The Art of Gym Design: Equipment That Inspires and Performs

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in the fitness training industry—including a role in research and development for one of the world’s most prestigious fitness brands—I’ve developed a refined sense of what makes truly exceptional fitness equipment. I never compromise on quality, and holding high standards across all areas of my life, fitness design is no exception.

I consistently dedicate myself to sourcing only the best equipment to ensure our custom gym installations exceed every expectation. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about delivering exceptional performance, durability, and a superior user experience. This philosophy fosters inspiration, encouraging consistent engagement and ensuring long-lasting enjoyment and results for clients.

Life Fitness and Hammer Strength consistently set the standard for durability, innovation, and performance. They outpace competitors with their superior construction, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional user experience. To offer insight into our design process, I’ll be showcasing two key pieces—the Symbio Runner and the Total Body Arc Trainer—that exemplify the quality and performance I demand from every piece of equipment we install.

The Symbio Runner first captured my attention with its groundbreaking Adaptive Flex Deck® Technology, which adjusts to the user’s stride for an extraordinarily smooth, personalized running experience. With an impressive max speed of 16 mph and a sleek design, it delivers high performance while remaining incredibly comfortable for every user.

While the Life Fitness Elevation Series treadmill remains my personal favorite, the Symbio Runner takes personalization and comfort to an entirely new level. This makes it an ideal fit for the custom installations we create at The Stable Nashville.

In the non-treadmill category, the Life Fitness Total Body Arc Trainer truly stands out. Featuring Variable Motion® Technology, it allows users to adjust their stride and target different muscle groups, ensuring a comprehensive full-body workout. Unlike traditional ellipticals, the Arc Trainer offers low-impact movement and muscle engagement options that reduce stress on joints while providing a superior, customizable workout. While competitors like the Cybex 625A Arc Trainer offer similar features, the Arc Trainer’s unique design and advanced console elevate the overall experience. This is why I chose the Arc Trainer for our installations.

Another standout piece is the VersaClimber, which offers a full-body, low-impact workout perfect for high-intensity training. Its vertical motion simulates climbing, engaging both upper and lower body muscles in a way that no other cardio machine can match. It’s an incredibly efficient piece for building strength and improving cardiovascular fitness. Plus, its compact design makes it a perfect addition to any high-performance gym.

At The Stable Nashville, we don’t just select equipment; we meticulously curate every piece to ensure it aligns with our unwavering commitment to luxury, innovation, and unparalleled quality. Every piece of equipment we choose undergoes a thorough vetting process—because if it doesn’t meet my elevated standards, it simply doesn’t make the cut.