated machines that no one actually uses. Clear the space, raise some funds, and invest in kit that gets used.
Bonus tip: consider installing a coin-lock system — could earn your club €20+ per week with zero fuss.
7. Set a Budget — Then Push It
When pitching for funding, always ask for more than you need. If you request €10k, you might get €8k. If you ask for €8k, you’ll likely end up with €6k.
Be strategic. I always prepare a list of “most value for money” items, tailored to the needs of the team. For club or home use, avoid throwing money at cardio machines unless you have a large budget. They eat up both space and funds — and cheap options tend to break down.
8. Don’t Cut Corners on Quality
Club gyms take a hammering. Don’t buy cheap gear — it’s a false economy and could even be dangerous. You don’t need gold-plated equipment, but you do need strong, durable, heavy-duty kit that can handle team usage.
If you’re building a serious gym, stay away from high-street catalogue brands. Quality matters — and I can guide you towards the right gear that will last.
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9. Invest in Proper Flooring and Turf
This is often an afterthought, but it’s crucial. Flooring protects your equipment, your athletes, and your building. It also helps keep things clean and reduces noise.
A good turf area opens up possibilities for sled work, dynamic warm-ups, core training and more. Rubber matting is essential under heavy equipment. Forget about cow mats — they’re slippery, smell terrible, and look unprofessional.
I work with suppliers offering affordable options that look great and perform even better — and yes, you can get them in your club colours too.
10. Secure It, Paint It, Keep It Tidy
A well-kept gym earns respect. Paint the walls, get decent lighting, lock the door, and stay on top of cleaning.
If you’re worried about upkeep, consider letting a local trainer use the space during off-peak hours in exchange for rent or cleaning duties. A clean gym is a safer, more productive one — and better respected by the people using it.
Want to See What’s Possible on a Shoestring Budget?
One of the first gyms I ever built had an incredibly tight budget — but it’s still going strong today. You can see how we made it work, and maybe pick up a few ideas for your own setup. [Insert link]
Whether you’re kitting out a full club facility or converting your garage into a home gym, the principles are the same: smart design, solid equipment, and thoughtful planning.
Need help building your gym from scratch or upgrading what you’ve got? Get in touch — I’d be happy to help you design something that works.
— Coach Hare
Summary:
If this is still all a bit too daunting I offer an affordable gym design consultancy package that can guide you through this often fiddly process.