Home Gyms Are Booming – Why New Homes Need Intentionally Built Health & Wellness

The culture of home buying is shifting to one of long-term, intentional living and optimized well-being. Homebuyers are demanding consciously cultivated spaces, dedicated to their health and longevity. Home gyms are no longer after thoughts with dumbbells and cardio equipment placed in flex spaces or dungeon-like basements; they are now luxurious spaces and main centerpieces in a home, designed to augment every day living.

The demand for this well-being upgrade is clear with current data:

▪ Homes with wellness features listed on Zillow jumped 33% in a year.

▪ 64% of homeowners want a dedicated gym or fitness space [1].

▪ 43% of buyers will pay extra for a home gym [2].

▪ The global home fitness market is valued at over $12 billion in 2025 and growing fast.

▪ New luxury homes are adding gyms, yoga rooms, and even pickleball courts-selling for thousands more.

[1]- American Institute of Architects

[2]- National Association of Realtors

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Homebuyers want purposefully-built wellness homes. By partnering high-end interior design with functional and intentional equipment, home gyms can now offer energetic spaces designed to support their purpose. The following touches can transform a basic room into a wellness haven that your clients look forward to using every day:

▪ 10ft ceilings – Feels open and airy, great for movement and allows for more equipment options.

▪ Full mirrored wall – Check your form, makes the room feel bigger.

▪ A glass partition door at the entrance – Clean, modern, spa-like vibe.

▪ Don’t overdo windows – Too many can mess with the equipment layout.

▪ Premium flooring – Use woven vinyl, luxury planks, or innovative turf to protect knees and look sharp.

▪ Hex lights overhead – Overhead/ambient lighting placement is important. Hex lights are popular.

▪ Acoustic panels – Cut noise, keep focus, add style.

▪ Custom wallpaper on one wall – Make it yours with bold patterns or calm designs.

▪ Enough square footage – For different and dedicated workout zones.

▪ Couples that work out together, stay together – We aren’t marriage counselors so don’t quote us on that… But proper space planning certainly can encourage couples to exercise together.

Wellness design isn’t a trend- it’s the future. Homes with built-in gyms and smart health features sell faster and for more. Builders who skip this are missing out on catering to the next generation of prospects. Homebuyers will love their home (and you) more if it’s designed with their health and wellness as a priority.