How Leasing Gym Equipment Helped One Wellness Center Thrive

Opening or expanding a fitness or wellness center takes more than motivation—it requires serious capital for equipment, layout design, and operations. This case study shows how one wellness center used gym equipment leasing to launch a successful space, attract new clients, and thrive—all while preserving cash flow and control.

✅ Featured Snippet Answer:

Can you lease gym equipment for a wellness center?
Yes, leasing gym equipment offers flexible, cost-effective access to treadmills, weights, and recovery tools without large upfront investments.

Meet the Business: Summit Wellness Studio

Type: Boutique wellness and fitness center
Location: Boulder, CO
Opened: 2023
Specialties: Personal training, yoga, infrared sauna, physical therapy
Challenge: Needed $125K worth of equipment with only $20K in available capital

Owner Alicia Ramirez envisioned a hybrid studio focused on holistic fitness and recovery. But purchasing premium treadmills, weight machines, and mobility gear upfront would blow her startup budget before day one.

The Problem: Equipment Needs Exceeded Cash Reserves

Alicia wanted to outfit the studio with:

• Commercial treadmills and ellipticals

• Adjustable weight stations

• Infrared sauna system

• Mobility, stretching, and therapy tools

• Member check-in and POS software

Outright purchasing would delay the launch by 6+ months and risk exhausting her savings.

The Solution: Leasing Gym Equipment

Summit Wellness partnered with a fitness equipment leasing provider offering packages tailored to boutique studios. Alicia signed a 36-month lease with:

• Monthly payments: $2,980

• Equipment value: $122,000

• Maintenance & warranty: Included

• Buyout option: $1 at lease end

Related: Salon and Spa Equipment Leasing Options: Upgrading Your Space

🏋️‍♀️ What the Lease Covered:

✅ 4 cardio machines (Matrix and Life Fitness)
✅ Full-body strength training circuit
✅ Infrared sauna with recovery tech
✅ Smart mirrors for virtual coaching
✅ CRM-enabled check-in kiosk

The Results: Revenue and Retention Growth

Within 6 months of opening:

• Reached 80% member capacity

• Monthly recurring revenue (MRR): $14,000

• Operating margin exceeded 32%

• Customer retention: 87%

• Broke even in Month 4

Leasing allowed Alicia to focus on service quality and marketing, not scrambling for funding or compromising on equipment.

Quote from the Owner

“Leasing made it possible to open fast, stay lean, and still offer a luxury experience. It’s the smartest financial decision I made.”
— Alicia Ramirez, Founder, Summit Wellness Studio

Summary: Why Leasing Worked for This Wellness Center

1. Avoided $120K in upfront costs

2. Launched within 90 days of lease approval

3. Built strong recurring revenue and retention

4. Maintained capital for staffing and promotions

5. Positioned for lease-to-own transition by Year 3

Final Thoughts: Wellness Centers Need Financial Flexibility to Grow

Wellness studios thrive on experience—and that starts with reliable, modern equipment. Gym equipment leasing helps you launch faster, scale smarter, and deliver a premium offering without draining your bank account.

Take Action: Open Your Fitness Studio the Smart Way

Want to open or upgrade your fitness or wellness space?
Explore gym equipment leasing options and create the experience your members deserve—without the stress of huge upfront spending.