Opening A Gym Requirement #4) Equipment

The total costs for equipment can be as little as $10,000 and up to $1M for luxurious gyms equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. There are many ways to lower the price of the fitness equipment, such as to buy used/refurbished equipment or to purchase less essential machines.

The cheapest pieces of equipment for gyms are dumbbells and racks. In contrast, the most expensive equipment is electronics-powered equipment such as treadmills and stationary bikes. 

As a new gym owner, you have to apply smart budgeting to equip your gym without overspending. The gym only requires essential equipment at the beginning. Once it gains membership, you can progressively update the advance equipment you have. 

The following are the essential pieces of equipment for every gym:

Dumbbells

The gym doesn’t exist without dumbbells. When people think of a gym, the first image that pops in mind is a fitness enthusiast lifting weights. You need dumbbells for hundreds of different exercises, and most members will be spending their time exercising on dumbbells, even more than technologically-advanced machines.

The benefit of dumbbells is that they’re pure metal, and they cost very little, making purchasing a vast number of dumbbells affordable for all gyms. Dumbbells will always vary in weight, and they can weigh anywhere from 2 lbs to 100+ lbs (1kg to 50+ kg).

Certain dumbbells are adjustable based on weight, and users can simply remove or add the weight they need.

The average cost is $10 on the low-end up to $200 for the most expensive dumbbells. The more they weigh, the more they cost. There’s also the brand factor that influences price.

Kettlebells

Kettlebells are similar to other dumbbells, but the main difference is that the weight is within a circular box, and this makes them practical for different aerobic exercises and unconventional lifting.

Kettlebell exercises combine the benefits of weight-lifting and cardio training. Each gym typically has dozens of kettlebells. 

These weights are some of the most used and affordable pieces of gym equipment, and you can buy them in bulk.

Treadmills

Treadmills are an essential piece of equipment for cardio workouts. Many people exclusively come to the gym to run on treadmills if it’s not possible to run outside due to bad weather. Each gym will need at least one working treadmill, and the largest gyms have 20-30 treadmills lined up against each other.

The best treadmills can support multiple users. They’ll also have customized workout regimes, making them usable for gyms with hundreds of members who all want to exercise on their own terms. 

Note: Treadmills are dangerous, and they must support the weight of all users. For gyms with a lot of overweight members, you’ll need a treadmill that can support at least 300-400 lbs.

Treadmills also vary in things such as belt size. In general, you want to opt for a treadmill that provides at least 50” in length because some users might be taller than others and have bigger strides. This way, they won’t fall off the treadmill or feel uncomfortable running. 

Regarding speed, gym treadmills require at least ten mph speed, but ideally, they should be even faster.

The average cost of a treadmill is $200-2000, depending on the brand.

Indoor Bicycles

Indoor bicycles are essential cardio equipment, and each gym needs at least one indoor bicycle. They’re similar to a treadmill but far less dangerous, as the person is comfortably seated on the bike seat, similar to a real bicycle. 

There are many different kinds of indoor bicycles, and they vary in size and price. They can target different areas of the body, including the upper body. The following are the three main types of indoor bicycles to consider for your gym:

Indoor Cycling Bikes

Cycling bikes imitate the functioning of regular outdoor bicycles, and the experience is very similar. The downside is that they’re not optimized for improving the condition of the body as much as other stationary bikes.

Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes are “upright” in the sense that the user is seated at the back of the bike and the pedals are straight, which makes them stretch while they’re biking. These are ideal for all forms of lower-body exercise.

Upright Bikes

Upright bikes are similar to indoor cycling bikes, but they tend to be more featured-loaded and expensive.

The average cost of a bicycle is $100-200 on the low end up to $1000-2000 for advanced bikes.

Pullup Bars

Pullup bars are simple to install and attach to walls. They are essential equipment for strength-training and upper-body exercises. 

There are numerous exercises one can do on a pull-up bar, from slow gripping exercises to fast-moving exercises that increase stamina and strength.

Pullup bar exercises target different muscle groups, depending on the needs of the trainee. Most people train by pulling their chin over the bar and dropping down. The advantage is that they’re affordable and highly essential. Each gym needs at least a few pullup bars.

Pullup bars start at as low as $20, going up to $100 for high-end pullup bars.

Pullup Frame/Squat Rack

The pullup frame, also known as “Squat Rack,” is similar to a pullup bar. However, the main difference is that the person has to enter the frame to start exercising. 

The pullup frame is ideal for squatting, and it can target all areas of the body, not just the upper body. The main advantage is that pullup frames look like large machines, but they are relatively affordable and will suit any gym.

The lowest cost is $100-200 on average, while more expensive racks with safety nets can cost over $1000.

Bench Press

The bench press is one of the most used exercise machines in the gym, and it’s a staple of body-building. They are moderately expensive, but the advantage is that you only need one or two to complete your gym.

Bench presses are used for strength-training and increasing power in the upper-body by targeting the arms, biceps, and chest. They are highly in demand, and each gym needs at least one bench press.

It costs $200-300 for the average bench press. More “luxurious” options by brand names can cost $500+.

Pulldown Machines

Pulldown machines work on the principle of pulling from the top down, which strengthens the upper body muscles in the back. They’re essential for the gym because they allow users to enhance the back area.

Pulldown machines are easy to use, and all one needs is to pull towards the bottom while keeping the back straight. The best part is that they tend to be moderately priced and immense.

The average cost is $200-500, depending on the pulling capability and brand backing.

Leg Extension Machines

Leg extension machines exclusively target the lower body and improve the condition of the legs. They’re relatively affordable and highly desirable for any gym.

The average cost is $300-500 per machine.

Dipping Bars

Dipping bars present an alternative to both pullup bars and squat racks because they allow people to grip on the bars and pull themselves up, which boosts strength in the upper body. 

These bars can be a bit more dangerous as the whole weight of the body is carried by the shoulders, and users might injure themselves if they’re not careful. They are very affordable, with the average set costing $100-200, depending on the brand.

Incline Bench Press

The incline bench press is almost identical to a regular bench press. The main difference being they are raised while regular bench presses are flat. The incline provides an elevation which enables users to target different muscle groups.

Incline bench presses cost $200-300 on the low end over $500 for bench presses with more weight options.

Pulley Machine

The pulley machine is one of the largest machines for the gym that can perform dozens of different exercises using customizable grips and cables. This machine is a serious investment, and you might want to consider whether your gym needs a pulley machine when you’re starting, as the $3,000 average cost is quite expensive.