If you’re looking to set up a commercial gym in whatever shape or form – a traditional gym, or one in a hotel, apartment block, sports club or school – one of your first tasks will be to budget for the initial fitout.

A commercial gym fitout is the process of getting your gym ready for use by members and guests. It encompasses building improvements, buying and installing equipment, implementing technology, and branding and decorating the space.

Properly budgeting for a gym fitout sets you up for long-term success. It encourages cost-effective gym design, where every dollar is spent wisely. It increases the likelihood that these initial investments will generate a return. And it helps you to attract and retain more members by creating a welcoming, easy to navigate space filled with modern machines.

At GymQuip we’ve spent decades delivering all manner of commercial gym fitouts. In this guide we’ll walk you through the key considerations of budgeting for your commercial gym setup, from the gym fitout costs you need to consider, to the gym fitout ROI you can expect.


The key costs of a commercial gym fitout

The first step of budgeting for a commercial gym fitout is to understand all the different costs that need to be taken into account. At a basic level, these will include:

Equipment costs

The fitness equipment and accessories that your members and guests will want to use, including:

  • Strength machines: Smith machines, racks, plate-loaded equipment.
  • Cardio equipment: Bikes, treadmills, rowing machines.
  • Free weights/functional training: Dumbbells, kettlebells, balls, ropes.


Flooring & layout design

Consider investing in professional guidance on layout, then fit out your space based on those plans:

  • Rubber flooring: Protect the building from damage and make the space more comfortable for members.
  • Artificial turf: Great for functional training zones.
  • Soundproofing: Depending on your location you may want to block outside noise or prevent gym noise from escaping.


Technology & smart equipment integration

From using exercise data to optimise workout routines, to enhancing the member experience, smart gym technology is a wise investment:

  • Smart training machines: AI-powered gym equipment can form an incredible USP for your gym.
  • Workout tracking software/wearable integration: Choose machines that allow members to track their workouts however they choose.
  • Contactless member access: Let members access your gym 24/7, while retaining control over who is let in.

 

Branding & aesthetics

The look of your gym has a huge impact on the feel of your gym, and how welcome and comfortable people feel in the space.

  • Signage and branding: Make sure people know who you are, to maximise referral business.
  • Lighting and mirrors: A well-lit space with plenty of mirrors can help to make workouts more comfortable and effective.
  • Interior design: Choose a theme – industrial, organic, futuristic, minimalist – and make your space beautiful.


Other costs

Beyond the main considerations above, other gym fitout costs can include:

  • Equipment delivery/installation: The costs that sit beyond the sticker price of a piece of equipment.
  • Gym management systems: The software that will allow you to efficiently run your gym.
  • Office/front desk equipment: The appliances, furniture and consumables your workers need to do their jobs.
  • Changerooms/toilets: Any setup or improvements these areas may require.

 

Cost-saving tips (without compromising quality)

The ultimate aim of budgeting for a gym fitout is to optimise your bang for buck – minimising spend while maximising the potential gym fitout ROI.

On the cost side of the equation, there are a few clever ways to stretch your budget a little further without cheapening the experience you offer your members and guests.

  • Multi-functional equipment: Maximise space and push your budget further by choosing machines that combine multiple workouts into a single piece of equipment, like smith machines and functional trainers.
  • Choose quality: Gym equipment costs should be viewed through a long-term lens. Invest in purpose-built commercial gym machines from reputable brands, as this durable, low-maintenance equipment will last far longer and require less upkeep.
  • Consider pre-owned/refurbished equipment: If you have a particularly limited budget, secondhand equipment might be an option, provided it’s commercial grade and is safe to use.
  • Buy to your layout: Develop a detailed gym layout that maximises your use of space, including all the equipment that will fill that space, before you start shopping, to avoid unnecessary purchases.


Understanding ROI: how a well-planned fitout pays off

With gym fitout costs minimised, your next budget challenge is to maximise the revenue that your fitout investments generate. When you plan your commercial gym fitout well, gym revenue can be enhanced in a number of ways.

Higher member retention & engagement

When your members have access to a nice space, filled with quality equipment and smart tech, they enjoy their experience more, and engage more deeply with it, which ultimately increases the likelihood that they will achieve their body and fitness goals.

Increased revenue opportunities

A well planned gym will be littered with value-adding products and services that can increase your bottom line: dedicated personal training spaces, merch and supplement sales, VIP member areas and more.

Long-term savings on repairs & replacements

By dedicating funds to commercial-grade, highly durable equipment, you may pay a little more upfront, but you can pay far less over time, thanks to the longer lifespans and lower maintenance requirements of this durable equipment.

Enhanced property value & market appeal

By planning a gym in a new residential building, you can significantly increase the market appeal for buyers. And by adding a gym to your hotel plans, you can attract new types of guests – most notably those in the particularly valuable corporate travel sector.


GymQuip: commercial gym fit-out specialists

With so many factors to consider and decisions to make, budgeting for a commercial gym fitout can be an intimidating prospect. So why do it alone? Good news: you don’t have to.

If you’re looking for expert advice on exactly how to fit out your new gym – layout, equipment, ongoing maintenance and more – the expert GymQuip team is here to help.

At GymQuip we boast over three decades of experience in fitting out commercial gyms. Beginning with a consulting session, we’ll design your floor plan; identify, deliver and install equipment; then provide all the ongoing service and support you need to keep your gym running smoothly.

Ready to form a budget for your commercial gym? Get in touch with our friendly team today.