Opening or expanding a fitness studio is an exciting step—but it also requires a serious investment. From strength machines and spin bikes to reformers and recovery tech, the right equipment elevates your brand and keeps members coming back. But buying everything upfront? That’s where financing comes in. With smart planning, equipment loans can fuel your fitness studio’s growth—without draining your capital.
Here’s how to secure funding, choose the right financing solution, and grow your fitness business with confidence.
In today’s competitive fitness landscape, members expect high-performance gear, smart tech integrations, and safe, well-maintained equipment. Your equipment is a reflection of your studio’s brand and professionalism.
Up-to-date equipment can:
Improve member retention and satisfaction
Enable more diverse or specialized classes (e.g., functional fitness, Pilates)
Reduce injury risk and liability
Help staff deliver more effective training
Increase perceived value so you can charge premium rates
Whether you're starting fresh or scaling to a second location, the right machines can make or break your studio's success.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect to spend:
| Equipment Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Treadmills & cardio machines | $1,000 – $10,000 each |
| Strength equipment (racks, benches) | $500 – $5,000 per unit |
| Free weights & dumbbells | $2–$5 per pound |
| Group fitness accessories | $50 – $300 each |
| Pilates or yoga equipment | $500 – $5,000 per set |
| Recovery equipment (Normatec, infrared) | $1,000 – $6,000+ |
| Flooring, mirrors, and lighting | $5,000 – $30,000 |
This is the most common loan type for fitness studios.
You borrow money specifically to purchase fitness equipment
The equipment itself serves as collateral
Terms range from 2–7 years
Often available even if your studio is new
Best for: Outfitting new locations or upgrading aging gear.
The U.S. Small Business Administration backs these flexible loans.
Borrow up to $5 million
Can be used for equipment, working capital, or renovations
Competitive interest rates and long terms (up to 10 years)
Requires good credit and a solid business plan
Learn more at SBA.gov
Best for: Full studio buildouts or multi-purpose funding needs.
A line of credit provides revolving access to funds—ideal for phased equipment upgrades or seasonal cash flow needs.
Borrow up to $250,000+
Pay interest only on what you use
Can be reused after repayment
Best for: Growing studios with unpredictable capital needs.
Some fitness equipment companies offer in-house financing or leasing.
Lower upfront costs
Maintenance may be included
Option to buy equipment after the lease ends
Best for: Studios needing brand-new gear without a large cash outlay.
Short-term loans provide quick access to funds for immediate purchases.
Faster approvals (within days)
Short repayment terms (6–24 months)
Higher interest, but flexible requirements
Best for: Covering urgent equipment replacements or upgrades.
Evaluate your space, clientele, and class offerings
Make a detailed list of equipment needs and estimated costs
Compare purchase vs. lease vs. used options
Choose the best loan type based on your goals and credit
Gather documents: business plan, financials, tax returns
Apply to 2–3 lenders or leasing programs
Track ROI after purchase—monitor member feedback and retention
A barre and Pilates studio in Denver secured a $40,000 equipment loan to install reformers, smart mirrors, and ambient lighting. The studio launched premium small-group classes with the new setup, increasing monthly revenue by 60% within 4 months. Clients reported higher satisfaction, and class waitlists grew.
While equipment is key, sustainable growth requires strategy. Here’s how to maximize your investment:
Offer tiered memberships for exclusive access to premium equipment
Introduce workshops using new tools or recovery stations
Promote equipment upgrades on social media and email
Collaborate with local health pros (e.g., chiropractors, nutritionists)
Upsell retail gear or branded accessories in-studio and online
Use smart analytics to track machine usage and optimize space
Overbuying: Don’t purchase equipment that doesn’t match your offerings
Not budgeting for installation or flooring: These can add thousands
Ignoring lease terms: Know what happens at lease-end
Relying on just one funding source: Consider mixing loans, credit, and grants
SBA Lender Match
SCORE Small Business Mentors
You don’t need to sacrifice your savings—or delay your growth—because of costly equipment. With the right loan or lease structure, your fitness studio can evolve into a space that attracts new members, improves retention, and builds your brand reputation.
Use financing strategically, focus on experience, and get your studio moving toward long-term success.