A fitness centre as part of the hotel concept

Advice on fitness equipment: for home use or the gym

Hotels now view their fitness facilities differently than they did a few years ago. Whereas they were previously often seen as merely a functional amenity, they now increasingly form part of the overall guest experience. Optima Forma Fitness, importer of WATERROWER | NOHRD, is seeing this shift reflected in its projects.

“In the past, hotels often viewed fitness facilities as a compulsory requirement: a space you had to have in order to meet a certain star rating,” says director Franklin van der Zijde. “Now they’re taking a more considered approach to how such a space fits within their concept and how to encourage guests to use it.”.

This was also the case at Steenenburg Castle, a recently opened hotel set on a historic estate, featuring 56 rooms, meeting rooms and a gym, amongst other facilities. The initial contact with WATERROWER | NOHRD was made at a hotel trade fair in March 2025, after which the project was completed by the end of that year. “That’s quick for the hotel industry, where projects often take longer. However, coming from the fitness sector, we’re used to that pace and can keep up with it.”.

Between home use and the gym

According to Van der Zijde, the challenge for hotels lies in positioning the equipment correctly. “You have two extremes: machines for home use and machines for intensive commercial use. For hotels, the ideal solution lies somewhere in between. The usage is different from that in a gym, but the equipment must still be suitable for more frequent use.” WATERROWER | NOHRD also caters to this mid-range segment. “We supply products for light to semi-commercial use, at a price point that suits a hotel. Ultimately, it comes down to weighing up: how much do you want to invest and what do you expect from the space?”.

As well as functionality, aesthetics carry greater weight. “Hotels opt for fittings that complement the interior and the hotel’s positioning. Our products are often chosen because the use of wood really sets us apart from other suppliers.”

For Steenenburg Castle, this was a key factor in the design of the gym. “The overall look and feel had to be unique to us, including in the fitness room,” says general manager Henk Werther. “The whole experience has to be just right from start to finish. We want our guests to be amazed. That feeling starts as soon as they get closer to the hotel, and that sense of anticipation must carry through into the gym as well. This is certainly the case; our guests are impressed not only by the look, but also by the quality of the equipment.”

From rowing machine to comprehensive concept

The company’s origins lie with the WATERROWER, a water-resistance rowing machine developed in the late 1980s by a professional rower. Van der Zijde explains: “The starting point was: what makes rowing enjoyable? It’s the water. That resistance creates a natural movement”.

NOHRD was created in response to the demand for additional equipment in the same design language, offering strength and cardio equipment. Together, the products from these merged brands are ideal for hotels seeking a calm, consistent look in their fitness areas.

Advice and design

With projects such as Steenenburg, the process often starts with the available space. “We’re given a floor plan and turn that into a logical layout. Usually, this involves a combination of cardio equipment, such as a treadmill, exercise bike and rowing machine, and strength training”.

Clients often find it difficult to estimate in advance how many devices will fit and how the space can be laid out efficiently. “That’s where we come in: to contribute ideas and provide a basis for decision-making. Sometimes there’s already a plan in place – for example, in the case of renovations – and we refine the details.”.

As well as the layout, the choice of materials also plays a role. With a choice of different types of wood, a hotel can ensure its design complements the interior. 

Maintenance and use

As well as supply and installation, WATERROWER | NOHRD also provides maintenance services. “We recommend a maintenance contract, but leave the choice up to the customer. As a rule, there are one or two maintenance visits per year, depending on usage. This ensures the fitness room remains operational without requiring daily attention from the hotel.”