Meet Annie Epstein of Modern Gym Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Epstein.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I spent decades as a personal trainer, starting out in a huge commercial gym in Manhattan and later spending most of my career at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Buckhead. I kept trying to move into something new, but my résumé didn’t lend itself to anything but more training positions. Then a client asked me to set up a full gym in their new basement. I loved the project, and the owners tell me it’s used every day. That’s when I realized I didn’t need a new industry, just a different role within it.

I started talking to architects, designers, realtors, and builders, and none of them had anyone to call or refer when clients needed a real gym planned. Their clients were essentially on their own when it came to designing the space and choosing the right equipment. That’s the gap I decided to fill, and I started Modern Gym Design.

2025 has been my first true year in it. My projects include a company gym, a private country club gym, high-end homes, and two large apartment-complex gyms. I already have projects lined up for 2026, and I’m set for a very busy year!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not really. I’d wanted to change directions for a long time, but I couldn’t move on because I was an active alcoholic for years. When you get sober, some changes happen fast but the more meaningful shifts take longer. I needed to rebuild my physical and emotional health and learn how to start taking steady, positive steps. I wasn’t capable or confident enough to start a business during those first several years of sobriety. Eventually I got to a place where I was able to take the risk of starting a business by myself. I could never have achieved that without moving into the “quality” phase of sobriety. It took awhile…but here I am!

Also, the business aspect of starting a company was the largest learning curve for me, as I had always worked for other people and didn’t have to delve into that part of that world. I have made plenty of mistakes, which are crucial for growth. But I am learning more and more with each project. The mistakes are painful, but you just can’t give up!

As you know, we’re big fans of Modern Gym Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I design and equip gyms for high – end residences, multi family properties, and commercial gyms. Most clients know what they want to be able to do in a gym. They just need help figuring out what belongs in the space and just as importantly, what does not! I set it up so it is unique to the client, functions well, and looks great. The process is very collaborative. I listen to how clients describe their workouts, what they like, what they avoid, and how they want the room to feel. And if someone doesn’t work out YET, I know exactly how to guide them to their start. Then I build the plan around that and take them from layout through installation so the space is clean, functional, and ready to train in.
What makes me different from many other gym designers / equipment suppliers is that I’ve been a personal trainer for a very long time. I’ve spent my working hours in gyms – all kinds of gyms. I know them in a way that you only learn by spending years on the floor.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Wellness and exercise are now a top priority to more and more people, and this industry is constantly evolving. New strength pieces smarter, and cardio machines offer more features. Many of the newer consoles go far beyond basic entertainment, offering gaming and fully interactive training experiences.

Over the next several years, I see more tech showing up in any fitness space, better compact strength and cardio options for smaller homes, and more of a focus on making these rooms presentable as part of their home or commercial space. I think the equipment options are going to become even more interactive but also more user friendly, for both beginner and elite exercisers. So many changes we could only imagine years ago have become reality. That will continue.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moderngymdesign.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/ModernGymDesign
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-epstein-66439a2/
• Other: annie@moderngymdesign.com