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Our business plan for a gym will help you build a profitable project
Starting a gym is an exciting venture, but determining what equipment you need can be overwhelming.
The challenge lies in selecting the right equipment mix without overspending or leaving gaps in your offering.
Every gym has different target markets and space constraints, and equipment costs can escalate quickly without proper planning.
Complete Gym Equipment List
Opening a successful gym requires strategic equipment selection and proper space planning. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to create a functional fitness facility.
Cardiovascular Equipment
- Treadmills - Essential for running and walking workouts
- Elliptical machines - Low-impact full-body cardio exercise
- Stationary bikes - Upright and recumbent options for cycling
- Rowing machines - Full-body cardiovascular and strength training
- Stair climbers - Intensive lower body and cardio workout
- Arc trainers - Cross-training machines for varied workouts
- Spin bikes - High-intensity cycling for group classes
Strength Training Equipment
- Free weights - Dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates
- Weight benches - Adjustable and fixed benches for various exercises
- Power racks/squat racks - Safe heavy lifting with spotting systems
- Cable machines - Multi-station units for targeted muscle work
- Leg press machines - Lower body strength development
- Lat pulldown machines - Upper body pulling exercises
- Chest press machines - Upper body pushing movements
- Smith machines - Guided barbell exercises for safety
- Olympic lifting platforms - Dedicated areas for heavy lifting
- Kettlebells - Functional strength and conditioning tools
- Resistance bands - Portable and versatile training aids
Functional Training Equipment
- TRX suspension trainers - Bodyweight resistance training systems
- Medicine balls - Dynamic strength and core training
- Battle ropes - High-intensity interval training equipment
- Plyometric boxes - Jump training and explosive movements
- Agility ladders - Speed and coordination development
- Foam rollers - Recovery and mobility tools
- Balance balls - Core stability and rehabilitation
- Bosu balls - Balance and functional training platforms
Group Fitness Equipment
- Yoga mats - Floor exercise and stretching sessions
- Aerobic steps - Step aerobics and circuit training
- Light dumbbells - Group fitness class equipment
- Resistance tubes - Portable strength training for classes
- Pilates equipment - Reformers and stability tools
- Mirrors - Full-wall coverage for form checking
- Sound system - Music and instruction amplification
Locker Room & Amenities
- Lockers - Secure storage for member belongings
- Benches - Seating in changing areas
- Showers - Private stalls with fixtures
- Towel service - Clean towels for member convenience
- Hair dryers - Grooming amenities for members
- Water fountains - Hydration stations throughout facility
- Vending machines - Snacks and beverages for purchase
Reception & Management
- Reception desk - Check-in and customer service area
- Computer system - Membership management software
- Access control - Key cards or biometric entry systems
- Cash register/POS - Payment processing and retail sales
- Seating area - Comfortable waiting space for guests
- Retail display - Supplements and merchandise showcase
Safety & Maintenance
- First aid kits - Emergency medical supplies
- AED machine - Automated external defibrillator for emergencies
- Fire extinguishers - Safety equipment required by codes
- Security cameras - Monitoring system for facility safety
- Cleaning supplies - Sanitizers and equipment cleaners
- Equipment mats - Floor protection under heavy machines
- Emergency lighting - Backup power for safe evacuation
Flooring & Infrastructure
- Rubber flooring - Shock-absorbing surfaces for weight areas
- Carpet tiles - Comfortable flooring for stretching areas
- Ventilation system - Air circulation and climate control
- Lighting - Bright, even illumination throughout facility
- Electrical supply - Adequate power for all equipment
- Plumbing - Water supply and drainage for amenities
Technology & Entertainment
- TV screens - Entertainment during cardio workouts
- Wi-Fi system - Internet access for members
- Fitness tracking integration - Apps and wearable device compatibility
- Booking system - Class scheduling and reservation platform
Additional Services
- Personal training area - Semi-private space for one-on-one sessions
- Childcare equipment - Safe play area for member children
- Massage tables - Therapeutic services for members
- Nutrition consultation area - Private space for dietary counseling
Our financial plan for a gym will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most gym owners spend between $50,000 and $300,000 on equipment, depending on their size and target market. You really can't go below $30,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic cardio machines, free weights, and essential strength equipment just to attract members and operate competitively.
