Elevate has always been one of the highlights of our year. It's an opportunity to reconnect with customers, partners and industry friends, and to see how the conversations we're having every day with operators and facility owners are translating into real-world innovation.

This year's event confirmed what we've been seeing across our own projects for some time: the most successful fitness spaces are increasingly being defined by experience, not just equipment.

The conversations weren't centred around finding the latest piece of equipment or chasing the newest training trend. Instead, they focused on something much bigger: creating memorable experiences. The facilities that stand out today aren't necessarily the ones with the most equipment. They're the ones that create environments people genuinely want to spend time in.

That's exactly why we chose Elevate 2026 to launch JORDAN Create

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Launching JORDAN Create

For years we've been helping operators create unique training environments through custom equipment, colours and layouts. JORDAN Create formalises that process, giving customers access to a complete custom and bespoke design journey.

Our stand showcased this perfectly, featuring bespoke furniture, custom finishes and a unique take on our J75 range, complete with a custom storage solution designed specifically for the space.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Operators are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate their facilities, and customisation is becoming one of the most powerful tools available.

The days of every gym looking the same are rapidly disappearing.

Trend 1: Custom is King

If there was one message that came through loud and clear at Elevate, it was that customisation is no longer a luxury—it's becoming an expectation.

Operators want facilities that reflect their brand, their members and their local community. They want equipment, storage solutions and training spaces that feel unique rather than off-the-shelf.

Our stand featured a champagne metallic finish, chosen to create a premium, sophisticated aesthetic. The beauty of customisation, however, is that there are no rules. Whether it's colour, upholstery, branding, materials or storage solutions, every project can be tailored to suit the vision of the operator.

Through JORDAN Create, we're helping customers move beyond standard products and create truly distinctive environments.

Trend 2: The Rise of Multi-Functional Spaces

Space remains one of the most valuable commodities in fitness.

Operators are looking for smarter ways to maximise training capacity without sacrificing aesthetics or member experience.

Systems like our HELIX and J75 ranges continue to attract attention because they combine storage, functional training and equipment organisation into a single integrated solution.

The future isn't about filling rooms with more equipment. It's about making every square metre work harder.

Trend 3: Flooring Has Become Part of the Design Conversation

Traditionally, flooring was one of the last decisions made during a gym project.

Today, it's one of the first.

Operators increasingly recognise that flooring influences everything from aesthetics and acoustics to durability and member experience.

This year we introduced new flooring solutions designed to support different project requirements and budgets, giving customers three distinct tiers to choose from.

Flooring is no longer simply a surface. It's part of the overall design language of a facility.

Trend 4: Experience is Extending Beyond Equipment

One of the most interesting conversations throughout the show centred around sensory design.

Lighting remains important, but there appears to be growing fatigue around the overuse of hex lighting that has dominated gym design in recent years.

Instead, operators are exploring more sophisticated ways to create atmosphere through texture, materials, colour and even scent.

We spoke to numerous operators interested in introducing bespoke fragrances into their facilities, helping create a recognisable and memorable brand experience the moment members walk through the door.

It's a simple concept, but one that demonstrates how gym design is evolving beyond equipment selection alone.

Trend 5: Functional Training Continues to Lead

Functional training remains one of the strongest drivers of facility design.

The demand for free weights, conditioning equipment and versatile training spaces continues to grow, particularly as operators look to cater for a wider range of users.

Our dumbbell and functional training ranges generated significant interest throughout the event, reflecting the continued importance of creating spaces that support varied, adaptable training methods.

What This Means for Gym Design

The biggest takeaway from Elevate 2026 is simple.

Building a successful fitness facility is no longer just about buying the best equipment.

It's about creating the best experience.

That experience is shaped by every design decision—from colour palettes and flooring to storage, scent, lighting and space planning.

The most successful facilities of the future will be those that combine functionality with personality, creating environments that members remember, enjoy and return to.

At JORDAN, that's exactly what we're focused on delivering.

Through JORDAN Create, our flooring solutions, our functional training expertise and our integrated systems such as HELIX and J75, we're helping operators create spaces that stand apart in an increasingly competitive market.

Elevate confirmed what we've believed for some time:

The future of gym design is personal.