When Jordan from Trio Builders reached out about a Fisher Hill project in Brookline, he did something smart that some builders don't: he brought us in during the planning phase, not after the walls were up. (He even brought coffee to our first meeting - the kind of attention to detail that makes projects run smoothly.) Trio is awesome to work with as they have on site design showrooms.
This early collaboration meant we could validate critical specifications before construction began. Not redesigning the architect's excellent two-zone gym layout but ensuring it would work with commercial-grade equipment.
Why Early Planning Matters: The Fisher Hill Validation Process
The architect had already created a sophisticated wellness suite: two connected gym spaces (approximately 16'x8' and 18'x8'), adjacent to a sauna, powder room, and playroom. Our first role was to verify the specs against real-world installation requirements.
**Structural load capacity:** With three weight stack machines specified for the gym, structural load was one of my initial concerns when I first received the blueprints. The Hudson Miami SuperGym alone has two 150lb weight stacks, plus we're adding a Hoist leg press and leg extension/curl combo. Once I confirmed this was a basement installation, that concern was resolved - basement slabs can easily handle the concentrated PSI from commercial weight stacks. If this had been a second floor installation, we would have needed engineering calculations.
**Equipment access:** We talked through the delivery path with Jordan to confirm the equipment could make it down the basement stairs and navigate the turns. With pieces like a 500-lb leg press, access planning isn't optional - you can't discover a problem on delivery day. Some commercial fitness equipment is welded, as well...I cannot tell you some of the fun that has caused...
**Ceiling height verification:** Overhead cable exercises, tall users, and safety clearances all require adequate headroom. This is one of the big ones.
**Electrical specifications:** Because we knew exactly where the treadmill would be placed, we could specify a dedicated 5-20 NEMA circuit. A residential treadmill will *function* on a standard 15-amp circuit, but it will *last longer* with proper electrical supply. This is the kind of detail that doesn't matter on day one - but five years from now, when the treadmill is still running smoothly instead of experiencing electrical issues, it makes all the difference.
**Safety clearances:** In commercial spaces, we follow ADA guidelines (6 feet behind treadmills). For residential projects like Fisher Hill, we work within available space while prioritizing safety - especially important in a multi-generational home where kids will be around the equipment.
**Olympic bar loading space:** Barbell exercises require 18-24 inches on each side of the rack to safely load plates. This isn't optional when you're serious about strength training. This is why we work with over 1,000 builders and designers throughout New England. These validations prevent expensive mistakes after construction is complete. And that is a minimum. Accidents happen.
The Fisher Hill family presents an interesting design challenge: a husband focused on strength training, a daughter who dances, and a son who plays soccer. Each has different training needs, but they're sharing approximately 400 square feet of basement space. Our equipment solution centered on versatility without compromise.
Replacing the Squat Rack: Space Optimization with the Hudson Miami SuperGym.
**The original plan called for a standard squat rack. We recommended the Hudson Miami SuperGym instead - our most popular strength piece for good reason. The Miami combines a half rack, Smith machine, dual 150lb weight stacks (upgradeable to 200lb), cable stations, and plate storage in the same footprint as a basic rack. This space savings was crucial - it freed up room for the specialized leg training equipment this family can really use. As we discuss in our blog on SuperGym variations, Hudson Steel stocks everything in Poughkeepsie, NY and maintains actual parts inventory - unlike online brands that import from overseas warehouses and just stick their logo on it. When you're investing in commercial-grade equipment, long-term support matters.
The Leg Training Triangle: Why These Three Pieces Matter
**Hoist CL Leg Press** - A very popular leg press for residential installations because it's compact without sacrificing capability. Leg presses can be huge. But the real value isn't just the space savings. Any leg press is more expensive than other machines because users can safely lift 2-3x their squat weight - it must be incredibly structurally sound. But the versatility is what makes it essential:
Different foot positions target every muscle in the lower body- by changing the position and angle of your foot on the plate, you can isolate adductors, abductors, different parts of the hamstrings and glutes, quads, and calves - Plie variations work inner thigh and glute med in ways other exercises can't - Single-leg work essential for athletic performance and injury prevention (impossible with barbell squats) - Safe progressive overload for all fitness levels - Complete lower body development from one machine This isn't just about the dance training - this foot position versatility is critical for *everyone's* leg development. It's why the leg press is such an important piece in any serious training program.
**Hoist HD-3400 Leg Extension/Curl Combo** - this adds more to the lower body training options with isolated hamstring and quad work. This equipment package supports compound movements for dad's strength work, unilateral training for the athlete, and ballet-specific conditioning for the dancer - all in a two-zone basement layout.
This is one of the places that working with actual commercial brands that have access to the better patents comes into play.
The Peloton Replacement: Moving to Commercial Quality
During our initial consultation (which was delightful, by the way), the family mentioned they have Peloton equipment that's "waiting to die so they can replace it - which shouldn't be long." This is more common than you'd think. As we've written about in our blog on residential versus commercial equipment, Peloton's quality was never even average residential grade. The paltry 1-year parts warranty tells you everything you need to know about where their marketing budget went versus their engineering budget.
Now, they *do* have amazing content. The best. And tons of my clients have them. But I am replacing a ton of them right now.
ECORE Rally Flooring: The Foundation That Matters
Most people don't think about gym flooring until it's too late. For the Fisher Hill project, we're using ECORE Rally flooring - and we almost always order it in custom cuts.
**Why ECORE Rally?** - Over 3x the shock absorption of standard hard rubber flooring - Superior sound dampening (critical in a basement gym below living spaces) - Used in NFL and NBA training rooms for a reason - Better consistency and processing than cheaper alternatives
**Why custom cuts?** - Fewer seams = better aesthetics and fewer trip hazards - Less waste = more environmentally responsible - Professional appearance in a high-end Brookline home
Yes, custom cuts take longer to order. But in a home at this level, the details matter. As we explain in our Gym Design Checklist, flooring is always our first consideration - it affects safety, acoustics, and the longevity of your equipment.
Two-Zone Layout: Intentional Separation of Cardio and Strength The architect's two-zone design aligned perfectly with how we approach gym layouts. Even in single-room gyms, we create zones - separating cardio from strength training. This isn't just aesthetics; it's functional design.
What Happens Next: From Planning to Installation
This blog captures Stage 1 of the Fisher Hill project: the planning and design phase. We'll publish a follow-up blog showing the installation process and finished space, including before/after comparisons and client feedback. Working with builders like Trio Builders - and specifically organized project managers like Jordan who think ahead enough to bring coffee - is how these projects succeed. If you're a builder or homeowner planning a gym space in the Boston area, the time to bring us in is *now*, during planning. Not after the drywall is up and you realize the leg press won't fit through the door. ---
**About ConnectFit:** We've designed thousands of fitness spaces throughout New England, working with over 1,000 builders and designers. From understanding treadmill cushioning to selecting commercial-grade equipment for residential spaces, we provide the expertise that makes the difference between a room with equipment and a properly designed training facility.