Vanderbilt University Functional Training Room: Project Complete
Weβre excited to share the final installation images from our recent project at Vanderbilt University, where an outdated cardio-focused room has been fully transformed into a modern MoveStrong Functional Fitness and HIIT training environment designed for todayβs campus recreation needs.
This project was a true collaboration from start to finish. Working closely with the universityβs architectural team, campus recreation staff, and project partners, we reimagined the space to support personal training, small group workouts, individual sessions, and structured training classes, all within one cohesive, high-performance environment.
Featured Training Equipment
The finished Vanderbilt functional training room brings together a curated mix of MoveStrong systems designed to support conditioning, strength, agility, and skill-based training across multiple user groups.
Conditioning
Battle ropes, sleds, specialty surfacing, and training boxes anchor the roomβs conditioning and movement zones. Custom turf lanes and specialty fitness flooring support sled pushes, acceleration work, and agility drills, while plyometric boxes allow for scalable cardio and explosive training in both individual and group settings.
Nova Wall FTS
At the center of the space, the MoveStrong Nova Wall Functional Training System (FTS) delivers a highly efficient, multi-user strength and functional training solution. With integrated monkey bars, omni bars, stall bars, elevate trainers, and attachment points for additional accessories, the system enables seamless transitions between strength, bodyweight, and functional movements without crowding the floor. Custom design ins size, training features, storage needs, and branding to include school custom colors and logos. Customized fitness solutions made in the USA!
Elite Storage Racks - F4 Modular
As fitness tools expand to meet client needs and provide group functional fitness, ideal storage solutions for medicine balls, kettlebells, ropes, bands, stability balls, bumper plates, and more become crucial to maintain a clean and organized floor. MoveStrongβs new storage solutions combine functional training tools and features from the FTS models, offering dedicated anchor points for suspended trainers, ropes, resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, GRTs, and more. This all-in-one system prioritizes storage needs while providing comprehensive training solutions.
Elite Storage-F4 features:
Perfect for saving floor space with placement flush along a wall
Wedge foot for floor anchoring and stability
Customize with different storage trays, training features, accessory anchors, and storage pegs
Top extended Pull-up bar with dedicated eye-loop anchors for Suspension Trainers
Choose from five pull-up bar options
Modular design to connect together for multiple bays
FightStrong
The room also features FightStrong heavy bag stations, adding a dynamic element for power, conditioning, and stress-relief training. These stations expand programming options and support both coached sessions and open gym use.
Elite Storage Racks - FreeStanding Accessories and Olympic Bumper Plates
To keep the space organized and efficient, MoveStrong Elite Storage Racks provide integrated storage for free weights and training accessories. By keeping equipment accessible yet out of the way, the layout maintains clean sightlines and uninterrupted training flow, essential for high-traffic campus environments.
Together, these systems create a flexible, high-performance training room designed to evolve with campus programming needs.
A Phased Approach to Smarter Campus Gym Design
To ensure long-term success and minimal disruption, the renovation was executed in clearly defined phases:
Phase 1 - Concept, Layout & Renderings: The project began with detailed layout planning and renderings, defining traffic flow, training zones, and equipment placement. This initial phase ensured the space could support multiple training styles while remaining intuitive, efficient, and scalable for campus use.
Phase 2 - Turf & Specialty Flooring Installation: Next came the installation of custom turf and specialty fitness flooring, setting the foundation for functional movement, sled work, and high-intensity training. Floor graphics were integrated to guide workouts, organize zones, and elevate the visual identity of the room.
Phase 3 - Custom MoveStrong Equipment Installation: The completed space now features custom-built and branded equipment, designed specifically for the room and its users.
Phase 4 - Staff Education (Coming Next): The final phase will focus on educating campus recreation staff, ensuring they are fully equipped to maximize the space, coach effectively, and deliver engaging programming across all training formats.
Built for Modern Campus Training
This renovation reflects a growing shift in university recreation design, away from single-use cardio rooms and toward flexible, functional training environments that support movement, performance, and community. The finished space allows Vanderbilt students and members to train efficiently, safely, and creatively, whether working one-on-one with a trainer or participating in group classes.
Whatβs Next: MoveStrong Training Event at Vanderbiltβs Newly Installed Facility
An upcoming MoveStrong training event will bring Vanderbiltβs new installation to life, with staff sessions and open student workouts led by a Master Coach. The event will highlight the spaceβs versatility and performance-driven design.
Weβre proud to partner with institutions like Vanderbilt to help redefine what campus fitness spaces can be. Want to see how it started? Take a look back at Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the installation.