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.
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.
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.
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.
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
✅ 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
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.
“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
Avoided $120K in upfront costs
Launched within 90 days of lease approval
Built strong recurring revenue and retention
Maintained capital for staffing and promotions
Positioned for lease-to-own transition by Year 3
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.
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.