- Small Neighborhood Gym
A small neighborhood gym with basic equipment needs around $30,000-$75,000, and most of that budget goes toward essential cardio machines and a solid free weight selection.
- Medium-Sized Fitness Center
A medium-sized fitness center with diverse equipment typically runs $75,000-$175,000, with specialized machines, group fitness equipment, and enhanced amenities.
- Large Commercial Gym
A large commercial gym or full-service facility can easily hit $175,000-$300,000, especially when you add premium equipment, multiple machine stations, and luxury amenities.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Neighborhood Gym ($30,000 - $75,000)
Small gyms focus on essential equipment that covers basic fitness needs without overwhelming the space. The goal is providing quality fundamentals that attract and retain local members.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cardio Equipment | 3-4 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, 2 stationary bikes, basic models with essential features, heart rate monitoring | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Free Weights | Complete dumbbell set 5-100 lbs, Olympic barbell set, weight plates, 2-3 adjustable benches | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Strength Machines | Multi-station cable machine, leg press, lat pulldown, basic chest press, adjustable weight stacks | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Functional Training | TRX systems, medicine balls, resistance bands, basic kettlebell set, foam rollers, yoga mats | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Locker Room & Amenities | 20-30 lockers, basic benches, 2 shower stalls, water fountain, basic sound system | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Reception & Access | Simple reception desk, basic POS system, key card access, member check-in computer | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Equipment delivery, basic installation, flooring, mirrors, initial setup and safety inspection | $2,000 - $5,000 |
Medium-Sized Fitness Center ($75,000 - $175,000)
Medium fitness centers need more variety and capacity to serve diverse member needs. You're investing in equipment that allows for specialized training and group activities.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cardio Equipment | 8-10 treadmills with entertainment screens, 4-5 ellipticals, 4 bikes, 2 rowing machines, stair climbers | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| Free Weights | Extended dumbbell range, multiple barbell stations, power rack with pull-up bars, Olympic lifting platform | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Strength Machines | Complete circuit of selectorized machines, Smith machine, multiple cable stations, specialized leg equipment | $12,000 - $25,000 |
| Group Fitness Area | Dedicated studio space, mirrors, sound system, yoga equipment, aerobic steps, light weights for classes | $5,000 - $12,000 |
| Functional Training | Large functional training area, battle ropes, plyometric boxes, TRX, kettlebell range, suspension systems | $4,000 - $10,000 |
| Locker Rooms & Amenities | 50-75 lockers, multiple shower stalls, sauna, towel service, enhanced changing area amenities | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Technology & Management | Advanced POS system, member management software, Wi-Fi, TV screens, access control system | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Installation & Finishing | Professional installation, specialized flooring, complete mirror installation, enhanced lighting | $5,000 - $12,000 |
Large Commercial Gym ($175,000 - $300,000)
Large commercial gyms operate with extensive equipment selections and premium amenities. The focus is on providing comprehensive fitness solutions and luxury experiences that justify higher membership fees.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Cardio | 15-20 commercial treadmills with large screens, 8-10 ellipticals, multiple bike types, rowing machines, premium brands | $60,000 - $90,000 |
| Extensive Free Weights | Complete dumbbell range to 150 lbs, multiple power racks, Olympic lifting area, specialized bars and plates | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Comprehensive Strength | Full circuit of premium machines, multiple cable crossovers, specialized equipment for all muscle groups | $35,000 - $60,000 |
| Group Fitness Studios | Multiple studios for different class types, premium sound systems, specialized flooring, complete equipment sets | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Functional Training Zone | Large dedicated area with turf, climbing walls, advanced functional equipment, performance training tools | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Luxury Amenities | 100+ lockers, multiple shower suites, steam rooms, sauna, relaxation areas, premium finishes | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Technology Integration | Advanced member management, app integration, multiple TV screens, premium Wi-Fi, biometric access | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Professional Installation | Complete professional setup, premium flooring throughout, advanced lighting systems, ventilation upgrades | $12,000 - $25,000 |