UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025
As a New Gym Specialist, I’m asked all the time: “How much does gym equipment cost?” The honest answer is: it depends on your space, mix (cardio vs. strength), duty level, freight, and timing. Below, I break down each factor so you can build a realistic 2025 budget—and use our New Gym Budget Calculator to see your numbers in minutes.
Price Table
| Gym Type and Size | Typical Equipment Mix | MSRP – Before Package Discount | Flooring Budget | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Studio (800-900 sq ft) | 2–6 cardio, 8–12 machines, free weights | $25k–$60k | $2k–$6k | 2–12 weeks |
| Women’s Only | 10 hydraulic machines | $36k | $2k–$6k | 10–12 weeks |
| Women’s Only | 10 hydraulic machines, 2–4 cardio | $42k–$50k | $3k–$6k | 10–12 weeks |
| Only Senior Fitness Center (700 sq ft) | 4 cardio | $22k | $2k–$5k | 2–3 weeks |
| Boutique Gym (1,200–1,400 sq ft) | 4–6 cardio, 8–12 machines, plate loaded | $60k–$140k | $4k–$6k | 2–12 weeks |
| Full Commercial Gym (1,500 sq ft) | 5 cardio, 8–10 machines, free weight, misc. | $112k | $5k–$7k | 10–12 weeks |
| Full Commercial Gym (2,000–3,000 sq ft) | 10–12 cardio, 12 machines, free weight, plate loaded, misc. | $135k–$180k | $7.5k–$8k | 10–12 weeks |
| Full Commercial Gym (4,000 sq ft) | 20 cardio, 12 machines, free weight, plate loaded, misc. | $240k | $8.5k | 10–12 weeks |
| Full Commercial Gym (5,000 sq ft) | 25 cardio, 13 machines, free weight, plate loaded, misc. | $288k | $9k | 10–12 weeks |
| Employee Fitness Center (700 sq ft) | 4 cardio, multi-station, free weight, misc. | $40k | $2.5k–$3k | 2 weeks |
| Hotels & Apartments (600–1,000 sq ft) | 3–5 cardio, 8 machines, dumbbells, misc. | $30k–$75k | $2k–$3k | 2 weeks |
| Clubhouse (800–1,000 sq ft) | 5 cardio, functional trainer, dumbbells, misc. | $35k | $2k–$4k | 2–4 weeks |
Part 1 – Types of Gym Equipment (Commercial vs. Light Commercial vs. Residential)
There are three broad categories of gym equipment: full commercial, light commercial, and residential/home.
Because this guide is for people opening and operating a gym as a business, we’ll focus on commercial and light commercial options. Residential gear is built for occasional home use and isn’t designed—or warranted—for a revenue-generating facility.
Full Commercial Gym Equipment
What it is: Built with heavier-duty frames, cables, bearings, upholstery, and electronics to handle all-day, every-day use by a wide range of members.
Where it’s used: Membership gyms, 24/7 facilities, sports performance centers, university rec, etc.
Why it matters: Reliability and longevity. Modern full commercial lines—e.g., Impact Fitness Triumph Series strength, BH Fitness cardio, Jacobs Ladder, and Troy Barbell plates/bars—are engineered to perform for years when maintained.
Light Commercial Gym Equipment
What it is: Commercial-quality equipment designed for moderate traffic environments.
Where it fits: Corporate fitness rooms, condo/HOA and apartment gyms, police & fire departments, PT studios, and some smaller membership facilities.
Good options: Lines like Spirit Fitness and Body-Solid (select series) often hit the right balance of quality, warranty, and price for these settings.
How to choose between them
A quick way to sanity-check your choice is the manufacturer’s warranty. If a brand won’t warrant a line for your facility type (e.g., membership gym with heavy traffic), that’s a sign you should step up to a full commercial alternative. Also consider expected daily usage, peak loads, and member expectations—not just day-one cost.
A note on used/refurbished equipment
You’ll see terms like “used,” “refurbished,” and “remanufactured” online. These labels aren’t standardized, and quality varies widely. If you explore this route, ask for specifics: what was replaced, who did the work, parts sourcing, testing, and warranty.
That said, your grand opening is your one chance at a first impression. Starting with modern, new equipment signals quality, reliability, and long-term commitment. If budget is tight, our New Gym Specialists can blend strategies—prioritize new on high-wear items, consider selective refurb where it truly makes sense, and leverage package discounts to keep you on budget.
