Setting up a gym: The complete guide to space, equipment, and costs

Setting up a new gym in the DACH region costs between €50,000 and €350,000 – and this range determines whether your gym runs profitably from day one or drains your liquidity. If you consider space, equipment selection, and budget from the start, you can avoid expensive mispurchases and a training area that gets jammed during peak hours. This guide will walk you through the four crucial decisions: floor plan, equipment mix, budget, and procurement.

Why the order of operations determines your success

The most common mistake when setting up a gym: buying equipment because there's a tempting offer. The result is machines crammed into the room and pathways where members block each other during peak times. A gym doesn't lose its members due to poor equipment – but due to waiting times and overcrowding.

Therefore, the rule is: first the floor plan, then the equipment list. Planning in this sequence builds a gym that scales and remains economically viable even after two years. Reversing the order almost always means paying twice in the end – once for the wrong purchase and once for the correction.

Step 1: Planning space and zones

Divide your space into clear zones and plan for generous pathways. A rough guide is 1.5–2 m² of training space per member present at any one time.

The four core zones

• Free weights area: power racks, weight benches, weights – the toughest and often most popular area.
• Machine area: selectorized machines for beginners and rehab, high throughput.
• Cardio zone: treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines – ideally with natural light.
• Functional/Class area: open space for small equipment and group training.

Thinking from the member's perspective

Where does the member enter, where do they change, where does the workout begin? A logical flow from the reception desk, through the cardio zone as a warm-up area, to the strength area reduces congestion. Physically separate noisy, heavy areas from quiet zones like stretching or class rooms. Plan for power outlets for cardio and load-bearing floors for the free-weight area from the outset – retrofitting is expensive.

Step 2: Assembling the right equipment mix

A common mistake is investing too much in shiny specialized equipment and too little in the basics. The most heavily used pieces of equipment are rarely the most expensive. A balanced basic setup includes:

• Free weights: several power racks and cages, weight benches, a full set of dumbbells and barbells.
• Cables & Functional: cable machines and functional trainers – extremely versatile in a small footprint.
• Cardio: treadmills, ellipticals, and rowing machines – robust workhorses for multi-shift operation.
• Selectorized machines: for the most important muscle groups, so beginners can train safely.

Commercial, not home quality

Opt for true gym-quality from brands like Titanium Strength or Force USA. Home equipment cannot withstand continuous operation with hundreds of users per week – their warranties typically do not cover commercial use. How you weigh the mix depends on your clientele: beginner and rehab-oriented gyms need more selectorized machines, while ambitious strength athletes thrive on the free-weight area.

Step 3: What costs to expect

The investment depends heavily on the size and level of equipment. Current benchmarks for the DACH market:

• Small studio (80–150 m²): around €50,000–€80,000 for 10–15 core machines, dumbbells, and basic renovation.
• Medium studio (200–400 m²): approximately €150,000–€250,000 including renovation.
• Large studio (500 m² and up): €250,000–€350,000 with consistently new equipment.

The pure equipment cost for 20+ machines typically ranges from €60,000–€130,000. Two items are almost always underestimated: The cardio zone can quickly consume €30,000–€50,000 and is a silent budget drain. A 24/7 access and security system costs €12,000–€25,000 and more. Banks usually expect 20–30% equity – so for a €300,000 investment, at least €60,000–€90,000. These ranges align with the industry key figures published annually by the DSSV in its key data for the German fitness industry. Additionally, factor in ongoing costs: maintenance contracts, cleaning, insurance, and software for member management and access control accumulate monthly and should be included in any serious calculation from the start.

Purchasing advice: think in terms of life cycle costs

Don't calculate based on purchase price, but on life cycle costs. High-quality plate-loaded machines and equipment from the premium fitness equipment for professionals and studios range cost more, but last years longer in multi-shift operation and retain their resale value. Cheap equipment that breaks down after 18 months is ultimately more expensive – due to downtime, repairs, and disappointed members.

At Kraftathlet, we are an authorized dealer with a manufacturer's warranty and will plan your complete equipment setup with you – from the first sketch to delivery. Optionally with 0% financing through Klarna, so you retain liquidity during the high-startup first months. Over 5,000 satisfied customers and ★ 4.88/5 stand behind this advice.

