Towel service. If you can afford to have a front-desk person or locker room attendant handing out towels to members as they enter or exit the locker room, it’s a nice service touch. If not, make sure to offer a pick-up spot and drop-off hamper close to the locker room entrance.
Ironing supplies. Many executive locker rooms now offer ironing supplies so members can press their clothes before heading back to the office.
Keyless lockers. Using keyless security systems alleviates the need for members carrying a key during their workout. Access is gained by using personalized member codes or membership cards.
Basic design elements
Whether you are building a new facility or working with an existing one, there are some basic elements that should be considered when creating locker room atmosphere. These include:
Privacy. While many members have no qualms about changing in front of others or sharing space, there are others who appreciate any opportunity for privacy. This includes providing curtains on showers and, if possible, a separate changing room just outside the shower stall with at least one shelf and hooks for robes or clothing.
Family rooms. More and more facilities are offering private spaces that allow parents to accompany children of the opposite sex in changing areas. These areas also offer additional space to members with physical disabilities who may need extra room while changing.
Separate wet and dry areas. For safety and comfort reasons, clubs should separate wet and dry areas as much as possible. Ideally, facilities should offer “in-between areas” that divide the locker room, and offer people a place where they can groom away from members who are changing or washing. This also alleviates the problem of personal items like makeup bags or shaving kits getting wet.
Lighting. Lighting is essential to the overall feel of a room and can influence member satisfaction. As Keeler of Langdon Wilson Architecture points out, “Members come to a club to feel good about themselves. If they look in the mirror and appear too green or too blue, they’re not going to be happy.” To avoid harsh light, Lavoie suggests using indirect lighting techniques, such as placing fixtures on top of lockers, which bounces light off the ceiling and produces a warm, bright ambience in the room.