Part 2 – How to Get the Most Gym Equipment for Your Money
When you’re opening a new gym, everyone wants to sell you something. My job as a New Gym Specialist is simple: make sure you get the right equipment at the best total deal—not just the lowest sticker price.
Whether you’re building a 24/7 co-ed facility, personal training studio, women’s-only gym, functional/CrossFit-style space, corporate fitness room, apartment/HOA gym, or sports performance center, there are three essentials to maximizing value:
The 3 Main Ingredients to Your Best Deal
- Only Purchase New Equipment
- Only Purchase as a Complete Package
- Only Purchase through a New Gym Specialist
We’ll walk through each so you can buy with confidence.
1) Only Purchase New Equipment
Cutting costs is smart—cutting corners on equipment isn’t. As covered in Part 1, used/refurb labels aren’t standardized, warranties are limited, and reliability is uncertain. For a new gym, your first impression matters:
- Warranty & uptime: Full manufacturer coverage and parts availability keep you open and earning.
- Member perception: New, modern equipment signals quality and commitment.
- Total cost of ownership: Downtime, repairs, and replacements make “cheap” used gear expensive fast.
A New Gym Specialist will align brand/series choices with your traffic levels and budget so you launch with new equipment and peace of mind.
2) Only Purchase as a Complete Package
This is where large savings happen. Complete Package Purchasing bundles what you already need—strength, cardio, free weights, accessories, plus shipping and on-site assembly—so you gain bulk pricing across the whole project.
Why it works:
- Tiered/bulk discounts applied across multiple lines and categories
- One coordinated shipment & install, which also get discounted
- Right mix, right counts for your space and members (no gaps, no waste)
What a true Discounted Complete Package includes:
- The right equipment mix and quantities for your gym type and square footage
- Line-by-line discounts that roll up into a total package price
- Freight and on-site assembly included in the package (no “cheap equipment, pricey freight” bait-and-switch)
- Clear lead times, install scope, and warranty details
If a quote looks great until shipping/assembly shows up as an oversized add-on, it’s not a real package deal.
3) Only Purchase through a New Gym Specialist
A New Gym Specialist is your advantage. With years in the industry, we combine product knowledge, vendor relationships, and layout experience to deliver more value for the same (or less) budget.
What you get working with us:
- Custom Complete Package built for your space, member profile, and goals
- A floor plan/layout and equipment list tuned to traffic flow and safety
- Best-available pricing via manufacturer and distributor programs
- Freight & install planning (stairs, elevators, timing, site access)
- Lead-time management so you open on schedule
- Ongoing support after delivery
Sample packages are a great starting point—useful for sizing and budgeting—then we tailor from there so your package is made for you, not just “close enough.”
Part 3 – Determining Your Budget
People come to me as a New Gym Specialist to turn a long-held dream into a real, profitable gym. You might be planning a co-ed 24/7 facility, a personal training studio, a women’s-only gym, a functional/CrossFit-style space, or another concept altogether.
This chapter of “How Much Does Gym Equipment Cost?” covers a crucial early step: setting your equipment budget.
Opening a gym is a passion project—but it’s also a business. Before I build your Complete Package, I need a clear sense of your budget so I can maximize quality, coverage, and value across cardio, selectorized strength, plate-loaded pieces, free weights, and accessories—without overshooting.
The three questions that define your budget
Your budget influences what you buy, how much you buy, and the quality level you choose. Start with three simple questions:
- How much can I afford to spend on equipment?
Treat equipment as its own line item separate from build-out, advertising, staffing, and working capital. Look at available cash, access to capital, and realistic timelines. The goal is a dedicated equipment number that won’t starve the rest of your launch plan. - How much am I comfortable allocating?
“Can afford” and “comfortable allocating” aren’t always the same. We’ll match the package to your comfort range—without under-equipping the floor. First impressions matter: a complete, modern layout attracts and keeps members. (As covered in Part 1, used gear risks warranty limits, reliability issues, and a weaker opening impression.) - How will I pay for it?
Cash, equipment financing/leases, bank loans, or a staged purchase plan are all options. We’ll outline pros/cons and monthly cash-flow examples in Part 4 (Financing & Leasing).
