# **Multifamily Properties and Wellness: More Than Treadmills**
## **The Evolution of Wellness in Multifamily Living**
Not long ago, multifamily owners and operators equated wellness solely with physical fitness, leading to the installation of on-site gyms, pools, and even cold plunge tubs.
“A decade ago, apartment fitness centers were single-room spaces with standard cardio and strength equipment and minimal programming,” noted Alison Mills, Vice President of Design and Architecture at CRG.
However, as industry experts point out, the concept of wellness for apartment renters has evolved significantly.
Lisa Kendall, CEO of LIVunLtd—part of The Amenity Collective’s portfolio of brands—acknowledges the value of on-site exercise equipment. But she emphasizes that today’s renters are also looking for environments and programs that improve mental health, foster social connections, and support overall well-being.
“Wellness is no longer just a perk; it’s an expectation,” Kendall explained. “We’re seeing a growing demand for boutique-style fitness experiences within larger communities, ensuring every resident finds a space that resonates with their unique wellness journey.”
## **Defining Wellness in Multifamily Housing**
The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.”
From an interior architecture perspective, wellness is also about designing spaces that enhance the way people interact with their environment.
“We want the experience to be not just positive, but transformative and life-affirming,” said Christina Villa, Associate Principal at RSP Architects.
This means wellness today extends beyond the fitness center, encompassing a broader spectrum of initiatives. “By prioritizing wellness-focused design principles, developers can have a profound impact on the physical and mental well-being of residents,” Mills added.
## **The Drivers of Wellness Innovation**
Several key factors are influencing the evolution of wellness as a residential amenity:
– Increased awareness of mental health importance
– A greater understanding of social connections, especially post-pandemic
– A shift toward sustainability and biophilic design, incorporating natural materials, air purification, and recovery-focused spaces
Villa also pointed out that people are spending more time at home than ever before. “The line between work, life, and play is growing more porous by the day,” she explained.
Additionally, today’s renters demand wellness features that integrate seamlessly into their lifestyles. Technology is also playing a critical role in this shift.
“Residents want wellness amenities that fit into their routines—whether that means high-intensity workout spaces, peaceful meditation zones, or virtual fitness options,” Kendall said.
In response, multifamily developers are integrating meditation areas, air-purification systems, outdoor hike-and-bike trails, and communal spaces that encourage social interaction. Meanwhile, gyms are evolving into social hubs with dedicated areas for group classes such as yoga, adaptable workout spaces, and communal areas that foster engagement.
## **The Business Case for Wellness Amenities**
Beyond catering to residents’ expectations, offering integrated wellness amenities benefits apartment owners and operators as well.
“It boosts resident satisfaction, lease renewals, and competitive differentiation,” Kendall explained.
Villa further emphasized that well-designed buildings promoting wellness can directly enhance tenant retention. “If people feel good in a building that enhances their well-being, will they be happier? Will they be more likely to renew a lease? Countless studies—and good common sense—suggest that the answer is a resounding yes.”
In an increasingly competitive market, prospective renters carefully evaluate properties based on available amenities.
“One way a property can stand out is by offering amenities that reflect the way residents live or aspire to live,” Villa said. “An intentional, comprehensive wellness component helps them do that.”
Where once wellness-related features like walkability, access to jogging trails, natural light, and public transportation were considered optional, “now, it’s where we start,” Villa added.
## **Implementing Wellness Strategies in Multifamily Developments**
A well-integrated wellness strategy enhances a community’s appeal while meeting renters’ expectations. Kendall emphasized that “communities with thoughtfully designed wellness spaces create a sense of belonging, fostering both personal well-being and a stronger community connection.”
For new developments, prioritizing wellness from the outset is key. “Developers should incorporate biophilic elements, natural light, and multifunctional spaces that support both activity and relaxation,” Kendall recommended.
Villa echoed this, cautioning against treating wellness as an afterthought in building design. “There is a tendency to think of wellness as ‘pixie dust’ that can be sprinkled on after the design is completed or construction is underway. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
For existing apartment buildings, wellness upgrades are also possible. Kendall suggested implementing air-filtration system improvements and repurposing unused spaces into communal and wellness areas.
Additionally, sustainability efforts—such as upcycling fitness equipment and implementing preventive maintenance programs—are gaining traction, reinforcing the connection between environmental responsibility and resident wellness.
Mills recommended incorporating biophilic design elements like green roofs, plant-filled common areas, and nature-inspired murals. She also noted that larger light fixtures in interior-facing bedrooms can make indoor environments feel more inviting and restorative.
## **Staying Ahead with Wellness Innovation**
The concept of wellness continues to evolve, expanding beyond physical fitness to include mental well-being, social interactions, and environmental harmony.
“Properties that embrace holistic, adaptable wellness strategies will foster healthier living environments and cultivate stronger, more engaged communities,” Kendall observed.
Wellness is more than just the latest trend—it represents a fundamental shift in resident expectations. As Kendall put it, “It’s about meeting the needs of today’s residents and building communities where people feel valued.”
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*An earlier version of this article appeared on ApartmentBuildings.com.*
