Launching a new fitness facility is an exciting endeavor that requires careful planning. You must know who your target audience is and what equipment you should buy to appeal to potential members. With so many options available, deciding exactly which equipment to invest in can be hard. After all, you don’t want to waste funds on machines that will go unused.
We’ve created this guide to detail the essential gym equipment for starting a new fitness facility so you make the best decisions for your facility.
Strength Training Essentials
Strength training builds muscle, improves endurance, and enhances overall functional fitness. Equipping your gym with the right tools ensures comprehensive training options for clients of all skill levels. When shopping for strength training machines, consider the strength training equipment below.
Selectorized Machines
Selectorized machines use a weight stack and guided motion paths, making them user-friendly and safe for beginners. Often, the weight ranges from around 5 to 200 pounds, and users slide a pin into the desired weight increment. Some examples of these machines include the following:
- seated leg press: develops lower body strength by engaging the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes
- inner and outer thigh machines: isolates the adductor and abductor muscles, providing stability and balance for better functional movement
- shoulder press: allows users to strengthen muscles in the shoulders, such as the deltoids, triceps, and traps
- tricep pushdown: targets triceps, supporting arm strength while minimizing strain on accompanying joints
It’s best to have several types of selectorized machines to target varying muscle groups; you don’t want equipment dedicated to just one area, such as the legs. With various machines, members can create a well-rounded workout routine anytime they visit your facility.
Plate-Loaded Machines
Plate-loaded machines are like selectorized machines in that they also use weight plates for resistance. However, these machines require the user to load and unload the plates. Some options for plate-loaded machines include these:
- chest press: builds chest muscles while engaging triceps and shoulders for balanced upper body strength
- hack squat: helps users target quads and glutes as they develop lower body muscles and power
- total body press: allows clients to execute compound exercises, delivering full-body strength gains
- ab crunch: provides a focused core workout, strengthening the abdominal muscles while ensuring proper posture and technique
Many fitness centers desire plate-loaded machines because they are durable, versatile, and effective. Plate-loaded machines allow for a greater range of motion than fixed-weight machines, leading to more muscle activation and better results.
Racks and Benches
Weight racks and benches are other essential pieces of gym equipment you should have when starting a new fitness facility. When shopping for products, consider these options:
- dumbbell rack: keeps a variety of dumbbells organized and accessible for users
- abdominal/decline bench: supports core-focused exercises such as crunches, twists, and sit-ups
- flat bench: an essential component for bench presses, flies, and other foundational workouts
- incline press bench with plate holders: perfectly designed for targeting upper chest strength through an incline position
Each tool provides a stable and safe environment for various weightlifting exercises.
Cardio Essentials
Cardiovascular equipment is as important as strength training as it improves heart health, endurance, and overall fitness. Here are some essentials to consider.
Treadmills
Treadmills are TRUE Fitness’ bread and butter. Our treadmills are made for light or intense walking, jogging, or running. And users who don’t run can increase the incline and maintain a low speed for a more challenging workout.
Elliptical Machines
Ellipticals offer a smooth, low-impact motion that simulates running or walking. This joint-friendly exercise is ideal for clients recovering from injuries or those seeking a gentler workout.
Modern ellipticals, like TRUE Fitness’ Spectrum, with dual-action handlebars also engage the upper body, leading to a full-body cardio session. This makes them ideal for users searching for efficient training without added impact.
Stationary Bikes
Stationary bikes are favorites among those who want an excellent, high-intensity, low-impact workout. Users can adjust the resistance level to mimic the feeling of riding up hills or down flat roads, making for a customizable and challenging workout.
When shopping for a stationary bike, decide whether you want upright bikes, recumbent bikes, or both. Upright bikes replicate the experience of outdoor cycling, strengthening the legs and improving endurance. Recumbent bikes, with their wide seat designs, cater to users who require lower back support while benefiting from targeted cardio sessions.
Stair Climbers
Climbers, like TRUE’s Palisade, provide high-calorie-burning workouts that engage the lower body. Their compact design makes them perfect for utilizing limited gym space and giving clients an intense fitness option.
Stretch Cage
Mobility and flexibility training are critical for preventing injuries, enhancing performance, and aiding recovery. A stretch cage provides a versatile station designed to support these aspects of fitness. Members can stand in it and grab the bars to do various stretches at the start and end of their workouts.
Build a Gym That Stands Out
Selecting the right equipment for your fitness facility is the foundation of its success. Modern gym-goers expect high-quality tools that cater to diverse fitness goals. Choosing equipment that complements strength training, cardio, and flexibility ensures your gym will meet the needs of every member.
Buy Multi-Station Machines
Multi-station machines allow users to target multiple muscle groups in one piece of equipment. They are perfect for strength training and circuit-style workouts, as they save space and money by combining various exercises in one unit. In a gym setting, multi-station machines also prevent long wait times for individual pieces of equipment.
Contact Us
TRUE is a commercial fitness equipment company with numerous types of strength, cardio, and flexibility equipment that are perfect for your facility. Our team can also assist in planning your gym’s layout so you get the most use out of your space. Get support and equipment from TRUE today to bring your fitness goals to life.