Why clarity up front pays off
Once I know your budget range, I can:
- Prioritize the right mix (cardio/strength/free weight) for your member profile
- Recommend the appropriate duty level (commercial vs. light commercial)
- Package everything—including freight and on-site assembly—to capture the best savings
- Keep you on timeline and under total project cost
Quick prep checklist (what to share with your New Gym Specialist)
New vs. mixed considerations (we strongly recommend new for launch)
Square footage and ceiling height
Target opening date and membership goals
Noise/elevator/stairs or access constraints
Preferred brands or must-have stations
Budget range (comfortable + absolute max)
Part 4 – Funding Options (How to Pay for Your Gym Equipment)
Every new gym is unique, and the best funding method depends on your situation. Whether you’re launching a 24/7 co-ed gym, a personal training studio, a functional/CrossFit-style space, a women’s-only gym, or a sports performance facility, your New Gym Specialist will help steer you toward the right option—and the best total deal.
Why funding comes first
Having funds lined up lets us design a Complete Package (equipment + freight + on-site assembly) that maximizes value within your limits—so you get the right mix of cardio, selectorized strength, plate-loaded pieces, free weights, bars/plates, dumbbells, and accessories without overspending.
Your funding options (with quick pros & cons)
1) Direct Pay (Cash)
What it is: Pay in full up front.
Pros: Lowest total cost; no interest; no collateral; simplest path to the Discounted Complete Package.
Cons: Not always feasible on larger builds.
2) Investor / Partner
What it is: One or more investors provide capital in exchange for a share of profits/equity.
Pros: Reduces your upfront cash; no bank interest; aligned incentives.
Cons: Choose partners carefully; use a clear, written agreement (roles, profit share, exit terms).
3) Bank Loan (Term Loan)
What it is: Traditional small-business financing via your bank.
Pros: Often lower rates than leases; you keep full ownership; straightforward payments.
Cons: May require a business plan, collateral, and underwriting time.
4) Leasing (Equipment Financing-to-Own)
What it is: Credit-based monthly payments (commonly 36–60 months) that lead to ownership.
Pros: Simple application; potential tax advantages; minimal upfront.
Cons: Typically higher rates than bank loans; stronger credit usually required; some structures involve multiple payment recipients.
5) Direct Pay + Leasing Hybrid
What it is: Pay part in cash and lease the balance.
Pros: Lowers the monthly payment while keeping many leasing/tax advantages.
Cons: You’ll still pay interest on the financed portion.
Quick monthly payment guide (rule of thumb)
A helpful planning heuristic is ~$30–$35 per $1,000 per month (36–48 mo, OAC).
Here’s what that looks like at common project sizes:
| Project total | Est. monthly range |
|---|---|
| $30,000 | $900–$1,050/mo |
| $60,000 | $1,800–$2,100/mo |
| $120,000 | $3,600–$4,200/mo |
| $200,000 | $6,000–$7,000/mo |
| $300,000 | $9,000–$10,500/mo |
Estimates only. Actual terms depend on credit, term length, structure, and market rates. We’ll price your package first, then provide real offers.
In Summary
Direct Pay is the least expensive way for you to open your new gym. If that isn’t entirely feasible, there are several options to help you get the right gym equipment to be successful. Of these options, the Direct Pay / Leasing Hybrid is a very good one if you have some amount of funds on hand. It gives you control over what you pay monthly for your lease payments and can quickly put you on the road to owning your new gym.
Once you have secured your funds, your first call should be to your New Gym Specialist so that he can get started doing what he does – determining the best product mix for your new gym and creating a Custom Gym Equipment Package at a Discounted Package Price.
Regardless of how you secure your funds, remember that your equipment will need to be paid for in full to place your order. This allows your New Gym Specialist to quickly distribute the funds to the proper sources so that you can take advantage of all of the discounts that he has gotten put in place
Ready to discuss funding paths?
Contact us with your budget range and target opening date—we’ll propose your Custom Complete Package and apply the best discount we can offer for your scenario.
New Gym Budget Calculator (2025)
New Gym Budget Calculator (2025)
Estimate
Notes: Estimates exclude build-out (electrical/HVAC), permits, taxes, and delivery. Flooring is optional and shown as $/sq ft.
Written by Bill at BAMPSCO International Inc. / GymStarters.com