We’re excited to see that the multifamily sector is leading the charge back to growth in the fitness industry. CBRE predicts that the multifamily market will surpass pre-pandemic demand in 2021, with investment volume reaching about $148 billion this year! Check out our favorite wellness and community trends inspired by CID Design Group’s forecast for the multifamily market for 2021.
1. Human Connection
After a year of quarantine and social distancing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the desire for human connection and community will be the largest trend in 2021. According to Genesys Report, 40% of people feel less connected now than before the pandemic. Some of the best ways multifamily developments can meet this growing need are by hosting community feature events like group fitness and wellness classes, offering small quality-of-life improvements like free donuts and coffee, or partnering with local small businesses to offer perks like chair massages or how-to sessions on gardening or floral arranging.
2. Purpose
Another emerging trend among many age groups is increased engagement and loyalty to brands that stand for a larger purpose. A study from Forbes highlights that people are 4-6 times more likely to purchase, protect, and champion purpose-driven companies. A great way to develop a sense of purpose is through offering volunteer opportunities, implementing food-sharing boxes to give back to the community, and supporting local businesses through gifts, prizes, and promotions.
3. Wellness
In 2020, residents and consumers were unsurprisingly focused on physical health. 2021 is seeing an emergence of focus on general well-being, both physically and mentally. 53% of Millenials tell surveys that wellness is important and Gen Z is expected to surpass this percentage. Easy ways to incorporate wellness into your multifamily development are encouraging indoor/outdoor yoga and meditation classes, arranging for a keynote speaker to engage with your residents, including more functional fitness and recovery tools in your fitness space, and incorporating natural lighting, materials, and biophilic accents in your fitness facility design.
4. Healthy Spaces
Similar to wellness, how your multifamily development ranks in categories like walking score, thermal comfort, and lighting can greatly affect how prospects and residents perceive your community. Easy healthy inclusions you can add for 2021 are more sanitation stations, community gardens, and smoke-free outdoor areas.
5. Green Design
Focus on sustainability. CID reports that 75% of renters are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Not only does green design and living help decrease your community’s carbon footprint, but the commitment to the environment also helps build a sense of community and purpose for your residents. Incorporations for 2021 can include composting and water purifying stations or can be included from the beginning with using more environmentally friendly, durable and renewable building materials. Take a note from many of our clients by taking further steps to become Fitwel Certified or WELL Certified to focus on positive health impacts of the built environment along as well as the wellness initiatives and programming.
Is Your Multifamily fitness Facility Set Up For Success?
Were there any trends we missed that you’re excited about? Tag @advantagesportandfitness on social to share your favorite trends that you’re adding to your multifamily community.
For more information about how you can elevate your multifamily facility for 2021, fill out our quick and easy contact form to speak to an expert team member.