The power of fitness amenities: How wellness is transforming commercial real estate

The commercial real estate landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last five years. Companies have downsized, restructured, and shifted toward multi-tenant office buildings.

With return-to-office strategies now largely complete, competition for top-tier space is heating up. Building owners and property managers are under increasing pressure to deliver something more than square footage. They need to create experiences that attract and retain corporate tenants.

One of the most effective ways to do that is through fitness and wellness amenities. What was once considered a nice-to-have feature has now become a strategic differentiator in modern commercial real estate.

Why fitness is a force in tenant attraction

On-site fitness centers have evolved far beyond their role as simple building perks. They’ve become powerful tenant attraction tools. When potential tenants tour a property, the fitness center often serves as a visual and emotional anchor — a statement of value that reflects a property’s commitment to employee wellbeing.

• In fact, JLL forecasts that properties with a diverse suite of amenities (including wellness) will see 12% higher demand than those without.
• Across the broader real estate landscape, the wellness real estate market is booming: it reached $584 billion globally in 2024 and is projected to double by 2029.
• This momentum indicates that fitness and wellness as infrastructure is becoming integral, not optional, in how we design and operate buildings. 

Attractive, well-designed fitness facilities are typically among the first features prospective tenants notice on a campus. Positioned alongside beautiful landscaping, cafés, and gathering spaces, they convey a message that the building promotes balance, productivity, and community.

In today’s market, employers want to replicate the benefits and amenities their teams once enjoyed in private corporate headquarters. Fitness centers give them the ability to do that. They’re no longer optional; they’re expected. For many tenants, a strong on-site wellness offering is now table stakes when choosing where to locate their workforce.

Moving from fitness amenity to activation

Building a fitness center alone isn’t enough to engage tenants. The true value comes from how the space is activated. Leading property owners are partnering with professional wellness management companies to bring their facilities to life through curated programming, community events, and customized tenant engagement strategies.

Across multi-tenant campuses, successful wellness teams act as event planners, community builders, and health advocates. They design experiences that draw people out of their offices and into shared spaces — creating moments of connection that strengthen the overall sense of community.

Programs such as morning “Coffee & Climb” walks, after-hours “Trails & Mocktails” social workouts, or inclusive recreation events like pickleball challenges and basketball shootouts are becoming staples in well-managed campuses. These activities do more than promote physical fitness — they drive cross-company interaction, support social wellbeing, and keep tenants excited about being on-site.

Beyond the Gym: A comprehensive approach to wellbeing

The most effective fitness and wellness strategies extend beyond the four walls of the fitness center. Successful property managers understand that tenants are seeking integrated wellbeing experiences throughout the workday.

Fitness teams often bring wellness directly to the tenants’ spaces. This includes leading stretch breaks, delivering educational seminars, and offering quick mobility or mindfulness sessions that can be done right at the desk. This approach not only lowers the barrier for participation but also introduces employees to the on-site fitness staff in a comfortable, approachable way.

Some properties have taken this concept even further. In markets like Southern California, for example, buildings now feature bike and surfboard storage rooms, allowing employees to start or end their workday with an outdoor workout. These amenities seamlessly connect professional life with personal wellness, reinforcing the building’s role as a lifestyle destination rather than just a place to work.

The ROI of wellness amenities

Fitness amenities are proving to deliver strong, measurable returns for building owners and commercial property managers. They not only help attract and retain high-quality tenants but also enhance tenant satisfaction, increase occupancy rates, and extend lease terms.

Converting underutilized office space into a fitness center can have a direct impact on a property’s marketability. Well-placed, well-managed fitness facilities often become the centerpiece of a campus tour, providing a tangible demonstration of the building’s premium status. 

Features such as top-tier equipment, towel service, massage therapy, and stretching programs reinforce a culture of care and quality that resonates with employers and employees alike.

Ultimately, wellness-focused amenities contribute to a stronger tenant community, reduced churn, and higher long-term asset value — making them one of the smartest investments in today’s competitive commercial real estate market.

Creating community through movement

Modern employees crave more than just a workspace; they want a sense of connection and belonging. Fitness centers and wellness programs create natural opportunities for what some property leaders call “casual collisions” — spontaneous interactions that occur when people from different companies cross paths during workouts, classes, or events.

These interactions strengthen relationships across tenants, enhance the overall workplace culture, and help foster the kind of community atmosphere that keeps people coming back to the office. For building owners, this translates to higher tenant engagement and stronger lease renewals.

Fitness as a long-term strategy for success

As the commercial real estate market continues to evolve, fitness and wellness amenities are emerging as a defining factor in a property’s success. They attract tenants, inspire employees, and elevate the workplace experience in ways that traditional amenities simply cannot match.

For building owners and property managers, the message is clear: fitness isn’t just a feature. Fitness is a strategy.

Wellness-forward design and programming are now essential to the long-term sustainability and profitability of commercial properties. By creating environments where people can move, connect, and thrive, owners aren’t just filling space — they’re shaping the future of work.

Key Takeaways

• Fitness amenities have become a strategic differentiator in commercial real estate.
• Tenants expect wellness offerings that rival those of private corporate campuses.
• Activated programming — not just equipment — drives engagement and tenant satisfaction.
• Wellness amenities support community-building, cross-company interaction, and employee wellbeing.
• High-quality fitness centers increase property value, improve occupancy rates, and extend lease terms.
• Properties that integrate wellness throughout the tenant experience gain a long-term competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why are fitness amenities so important in commercial real estate today?
Tenants are prioritizing workplace experience, employee wellbeing, and amenities that support culture. Fitness centers help buildings stand out, attract high-quality tenants, and satisfy the expectations of modern workforces.

2. What types of fitness amenities do corporate tenants value most?
Top-tier equipment, group studios, locker rooms, towel service, recovery areas, wellness rooms, and outdoor recreation options all support a premium experience. Added value comes through programming, personal training, and community events.

3. How do fitness amenities impact tenant retention?
Wellness offerings improve workplace satisfaction, increase engagement, and encourage people to return to the office. This leads to stronger tenant loyalty and longer lease terms.

4. Can small or mid-size properties benefit from fitness amenities?
Yes. Even modest spaces can be transformed into functional wellness hubs. Additionally, mobile wellness services, pop-up classes, and desk-side programs can extend impact without large fitness facilities.

5. What is the ROI of investing in a fitness center?
Fitness amenities increase occupancy rates, improve tenant satisfaction, reduce churn, and enhance the overall value of the property. They also help convert unused or underutilized space into a revenue-strengthening asset.

6. How do wellness programs build community in multi-tenant buildings?
Shared fitness classes, challenges, and events create opportunities for employees across different companies to connect, interact, and build a sense of belonging — leading to a more vibrant workplace culture.

7. Why are fitness amenities so critical in commercial real estate?
Fitness amenities have evolved from optional features into essential strategic assets. They not only enhance a building’s appeal but also signal a property’s commitment to health, wellbeing, and modern workplace culture.

About HealthFitness

For 50 years, HealthFitness has partnered with leading organizations and property owners to design, manage, and optimize on-site wellness programs that bring fitness and wellbeing to life in the workplace. From fitness center management to employee engagement solutions, HealthFitness helps properties stand out in a competitive market by making wellness a defining part of the tenant experience. Connect with us to learn more about our tenant fitness solutions.