5 Types of Gym Equipment Needed to Start Your Own Gym

Starting your own gym may seem challenging, especially if you don’t have an understanding of the customer base yet. As your gym grows, you will understand the machines and equipment that they prefer. 

Until then, consider purchasing used gym equipment so that you can start stocking your gym at a cheaper upfront cost. Not sure what equipment you need to get started? Check out these five types of gym equipment that every new gym needs. 

 

Read More: 5 Tips to Buying Used Gym Equipment

 

Treadmills

Treadmills are one of the most popular types of commercial gym equipment because cardio is a cornerstone in any workout. A good treadmill can cater to a wide variety of cardio needs. They’re great for a simple, low-impact walking exercise or running for those ready to take on high-intensity workouts.

When buying a treadmill, consider these things:

Price

Treadmills are available at various prices. Typically, they start around $500 and go up from there. Don’t skimp on your treadmill! If you’re starting your own commercial gym, expect that your treadmill will be one of your most frequently-used equipment, and you will want to buy quality to avoid breakdowns. 

Space

Depending on the amount of space you have, it’s important that you design your gym to accommodate multiple equipment. You don’t want a floor filled with treadmills and nothing else. Treadmills take up a significant amount of space, and most are not easy to move. You will want to check the measurements of both your floor space and the treadmills you want to buy.

Warranties

Because the treadmills you buy will be used every single day, you will want to make sure they are able to take on the work. They will have to sustain daily vigorous exercise, and you should always look for the model with the best warranty.

Warranties will vary based on where the treadmills are purchased, even if the model is the same. Every single model you purchase should have a motor warranty of at least one year, but three years is best. Check as well if warranty covers unit replacement, servicing, or both. 

 

Weight and Strength Machines

Many people can do cardio at home, so they may be drawn to your gym for strength equipment that they don’t have the room for. These machines are designed to allow for various strength exercises without using tons of equipment. One machine can offer a dozen or more different moves.

You may also want to consider jungle gyms, which multiple people can use at once to work various muscles using just one machine. If you have a space in your gym that has lower ceilings, jungle gyms may offer you the final piece of equipment you need to make your gym seem whole. 

When buying weight and strength equipment, consider the following:

Space 

You should make sure to have enough space for a couple of these machines so that multiple people can build strength at one time. Luckily, strength and weight machines don’t take up much room, you can plan to place them in crowded areas, or areas where other machines won’t fit. 

Uses/Function

As we mentioned, jungle gyms have many different functions and let more than one person works out at a time. When you’re purchasing weight machines and equipment, consider what people will be using them for and how often. This will help you better plan what other machines might be necessary for your gym. 

 

Free Weights

Every gym needs free weights because they give users almost endless options when it comes to building strength. Make sure you have the appropriate type of weights available for different strength training moves, and a selection of weight levels. When buying free weights, you should also consider:

Benches

A bench will come in handy for those who like to do bench presses and rows, so make sure you have that option available when you open your gym. If your customers aren’t able to work out in the manner they expect to upon entering your establishment; they may leave and not come back. 

Heaviness

All types of people will be using the free weights, and for this reason, you need to have both light and heavy options available. Some people may never have tried free weights before and will need the lightest possible option, while others have been strength training for years and need the heaviest options available. 

 

Read More: 3 Important Tips For Buying Commercial Gym Equipment

 

Ellipticals

Ellipticals give people the same cardio benefits as treadmills, but with less pounding on the joints. They have become one of the most popular machines for fitness enthusiasts because they are more comfortable to use, but offer the same benefits as a more intense machine. Because they are upright, they don’t take up much space. You could lump them with the treadmills to create a cardio area.

When you are looking for ellipticals you will need to consider:

Hybrids

You can purchase a normal elliptical, or you can purchase a cross-trainer, which is a hybrid between a stepper and an elliptical. If you don’t currently have a stepper, consider buying both an elliptical and a cross-trainer so that you can offer more variety in your gym. 

Popularity

Because ellipticals are low impact and extremely popular, you will need to purchase more than a few to satisfy your customers. You can also attract senior clientele by offering more low-impact exercise machines. 

 

Bikes

Another cardio machine, bikes also take up less space than treadmills, especially if they are upright. Those who are just getting into a fitness routine or those with joint issues will benefit from thee low-impact exercise bikes.

When looking for exercise bikes, consider the following:

Upright vs. Recumbent

You should make sure to have a variety of bikes available. Upright bikes are essential to any gym, but recumbent bikes allow users more comfort and are quickly becoming very popular. Make sure you have both so that you can please your clientele. 

Location

Upright bikes take up less space than recumbent. You should make sure that these bikes are near one another so that people can choose between their two options. 

 

Get started!

These five types of equipment will help you start filling up your gym and getting the customer base you need to succeed. 

What other gym equipment should all gyms have? Tell us in the comments!

The post 5 Types of Gym Equipment Needed to Start Your Own Gym  appeared first on Primo Fitness.