The right selection of sports club furniture could be crucial in encouraging unfit people to begin coming to your venue for a regular workout - and gradually get themselves back into shape.
Figures from consumer analysts Mintel reveal that many people don't go to the gym, not because they do not want to be fitter, but because they feel they are already too unfit to be seen exercising alongside other people.
It's a difficult situation for club owners and operators, because of course you do not want to put off those people who attend your premises most regularly.
So how can you cater for all comers? The sports club furniture you put both in your reception areas and in your gym itself can make a big difference.
Mintel found 38% of people in general would like to increase their activity levels for the sake of their health, but 22% do not feel fit enough to exercise alongside others, or to play sports in company.
Significantly, among those who feel too unfit, 54% still say they would like to be more active - indicating that the majority are not yet resigned to their fitness fate.
"Not feeling fit enough to play with others could be one expression of a more general lack of physical confidence that stems from unfamiliarity with sport more widely," suggests Mintel senior leisure analyst David Walmsley.
"It is significant that this attitude is most common among older people, who are least likely to take part in sport either individually or with others."
By equipping your premises with plenty of relaxation-friendly furniture, you could help to make it more acceptable for people to take regular breaks during their exercise session - and, in turn, free up more of your machines for other users too.
This could be as simple as creating relaxing seating spaces that are easily accessible from your gym, rather than people feeling as though they have to leave the fitness centre in order to find a comfortable seat elsewhere.
Leather armchairs are a surprisingly versatile option for sports club furniture - helping your premises to look luxurious, providing an extremely comfortable seat, and importantly being easy to clean at the end of the day.