APUS Sports

Introduction

Opening a gym is a major investment, and the right equipment determinesits success. Gym owners often ask: where should I start and how can I avoidoverspending on equipment?
In this guide, you’ll find a step-by-step process for planning your gymequipment – from needs analysis, through selecting machines, to service andbudgeting.

Step 1: Define the gym profile

Before buying equipment, consider:

Who will be your clients? (beginners, advanced users, seniors, athletes).
How large will the gym be? (small neighborhood club, mid-sized fitness room, large commercial facility).
Do you want to specialize in something specific? (e.g. functional training, strength, cardio).

The gym profile determines the type and amountof equipment.

Step 2: Plan training zones

A well-organized gym should have clearly defined areas:

Cardio - treadmills, bikes, cross-trainers,
Strength machines - guided-motion equipment and stack-loaded machines, safe for beginners,
Free weights - barbells, dumbbells, benches,
Functional training - kettlebells, bands, medicine,
Mobility & stretching zone - mats, rollers.

Step 3: Choose commercial equipment

Gym equipment must be:

Durable (built for many hours of daily use).
Safe ( stable construction).
Easy to use (important for new members).

Example starter set:

2 treadmills, 2 bikes, 1 cross-trainer,
4-5 strength machines,
dumbbell sets,
adjustable benches,
functional training accessories,
fitness accessories.

Step 4: Ensure service and warranty

Regular service of equipment:

minimizes repair costs,
extends the lifetime of machines,
provides users with safety and comfort.

Choose a supplier that offers on-site serviceand quick response times.

Step 5: Set budget and growth plan

Small gym (up to 150 m²) - up to €30 000
Medium gym (150–400 m²) – €30 000 - 60 000
Large club (400 m²+) – €60 000

Don’t forget to allocate part of the budget for:

accessories,
safety systems,
sports flooring.

FAQ - How to plan the equipment for a new gym

What are the most common mistakes when equipping a gym?

Too few cardio machines
No dedicated space for free weights.
Buying semi-professional instead of commercial-grade equipment.

Is it worth investing in fitness accessories?
Yes – they are inexpensive, space-saving, and add variety to workouts.

Do I have to buy everything at once?
No – start with the essential zones and expand as your budget and member basegrow.

Summary

Planning a gym requires analyzing client needs, dividing space intozones, and choosing durable, commercial-grade equipment.

Key steps:

Define your gym profile and target group.
Plan the training zone.
Select commercial and safe equipment.
Ensure service and warranty.
Set a budget and expand step by step.

Contact Apus Sports to receive a tailored gymdesign and equipment proposal for your business.

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How to plan the equipment for a new gym - step by step