Upgrading your gym’s audio-visual (AV) system can be one of the most impactful investments you make—but only if it's done right. A professional sound and lighting setup doesn’t just improve aesthetics; it shapes the atmosphere, supports instructors, and elevates your brand.
But with so many components involved—equipment, wiring, acoustics, lighting, zoning—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This Fitness Audio checklist will walk you through what to know (and what to ask) before installing or upgrading your gym’s AV system.
1. What’s the Vision?
Start with your purpose. Are you looking to:
- Create immersive experiences in group fitness rooms?
- Improve sound consistency across zones?
- Reduce complaints about volume levels?
- Reinforce your brand identity with lighting and music?
Defining the ‘why’ behind the upgrade helps shape every other decision. It also ensures that the system you install doesn’t just look good—it works hard.
2. Assess the Space
Every gym is unique. The materials, layout, ceiling height, and even member flow patterns will influence how your AV system performs. Consider:
- Open-plan layout or segmented rooms?
- High ceilings, exposed ducts, or echo-prone areas?
- Where do members tend to congregate or move through?
- Do you host events, challenges, or run virtual classes?
This step also helps your AV partner design systems tailored to real usage—not just floor plans.
3. Prioritise Zones and Control
One of the most common installation mistakes is trying to push the same sound and lighting setup across every zone.
Instead, identify the unique needs of each area:
-
Group Fitness Studio
- Audio Needs: Loud music + instructor mic
- Lighting Needs: Scene lighting, colour shifts
-
Weights Floor
- Audio Needs: Background music, adjustable
- Lighting Needs: Bright task lighting
-
Yoga Room
- Audio Needs: Calming ambient audio
- Lighting Needs: Soft, dimmable lighting
-
Reception
- Audio Needs: Welcoming music
- Lighting Needs: Clean, neutral lighting
-
Change Rooms
- Audio Needs: Low-level ambient music
- Lighting Needs: Functional, warm lighting
Once you define these zones, make sure the control system makes it easy for staff to manage them.
4. Choose Commercial-Grade Equipment
Gyms are high-traffic, high-wear environments. That means your speakers, microphones, amps, and lighting fixtures need to be built to last.
- Use sweat-resistant, instructor-friendly headsets in studios
- Opt for speakers designed for clarity and coverage, not just volume
- Consider LED lighting for efficiency, flexibility, and longevity
- Ensure all gear is ventilated and accessible for maintenance
Cheap gear will cost more in the long run—through replacements, breakdowns, and member dissatisfaction.
5. Think About Future Growth
Maybe your gym has one group room now, but what if you add another? Or launch a new recovery space? Or start hosting live-streamed events?
A good AV installation allows for:
- Adding more zones
- Integrating new lighting types or audio channels
- Digital signage, projection, or member wearables in the future
Fitness Audio specialises in designing scalable systems that grow with your business, not against it.
6. Installation Timing and Access
Avoid clashes with peak hours or ongoing renovations. Depending on the scope of your upgrade, installation could take anywhere from a few hours to multiple days.
Plan for:
- Power availability and safety compliance
- Secure overnight storage (if multi-day)
- Limited member access to certain zones during setup
- Staff training immediately post-installation
We work closely with gym owners to minimise disruption and maximise efficiency.
7. Staff Training and Handover
Even the best system is only effective if your team can use it.
At Fitness Audio, we show your staff how to:
- Adjust volume levels
- Change lighting presets
- Use microphones correctly
- Switch between sources or playlists
- Troubleshoot basic issues
8. Post-Installation Support
Ask your AV provider what happens after installation. A good partner should offer:
- Ongoing support
- Remote troubleshooting
- Upgrade options
- Warranty and maintenance info
At Fitness Audio, we stay available long after the final speaker is mounted!
Final Thoughts
Installing or upgrading a gym AV system isn’t just about new gear—it’s about designing a better experience for your members and your team.
With a clear plan, quality equipment, and expert support, your space can look and sound as good as it performs.
Ready to upgrade? Get in contact with a member of our team!