Step 4: Procurement, delivery times, and financing

From idea to opening, it typically takes 6–12 months. The biggest time sinks are site search (2–4 months), renovation permits (1–3 months), and especially equipment delivery times (2–4 months). Ordering too late delays the opening – and means paying rent for an empty hall.

Considering logistics and service

Heavy machinery requires installation via ramps or elevators – clarify logistics before ordering. Also, pay attention to spare parts availability and service response times: equipment that is out of service for weeks costs member satisfaction and ultimately leads to cancellations.

Buy or lease?

You don't have to fund all the equipment entirely from equity. Leasing and hire-purchase are common in the DACH market and keep liquidity free for the high-startup first months. Buying ties up capital but reduces overall costs; leasing preserves liquidity but costs more over the term. Which path is right depends on your equity and expected utilization – discuss it with your tax advisor.

Example setups by studio size

Concrete equipment trumps abstract budgets. The following table shows what studios typically start with depending on their size – as a guide, not a rigid rule.

The weighting is important: in every size class, the largest share goes to heavily used basics, not individual highlights. A boutique studio that effectively utilizes its two racks earns more than one that invested its budget in a rarely used specialty machine.

ROI: When your equipment investment pays off

Equipment is not a cost block, but your revenue-generating asset. A simplified example calculation with assumed values illustrates the principle:

With an equipment investment of around €100,000 and a medium-sized studio with 350 members, the equipment – purely through revenue, before ongoing costs – amortizes in the first year. Utilization is crucial: every piece of equipment that creates a queue during peak hours costs you cancellations; every piece of equipment that is never used is dead capital. This is precisely why investing in durable, commercial quality is worthwhile – it keeps utilization stable for years.

Don't forget permits, standards, and obligations

A gym is also a regulated business. Those who address the legal side too late risk delays shortly before opening.

This belongs on the checklist

• Business registration and, if applicable, entry in the commercial register.
• Fire protection and escape routes – clarify early with the building authority, often part of the renovation permit.
• Business liability insurance and equipment insurance for commercial operation.
• Music license (GEMA) for background music and class rooms.

Equipment standards

For equipment, it's worth checking the standards: stationary training equipment for commercial use should comply with the DIN EN ISO 20957 series, which defines safety requirements and test procedures. When buying, ensure that manufacturers specify the commercial use class (Class S for studio) – otherwise, insurance coverage may be void in the event of damage. This is where serious studio equipment differs from relabeled home quality, and this is exactly where we provide honest advice before you buy. Another point that founders often overlook: the ergonomics of pathways for cleaning and maintenance. If cleaning staff cannot work efficiently with equipment and flooring, hygiene and appearance suffer – both factors that members unconsciously evaluate and that determine recommendations. Therefore, plan enough space between equipment, not just for training, but also for operation.

These mistakes cost gym founders the most money

• Too much show, too little substance: Money in impressive individual pieces of equipment, too little in high-frequency basics – queues at the rack, unused specialized machine.
• Ignoring delivery times: Those who order equipment only after renovation pay rent for an empty hall. Order with 2–4 months lead time.
• Underestimating cardio: €30,000–€50,000 often disappear here unplanned. Calculate the zone as a separate budget item.
• No expansion space: Every square meter immediately filled – when membership grows, space is lacking.

Frequently asked questions

What does it cost to set up a gym?
Depending on the size, between €50,000 (small studio, 80–150 m²) and €350,000 (large studio 500 m² and up, completely new). The pure equipment cost is usually €60,000–€130,000.

How much space do I need per member?
Calculate with 1.5–2 m² of training space per member present at any one time. The total number of members is determined by your utilization model during peak hours, not just the pure space.

Buy new or used?
A mix is often sensible: new basics, selected machines checked and used. Used lowers the initial investment but carries risks regarding wear, warranty, and spare parts.

Which equipment to buy first?
First heavily used basics – racks, weights, cable machines, and cardio. Specialized equipment with low utilization comes later.

Is a 24/7 concept worthwhile?
Unstaffed gyms reduce ongoing costs and are trending in the DACH market. However, access and security technology is a real investment that you must plan for from the start.

Conclusion

Setting up a gym is not a purchase, but a project – with space, equipment mix, budget, and timeline as supporting pillars. Those who first define the zone concept, invest in heavily used basics of commercial quality, and realistically plan delivery times will start with a gym that runs profitably from day one. For free, individual equipment planning, you can reach us via WhatsApp or our contact form.