Pilates Studios and BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) Standards represent distinct, yet increasingly intersecting, facets of the commercial real estate landscape. Pilates Studios are emerging as valuable amenities attracting tenants, particularly in competitive markets, while BOMA Standards provide the foundational framework for consistent measurement and valuation of commercial properties.
This comparison analyzes the core principles, applications, and distinctions between these two concepts. Understanding the nuances of both Pilates Studio design and operational considerations alongside BOMA’s standardized measurement methodologies is crucial for real estate professionals navigating evolving tenant expectations and optimizing property value.
The convergence of wellness-driven tenant demands and the need for transparent, accurate area measurement underscores the importance of considering both when developing and managing commercial properties.
Pilates Studios within commercial properties are dedicated spaces designed to facilitate Pilates instruction and practice. These spaces are evolving beyond simple workout rooms to become sophisticated amenities attracting and retaining tenants, particularly in high-end office buildings and coworking spaces. The modern Pilates Studio incorporates design elements that promote core engagement, precision, and breath control, reflecting Joseph Pilates’ core principles and fostering a culture of mindfulness.
Successful Pilates Studios integrate specialized equipment like Reformers, Trapeze Tables, and Wunda Chairs, demanding meticulous attention to layout and instructor training. Operational considerations include adjusting spring tensions to accommodate varying fitness levels and maintaining neutral spine alignment. Furthermore, specialized terminology such as “neutral spine” and “proprioception” is critical for informed design and operation.
The increasing prevalence of flexible workspace models further highlights the value of Pilates Studios as a premium offering differentiating properties and creating a competitive advantage for landlords.
Pilates Studios represent a shift towards wellness-focused amenities in commercial properties, attracting and retaining tenants.
Studio design must adhere to Joseph Pilates’ core principles – Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow – to optimize the client experience.
Strategic integration can influence property valuation, lease rates, and overall tenant appeal.
BOMA Standards provide a globally recognized system for measuring rentable building area, initially developed to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. They define 'rentable area' as the space a tenant occupies plus a proportional share of common areas like hallways and elevators, ensuring a consistent and objective methodology for calculating area.
The methodology emphasizes straight-line measurements of building exterior walls – the ‘rose system’ – promoting objectivity and minimizing subjective interpretation. This framework is critical for accurate lease agreements, property valuations, and market comparisons, supporting a healthy and transparent commercial real estate landscape.
BOMA standards continue to evolve, addressing changes in building design and the rise of flexible workspace models, solidifying their foundational role in the commercial real estate industry.
BOMA Standards provide a consistent and objective methodology for measuring rentable building area.
The ‘rose system’ prioritizes straight-line measurements to ensure objectivity and minimize subjective interpretation.
Adherence to BOMA standards is often a contractual requirement, providing a legal framework for resolving area-related disputes.
Pilates Studios focus on tenant experience and wellness, while BOMA Standards focus on precise area measurement and standardization.
Pilates Studios are driven by Joseph Pilates’ principles of movement and mindfulness, whereas BOMA Standards prioritize objective measurement and legal consistency.
Pilates Studio design centers on the functional needs of exercise and therapeutic practice, contrasting with BOMA’s emphasis on consistent spatial calculations.
Both concepts directly influence property valuation and lease agreements, affecting financial performance.
Both are increasingly relevant in the context of flexible workspace models, reflecting evolving tenant demands.
Both require specialized expertise in design and implementation to be effectively integrated into commercial properties.
A high-end office building incorporates a Pilates Studio to attract and retain employees, differentiating it from competitors and enhancing its appeal as a desirable workplace. This strategy is particularly effective in markets with strong competition for talent, showcasing a commitment to employee wellbeing.
A coworking space introduces a Pilates Studio as a premium amenity to justify higher lease rates and attract members seeking a holistic wellness offering, distinguishing it from traditional office spaces.
A developer uses BOMA standards to accurately measure the rentable area of a new industrial warehouse, ensuring transparent and legally sound lease agreements with potential tenants.
A real estate investment trust (REIT) utilizes BOMA standards to consistently assess the value of its portfolio of office buildings, facilitating accurate financial reporting and investment decisions.
Enhanced tenant attraction and retention, particularly in competitive markets.
Improved employee wellbeing and productivity.
Positive impact on property valuation and lease rates.
Higher initial investment and ongoing operational costs.
Requires specialized equipment, instructor training, and maintenance.
Potential for noise and vibration impacting neighboring tenants.
Provides a consistent and objective methodology for area measurement.
Minimizes disputes and ensures legal compliance.
Facilitates accurate property valuation and market comparisons.
Can be perceived as inflexible or rigid in certain situations.
May not accurately reflect the true usable area for tenants.
Requires ongoing updates to address evolving building designs and usage patterns.
WeWork incorporates dedicated Pilates studios within select locations to offer a premium wellness experience to its members.
Several Class A office buildings in major metropolitan areas now feature on-site Pilates studios as part of their amenity package.
Most commercial leases explicitly reference BOMA standards for area calculation, providing a clear framework for both landlords and tenants.
Real estate appraisal firms routinely use BOMA standards to determine the market value of commercial properties.
Pilates Studios and BOMA Standards represent distinct yet increasingly intertwined aspects of the modern commercial real estate landscape. While Pilates Studios enhance tenant experience and property appeal, BOMA Standards provide the foundational framework for transparent and consistent area measurement.
The synergistic integration of both concepts—offering attractive amenities within a legally and financially sound framework—is increasingly critical for maximizing property value and achieving sustainable success in a competitive market.
Future developments will likely see further innovation in both areas, with technology playing a key role in optimizing studio design and automating area calculation processes, fostering a more efficient and tenant-centric commercial real estate environment.
